Question

20. Select the scenario in which a decision argument could be most helpful:

A commercial real estate executive is writing a memo about the strengths and weaknesses of the firm's marketing program.

The U.S. postal service faces an uncertain future. A postal official addresses an in-house meeting about adapting the organization for the 21st century.

A manager is presenting to a group of other senior technicians and product specialists. Her topic is the repeated failure of a part in one of the machines the company manufactures.

21. The outline below is the most logical order of elements of a decision argument:

                             I. Statement of Decision to be Made

                             II. Statement of Criteria

                          III. Statement of Recommendation

                          IV. Statement of Decision Options

                           V.   Proof of Decision

                          VI. Rebuttal of Other Options

True.

False

22. What is the most important element of an evaluation argument?

Quantitative evidence

Balance

Terms of the evaluation

Number of pros and cons

Criteria

23. Select the scenario in which an evaluation argument could be most helpful:

A bank officer is preparing a list of the bank's 100 largest loans.

The vice mayor for a large city is considering new approaches for convincing businesses to offer summer jobs to young people.

An assistant general manager is planning a memo that compares the success of strategies competitors have been using.

None of the above.

24. When a situation or outcome needs a causal explanation, a diagnostic argument is needed.

True

False

25. Select the scenario in which a diagnostic argument could be most helpful:

A product manager is revising an outdated marketing plan.

An accounting manager must report on why Selling, General, and Administrative expenses have jumped recently.

An accounting manager needs to write a report about the updated costs of three information technology systems.

None of the above.

Answer 1

20) Solution: The U.S. postal service faces an uncertain future. A postal official addresses an in-house meeting about adapting the organization for the 21st century

Explanation: U.S. postal service faces an uncertain future; thus the argument helps to facilitate decision-making.

21) Solution: False

Explanation: The order is incorrect

22) Solution: Criteria

Explanation: Criteria is vital element of an evaluation argument

23) Solution: None of the above

Explanation: An evaluation argument will give a judgment on the performance of a specific item in its category.

24) Solution: True

Explanation: The diagnostic argument is required when the situation or outcome requires a causal explanation

25) Solution: An Accounting Manager Must Report on Why Selling, General and Admin Expenses Have Jumped Recently

Explanation: In diagnostic argument, there must be at least one item in support that's explained by a conclusion