QUESTION ONE
The training programme for the first year graduate management trainees of PQR Bank Ltd., a major commercial bank with a country wide branch network, consists of classroom training and on-the-job training. The objectives of the training are to ensure that new staff members learn fundamental concepts in banking and develop technical, analytical and communication skills that when combined with further experience and training, will help them achieve maximum potential in the organization.
Classroom training is used to introduce concepts and theories applicable to the work environment. Although new management trainees receive this special training, actual work experience is the principal means which they develop the skills necessary to become good bank managers.
Managers in different departments and branches of the bank are responsible for on-the-job training. They assign duties to the trainees and review their progress. Owing to the fact that managers are on performance contracts, their attention is usually not focused on the work being done the trainees. The managers therefore, assign routine to the trainees with little or no through to furthering the career development of these employees. This has resulted in minimal preparation of the trainees for the learning the job.
Recently, the bank has lost several capable first year management trainees. The reason most of them gave for leaving was that they were not learning or advancing in their careers.
Required:
(a) Explain the limitations of on-the-job training offered PQR Bank Ltd. – Click to see Suggested answer
(b) Describe the measures that PQR Bank Ltd. should put in place in order to reduce the high turnover of the management trainees. – Click to see Suggested answer
QUESTION TWO
The success of a business plan depends as much on the clarity and realization of the thought behind it as on how it is expressed and put together.
List and explain the sequential framework for compiling a business plan. – Click to see Suggested answer
QUESTION THREE
(a) Benchmarking can provide a company with a continuous and competitive advantage if it is used effectively.
(i) Describe the various types of benchmarking. – Click to see Suggested answer
(ii) Highlight the advantages of benchmarking. – Click to see Suggested answer
(b) Briefly explain the key requirements for successful project management. – Click to see Suggested answer
QUESTION FOUR
The primary purpose of performance measurement is to measure how well an organization or department is accomplishing its mission, goals and objectives.
Describe the steps to be followed in the implementation of a performance measurement system in an organization. – Click to see Suggested answer
QUESTION FIVE
(a) “Outsourcing some of an organisation’s operations could lead to increased productivity.” Discuss. – Click to see Suggested answer
(b) Explain the factors that are considered in the design of an organization structure. – Click to see Suggested answer
QUESTION SIX
(a) With the aid of a diagram, describe the transformation process and the various ways in which operations transform inputs into outputs. – Click to see Suggested answer
(b) Identify and explain the characteristics of an effective management information system. – Click to see Suggested answer
QUESTION SEVEN
(a) In order to enhance the chances of a new product succeeding, the company should follow a systematic new product development process.
Highlight the major stages in new product development. – Click to see Suggested answer
(b) Describe the marketing strategies a firm should adopt in the different stages of a product’s life cycle. – Click to see Suggested answer
QUESTION EIGHT
“The nature of strategic management differs according to the type of organizations.” Discuss this statement with respect to the following types of organizations:
(a) Public sector organizations. – Click to see Suggested answer
(b) Non-profit organizations. – Click to see Suggested answer