Modernizing Architectural Practices

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Which of the following is a key benefit of good management in an architectural practice?

Decreased exposure to risk and liability

Increased profitability

Improved architectural services to the public

All of the above (correct)

What is the main focus of the human resources function within an architectural practice?

Nurturing and supporting employees (correct)

Managing bookkeeping responsibilities

Ensuring compliance with legislation and regulations

Overseeing business functions of the firm

What are the responsibilities of an office manager in an architectural practice?

Overseeing business functions, ensuring compliance with legislation, and managing human resources (correct)

Recruiting, hiring, and firing employees

Managing bookkeeping responsibilities

All of the above

Which of the following is a common technique for determining project costs and limiting payroll responsibilities?

Engaging an independent contractor Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of engaging temporary employees in an architectural practice?

To gain essential experience on real projects Signup and view all the answers

What is the term commonly used to refer to independent contractors in the architectural industry?

Consultants Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a potential consequence of a breach of security?

Loss of data and intellectual property Signup and view all the answers

Perimeter security is important for protecting which of the following?

Computers and laptops Signup and view all the answers

What is a common practice for storing copies of important documents offsite?

Using a document storage company Signup and view all the answers

Why is documentation important in an architectural practice?

To minimize the potential of future conflicts Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a purpose of an office manual?

To showcase examples of built projects Signup and view all the answers

What is one advantage of having an office manual?

Ensuring fair and consistent treatment of staff Signup and view all the answers

What is one aspect of office premises that reflects the firm's image and organization?

The appearance of the office Signup and view all the answers

What is one area of concern for security in an architectural practice?

Security of data and information systems Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a key characteristic of a successful filing system in an architect's office?

Central location for all project documentation and communication Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of printing file numbers on all correspondence in an architect's office?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

When should files be created in an architect's office?

Only when there is sufficient documentation or correspondence to warrant them Signup and view all the answers

What is a disadvantage of a filing system based on the work breakdown structure (WBS) in an architect's office?

The person responsible for filing must recognize the content and decide where to sort the information Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of the contemporary expectations of employees in terms of human resources practices?

Strict hierarchy Signup and view all the answers

What is the largest expense item for professional services firms?

Salaries and related costs Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of hiring temporary employees in an architectural practice?

To avoid burdening permanent staff with overtime work Signup and view all the answers

What should the architect consult to fully understand the implications associated with different options for meeting human resources needs?

Federal and provincial/territorial regulations Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a reason for archiving project records?

To reduce the space requirement for a library Signup and view all the answers

Which technology has made the archiving of electronic files second nature?

Cloud-based storage Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a reference library in an architectural office?

To make resources easily accessible to the staff Signup and view all the answers

What is the common method for organizing product information in an architectural office?

MasterFormat™ 50 division system Signup and view all the answers