Managing Work Flashcards

A public manager needs to redistribute tasks after a key team member goes on extended leave. What is the BEST first step?

Answer: Assess each remaining team member's current workload and skills

Assessing current workloads and skills ensures equitable distribution and prevents burnout before reassigning duties.

Which scheduling technique is MOST useful for managing projects with multiple interdependent tasks?

Answer: Critical Path Method (CPM)

The Critical Path Method identifies task dependencies and the longest sequence of tasks, determining the minimum project duration.

A manager notices that a unit consistently misses deadlines. The MOST appropriate management response is to:

Answer: Analyze root causes before implementing corrective action

Root cause analysis ensures corrective actions address the actual problem rather than symptoms.

In work management, 'span of control' refers to:

Answer: The number of employees a manager directly supervises

Span of control describes how many direct reports a single manager can effectively supervise.

Which approach BEST supports accountability in a public sector work unit?

Answer: Establishing clear performance standards and regular progress reviews

Clear standards combined with regular reviews create a transparent accountability structure aligned with public sector expectations.

A manager is designing a new workflow. Which principle helps ensure tasks flow efficiently without unnecessary steps?

Answer: Apply process mapping to identify and eliminate redundancies

Process mapping visualizes the current workflow and exposes redundant steps that can be eliminated to improve efficiency.

When delegating a high-stakes assignment, a CPM-prepared manager should:

Answer: Provide clear expectations, authority, and check-in milestones

Effective delegation includes communicating expectations, granting necessary authority, and scheduling check-ins to monitor progress.