Section B - short answer questions

What is synergy and why does it matter?

Synergy is the concept that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. Subset of systems thinking (Seeing both distinct elements of a system or situation and the complex and changing interaction between them). Need to have a holistic view of the business and coordinate all the subsystems.

What is a span of control?

The number of employees a manager can effectively and efficiently supervise. Popular with early writers. Most favoured number is 6. Determining factors are: similarity of employee tasks, complexity of tasks, physical proximity of employees, degree to which standard procedures are in place, sophistication of the management information system, strength of organisations value system, and the preferred managing style of the manager.

What is a performance appraisal?

A method for evaluating an employees performance against standards set by a performance management system. Examples are 360-degree appraisal, that seeks feedback from a variety of sources for the person being rated.

What is feedforward control and how can it help an organisation?

Control that takes place before a work activity is done. The most desirable type of control, prevents problems because it takes place before the actual activity. Helps with consistency. I.e. schedule preventative maintenance.

What is process departmentalisation?

Grouping activities on the basis of work or customer flow. Units are organized around common skills needed to complete a process. uses sequencing.

Week 9 workshop quiz, answers are in online workshop recordings.

One word to two sentences. Answer all questions.

What is bounded rationality and why does it matter?

Making decisions that are rational within the limits of a managers ability to process information. Concept that describes how managers make decisions. Because they don't have time to see every decision from all angles they have to satisfice (accept that that solutions are good enough). Relates to doing through research, may be constrained by time/resources.