Which decisions are routine and deal with situations where the factors are familia and have occurred in the past?
a) Noninnovative
b) Rational
c) Programmed
d) Satisficing
e) Nonprogrammed
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is c) Programmed.
Programmed decisions are those that are routine and typically deal with situations where the factors are familiar and have occurred in the past. These decisions follow established procedures, policies, or guidelines that help handle recurring problems. They often do not require deep analysis or creativity, as they involve situations that are predictable and well understood. For example, when an employee follows the same steps to approve leave requests or when a manager routinely restocks inventory, these are considered programmed decisions.
Programmed decisions arise from situations that have occurred frequently, leading to the creation of standardized rules or protocols. Because the conditions are familiar, there is less uncertainty, and the decision-making process is often quick and efficient. This is why many routine tasks in business, such as processing payroll or managing inventory, fall under the category of programmed decisions.
On the other hand, nonprogrammed decisions are made in response to unique or unforeseen problems that require novel solutions. These situations are typically more complex and uncertain, requiring creative problem-solving and the gathering of new information.
Noninnovative decisions are those that do not require creativity or innovation, but they do not necessarily follow established procedures like programmed decisions. Rational decisions involve making choices based on logical reasoning and thorough analysis, while satisficing refers to making decisions that are good enough to meet the needs, rather than the best possible option.
Therefore, programmed decisions are ideal for scenarios where the problem is familiar, and the approach has already been tested and proven successful.