Mgt 352 Chapter 7 Questions

23) Which of the following is NOT true as it regards on-site, instructor-led training? A) The classroom setting is easily replicated online. B) The instructor may deliver a great deal of information in a relatively short time. C) A charismatic instructor may excite the students to want to learn. D) The classroom setting allows for real-time discussion.

Answer: A Explanation: A) The instructor-led method, where the instructor physically stands in front of students, continues to be effective for many types of training. One advantage of instructor-led training is that the instructor may convey a great deal of information in a relatively short time. Also, the charisma or personality that the instructor brings to class may excite the students to want to learn. The classroom setting allows for real-time discussion that is not easily replicated, even with the most advanced technology.

8) What is the primary goal of training and development? A) improved performance B) federal compliance C) efficient orientation D) behavioral modification

Answer: A Explanation: A) Improved performance, the bottom-line purpose of T&D, is a strategic goal for organizations. Legal compliance, orientation, and behavioral changes are less directly related to T&D.

11) Firms listed in the "100 Best Companies to Work for in America" typically emphasize ________. A) training and development B) stock options C) bonuses and benefits D) piecework

Answer: A Explanation: A) In the competition to become listed in the "100 Best Companies to Work for in America," learning and growth opportunities were a high priority. On nearly every survey, training and development ranks in the top three benefits that employees want from their employers, and they search for firms that will give them the tools to advance in their profession.

19) Suzanne, an HR specialist, is assessing training and development needs at her firm by reviewing job descriptions. Which type of analysis is Suzanne most likely conducting? A) task analysis B) person analysis C) performance analysis D) organizational analysis

Answer: A Explanation: A) Job descriptions are important data sources for a task analysis. Organizational analyses review the firm's strategic goals and plans. Performance appraisals are used when conducting a person analysis.

5) Showing a worker how to operate a bulldozer or an administrative assistant how to schedule appointments are examples of ________. A) training B) development C) morale improvement D) behavioral development

Answer: A Explanation: A) Training provides learners with the knowledge and skills needed for their present jobs. On the other hand, development involves learning that goes beyond today's job and prepares employees to keep pace with the organization as it changes and grows.

2) When an "outsider" CEO is unsuccessful, usually it is because he or she __________. A) did not understand the company's products B) did not understand how to operate in the new culture C) did not understand the company's customers D) did not understand how to respond to government regulators

Answer: B Explanation: B) Although impossible to calculate precisely, the costs resulting from a failed CEO are usually significant, particularly for an "outsider." When executives are unsuccessful, usually it is because they did not understand how to operate in the new culture.

14) Chelsea Paper Products is a large manufacturer that employs nearly 800 workers. Executives at the company are interested in implementing a training and development program in order to improve employee competencies and enhance the firm's overall performance. Which of the following most likely supports the plan to establish a training and development program at Chelsea? A) Firms of similar size typically provide mentors to new employees. B) The firm has consistently had a high turnover rate in all departments. C) The firm's new CEO established a T&D program at a previous firm. D) Other firms in the paper industry are implementing T&D programs.

Answer: B Explanation: B) Benefits of T&D programs include lower turnover, improved morale, and a better bottom line. In today's highly competitive business environment, undertaking a program because other firms are doing it is asking for trouble. A systematic approach to addressing bona fide needs must be undertaken.

16) In order to be successful, a T&D program needs ________. A) specialization and standardization B) top management support C) pre-recorded lectures D) input from local colleges and universities

Answer: B Explanation: B) For T&D programs to be successful, top management support is required; without it, a T&D program will not succeed. The most effective way to achieve success is for executives to provide the needed resources to support the T&D effort.

22) Any learning that takes place via cell phones, personal digital assistants, media players, and e-readers is called ________. A) cyber learning (C-learning) B) mobile learning (M-learning)C) electronic learning (E-learning) D) offsite learning (O-learning)

Answer: B Explanation: B) Mobile learning (M-learning) is any learning that takes place via mobile or portable devices such as cell phones, personal digital assistants, tablets, media players, and e-readers.

18) All of the following are analyses used to determine training and development needs EXCEPT a(n) ________. A) organizational analysis B) consumer analysis C) person analysis D) task analysis

Answer: B Explanation: B) Organizational, person, and task analyses are conducted to determine the training and development needs of employees. Such analyses are performed as the first step in the T&D process.

6) Learning that looks beyond today's job and has a more long-term focus is referred to as ________. A) training B) instruction C) development D) orientation

Answer: C Explanation: C) Development involves learning that goes beyond today's job and prepares employees to keep pace with the organization as it changes and grows. Training provides learners with the knowledge and skills needed for their present jobs.

20) Medco Pharmaceuticals uses a number of methods for accommodating differing styles to its workforce. Which of the following terms best describes Medco's training program? A) blended training B) combined training C) traditional training D) outsourced training

Answer: A Explanation: A) Blended training refers to the use of multiple methods for imparting knowledge and skills to the workforce. It involves using a combination of training methods that are strategically combined to best achieve a training program's objectives.

15) What is the first step in the training and development process? A) determine specific T&D needs B) establish specific T&D objectives C) select training methods D) select appropriate media

Answer: A Explanation: A) Determining specific T&D needs is the first step in the process. Establishing objectives, selecting methods, implementing programs, and evaluating programs are the next steps in the T&D process.

21) What is the T&D delivery system for online instruction? A) e-learning B) internships C) role playing D) programmed instruction

Answer: A Explanation: A) E-learning is the T&D method for online instruction. It takes advantage of the speed, memory, and data-manipulation capabilities of the computer for greater flexibility of instruction.

13) Dan works for a U.S. accounting firm in its Singapore office. Over the weekend, Dan plans to complete one of the firm's training courses using his home computer. Which of the following most likely describes the type of training in which Dan is participating? A) dynamic training B) static training C) just-in-time training D) reinforcement training

Answer: C Explanation: C) Just-in-time training is training provided anytime, anywhere in the world when it is needed. Computer technology, the Internet, and intranets have made these approaches economically feasible to a degree never before possible.

17) Which of the following is a primary reason for the problem in finding qualified people for manufacturing jobs? A) The skills of reading, writing, and arithmetic are still sufficient. B) There are few opportunities for learning in-demand technical skills. C) Outsourcing has caused a generation of young people to doubt the long-term future in manufacturing jobs. D) Today's companies are not interested in hiring workers with technical skills.

Answer: C Explanation: C) Part of the problem in finding qualified people for manufacturing jobs is that there is a generation of young people for which manufacturing has not been an attractive job prospect because they have seen many jobs outsourced and they question the long-term future in these jobs.

3) The heart of a continuous effort designed to improve employee competency and organizational performance is referred to as ________. A) succession planning B) organizational planning C) training and development D) communicating and integrating

Answer: C Explanation: C) Training and development (T&D) is the heart of a continuous effort designed to improve employee competency and organizational performance. Succession planning is the process of ensuring that qualified people are being trained for top positions.

4) The primary purpose of training is to ________. A) modify inappropriate behaviors B) offer feedback about job performance C) provide job-related knowledge and skills D) supplement high school and college courses

Answer: C Explanation: C) Training provides learners with the knowledge and skills needed for their present jobs. Showing a worker how to operate a lathe is an example of training.

10) Which of the following is LEAST likely to characterize a learning organization? A) providing a supportive learning environment B) offering specific learning processes and practices C) supporting and reinforcing learning through leadership D) requiring frequent examinations to ensure quick and accurate learning

Answer: D Explanation: D) A learning organization has three basic characteristics: 1) it provides a supportive learning environment, 2) it provides specific learning processes and practices, and 3) the leadership behavior in the organization supports and reinforces learning. Although occasional exams may be necessary, quick learning is not.

9) Firms that recognize the critical importance of continuous performance-related training and development and take appropriate action are known as ________ organizations. A) international B) profitable C) strategic D) learning

Answer: D Explanation: D) A learning organization is a firm that recognizes the critical importance of continuous performance-related T&D and takes appropriate action. A learning organization has three basic characteristics: 1) it provides a supportive learning environment, 2) it provides specific learning processes and practices, and 3) the leadership behavior in the organization supports and reinforces learning.

1) What percentage of externally hired executives in the private sector fail within the first 18 months? A) less than 15% B) over 50% C) nearly 25% D) up to 40%

Answer: D Explanation: D) Although considerable time, effort, and money are spent recruiting top talent, companies often do a poor job of onboarding new executives. As a result, up to 40 percent of externally hired executives in the private sector fail within the first 18 months and many others who are recruited from outside the firm leave within five years.

12) According to experts, which of the following has had the most significant impact on how training is conducted? A) globalization B) outsourcing C) internships D) technology

Answer: D Explanation: D) Perhaps no factor has influenced T&D more than technology. The computer, Internet, cell phones, and e-mail are dramatically affecting how training is conducted. Globalization has influenced the use of technology in training programs.

7) All of the following are most likely strategic benefits of training and development EXCEPT ________. A) increased morale B) higher retention rate C) more employee satisfaction D) improved orientation programs

Answer: D Explanation: D) T&D activities have the potential to align a firm's employees with its corporate strategies. Some possible strategic benefits of T&D include employee satisfaction, improved morale, higher retention, lower turnover, improved hiring, a better bottom line, and the fact that satisfied employees produce satisfied customers. Orientation programs are less likely to be directly affected by T&D.

1) What percentage of externally hired executives in the private sector fail within the first 18 months? A) less than 15% B) over 50% C) nearly 25% D) up to 40%

D) up to 40% Explanation: D) Although considerable time, effort, and money are spent recruiting top talent, companies often do a poor job of onboarding new executives. As a result, up to 40 percent of externally hired executives in the private sector fail within the first 18 months and many others who are recruited from outside the firm leave within five years.