Org. Theory and Design: Chapter 9 (MC)

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What is the definition of technology?

The procedures and techniques that groups work out to perform their work and create competences
The combination of skills, knowledge, and abilities used to convert raw materials into goods and services (correct)
The use of computers and tools to manage and control external stakeholders
The process of creating custom-designed products using skilled workers

At what levels does technology exist according to the text?

Professional, functional, and organizational
Personal, group, and organizational
Personal, departmental, and operational
Individual, departmental, and organizational (correct)

What is 'CraKswork' as mentioned in the text?

A method of managing and controlling external stakeholders using technology
A technique for innovating within an organization using technology
A technology involving groups of skilled workers interacting closely to produce custom-designed products (correct)
A system for converting inputs into outputs at the organizational level

What is the primary focus of an organization taking the external resource approach as per the text?

Managing and controlling external stakeholders using technology (A) Signup and view all the answers

What does an organization taking the internal systems approach primarily aim to increase according to the text?

Success of attempts to innovate (B) Signup and view all the answers

According to the text, what are the three levels at which technology exists in an organization?

Individual, functional or departmental, organizational (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of an organization taking the technical approach?

To improve efficiency and reduce costs (B) Signup and view all the answers

According to Joan Woodward, a high technical complexity exists when:

Conversion processes can be programmed in advance and fully automated (D) Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes organizations employing small-batch and unit technology?

Production of a wide range of customized products (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main role of employees in organizations employing continuous-process technology?

To manage exceptions in the work process (B) Signup and view all the answers

According to Woodward, what type of structure is associated with mass production technology?

Mechanistic structure (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is task variability according to Charles Perrow?

The number of exceptions encountered while performing a task (B) Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes tasks that are hard to analyze according to Charles Perrow?

High task variability and low task analysability (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main control problem facing organizations using continuous-process technology?

Unpredictable events requiring quick, flexible responses (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for organizations trying to increase their use of machines and equipment?

To increase efficiency and predictability of the work process (C) Signup and view all the answers

What did Woodward aim to discover by classifying technologies according to their technical complexity?

Whether an organization's technology affects the design of its structure (A) Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes large-batch and mass production technology from continuous-process technology?

The level of standardization of tasks (A) Signup and view all the answers

What type of technology has the lowest production costs?

Continuous-process technology (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which type of technology is characterized by low task variability and high task analysability?

Routine manufacturing (D) Signup and view all the answers

What type of technology is characterized by high task variability and low task analysability?

Nonroutine research (D) Signup and view all the answers

According to Perrow, which type of technology requires employees to adapt existing procedures to new situations and find new techniques to handle existing problems?

Cra2swork (B) Signup and view all the answers

In which type of technology is finding a solution relatively easy despite encountering many exceptions?

Engineering production (C) Signup and view all the answers

According to Perrow, what type of organizational structure should an organization move to as tasks become more complex and less routine?

Flat and decentralized structure (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which type of technology is characterized by a work process where input, conversion, and output activities can be performed independently of one another?

Mediating technology (A) Signup and view all the answers

What type of technology is based on reciprocal interdependence, where the activities of all people and all departments fully depend on one another?

Intensive technology (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which type of technology is based on sequential interdependence, requiring input, conversion, and output activities to be performed in series?

Long-linked technology (A) Signup and view all the answers

'The performance of one store doesn’t affect the other, but together all stores determine the performance of the whole organization.' This statement best describes which type of technology?

Mediating technology (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary disadvantage of long-linked technology?

The employees do not become highly skilled and do not develop the ability to improve their skills. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What effect does moving to reciprocal interdependence and intensive technology have on an organization?

Increased coordination and decentralized control allowing departments to cooperate. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of computer-aided design (CAD) in advanced manufacturing technology?

To simplify the design process by allowing components to be designed on a computer screen (B) Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes computer-aided materials management (CAMM) from traditional materials management?

CAMM allows inputs to be pulled into the conversion process in response to a pull from the output stage while traditional management pushes inputs into the conversion process (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of just-in-time (JIT) inventory systems in advanced manufacturing technology?

To deliver inputs and components needed for production just as they are needed, neither earlier nor later (C) Signup and view all the answers

What does computer-integrated manufacturing (CIM) control in advanced manufacturing technology?

The changeover from one operation to another through computer software (A) Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes flexible manufacturing technology in advanced manufacturing technology?

Allows the production of many kinds of components at little or no extra cost on different machines (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary impact of advanced manufacturing techniques like JIT, CAMM, and CAD on traditional mass production systems?

Increase in task interdependence and technical complexity within production processes (D) Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes materials technology from computer-aided design (CAD) in advanced manufacturing technology?

Materials technology comprises machinery, equipment, and computers while CAD greatly simplifies the design process (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of computer-aided materials management (CAMM) in advanced manufacturing technology?

To manage the flow of raw materials and component parts into the conversion process (B) Signup and view all the answers