General Education Development (GED) Practice Exam

According to the Management Science Approach, productivity can be improved how?

1. By presenting the right combination of incentives

2. By understanding the worker's perspective

3. By applying mathematical models

4. By maximizing rewards for performance

The correct answer is: By applying mathematical models

The Management Science Approach emphasizes the use of mathematical models, quantitative techniques, and analytical methods to improve decision-making and productivity in organizations. This approach is rooted in the operations research and focuses on optimizing processes through the application of models that can simulate different scenarios, predict outcomes, and analyze the efficiency of different strategies. By employing mathematical models, managers can identify the most effective ways to allocate resources, streamline operations, and enhance overall productivity. This could involve techniques such as linear programming, statistical analysis, or simulation modeling, which can help in making data-driven decisions to improve efficiency and output. While the other choices may contribute to productivity in various contexts, they do not embody the core principles of the Management Science Approach as effectively as the application of mathematical models does. Options like understanding the worker's perspective or presenting incentives are often more qualitative and may not provide the systematic or quantifiable improvements that mathematical techniques can achieve. Similarly, maximizing rewards for performance may rely on organizational behavior principles but does not directly involve the analytical rigor that is central to the Management Science Approach.