Product Director: We Need to Pick the Best Manager for the Prensabi

question 165

Multiple Choice

Product Director: We need to pick the best manager for the Prensabi software project.The project involves the latest technology and is very complicated.For example,this project uses a technology called Stage,which is a motion-capture technique that does not require actors to wear specialized gear to record their movements.Since this is a technical project that requires strong technical skills,we should pick the manager with the strongest technical skills. Executive: The manager needs some familiarity with the technology,but he or she won't be writing the software code.The bigger challenge here is to analyze the goals of the project and make sure that it is being developed according to a strong overall vision.That's why we should insist that the manager have outstanding conceptual skills.
Which of the following is most similar to the reasoning employed by the product director?

• A)The product requirements for the online collaboration tool are well-understood now,but they may change as the project develops.Since we cannot tell what will be required,we must choose a manager whose skills are outstanding in every way.
• B)It is clear that we need a large truck in order to move all of our office equipment.Therefore,we should choose the largest truck possible.
• C)The project before us requires both human skills and conceptual skills.Therefore,we should appoint two managers: one with outstanding human skills and one with outstanding conceptual skills.
• D)We need to choose a site for the sales conference.Choosing a place close to most employees' workplaces would save travel costs,but some employees also prefer to travel to an exotic location far away.Since it will be impossible to meet both goals,we should focus on the goal that is easier to accomplish.
• E)The design of the new office building should impress visiting guests,but that should not be the dominant factor in our decision.Relatively few guests visit our offices.Instead,we should save money by choosing an energy-efficient design.

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Definitions:

Production Possibilities

A concept in economics that describes the different combinations of goods and services that can be produced given fixed resources and technology.

Specialize

To focus on a particular area of study, work, or production, often improving efficiency and quality in that domain.

Trade

An exchange of goods or services between two or more parties.

Production Possibilities

The various combinations of goods and services that can be produced from a fixed set of resources.