Applied Methods and Techniques Flashcards

Which data-collection method is best for gathering rich, in-depth explanations from a few senior executives?

Answer: Semi-structured interviews

Semi-structured interviews allow probing follow-up questions for depth with key informants.

A process map that shows activities in lanes by department or role is called a:

Answer: Swimlane diagram

Swimlane diagrams assign process steps to horizontal or vertical lanes for each actor.

On a control chart, a point falling outside the upper control limit most likely indicates:

Answer: A special-cause variation requiring investigation

Points beyond control limits signal special (assignable) causes rather than random variation.

Gap analysis primarily compares:

Answer: Current state performance to desired future state

Gap analysis identifies the distance between where an organization is and where it wants to be.

Which technique has each participant generate ideas silently, share them in turn, and then rank them to reach a group decision?

Answer: Nominal group technique

Nominal group technique combines silent generation, round-robin sharing, and voting.

A consultant uses a decision tree mainly to:

Answer: Evaluate alternatives under uncertainty using probabilities and payoffs

Decision trees calculate expected values of choices with uncertain outcomes.

Which sampling approach gives every member of a population an equal chance of selection?

Answer: Simple random sampling

Simple random sampling ensures equal selection probability, reducing selection bias.