Page 300 - Business Principles and Management

Chapter 11 • Management Functions and Decision Making

become skilled at using information to make decisions. He needs to follow a
careful decision-making process to identify and solve problems. If Erik finds that
type of work challenging and interesting and is willing to develop the needed skills,
he can become an effective supervisor for Freeden.

CHECKPOINT
List the four steps in problem solving.

11.3 Assessment

UNDERSTAND MANAGEMENT CONCEPTS
Circle the best answer for each of the following questions.
1. When managers use a management information system, no
management action is needed if
a. activities are performed as planned and standards are met
b. all employee performance reviews are completed on schedule
c. there are no changes in the organization
d. None of the answers is correct.
2. Which of the following is not a step in the problem-solving process?
a. Identify the symptoms.
b. List possible solutions.
c. Select the best solution.
d. All are steps in the problem-solving process.

THINK CRITICALLY
Answer the following questions as completely as possible.
3. Why should managers ask what-if questions when developing plans?
4. How might a business benefit if employees are trained in the
decision-making process and encouraged to use
that process in their work?

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