Method

Correct answer: A. In clear and simple language

Explanation: A method specifies the prescribed sequence for performing a task. It should therefore be communicated in clear, simple and easily understandable language so that employees can follow every step correctly. Highly technical, vague or incomplete instructions may create confusion and lead to errors in work. Exam tip: For a method, remember that clarity of the steps is essential.

Correct answer: B. Method

Explanation: A method states the prescribed way and sequence for performing a task. Cutting passport photographs to a fixed size in a studio is a method because it ensures that each photograph is prepared according to the same standard. A rule may state the required size, but a method also specifies how the cutting is to be done. Exam tip: Choose method when the question asks how a task will be performed.

Correct answer: A. Work may become inconsistent

Explanation: A method specifies the prescribed sequence for doing a task. If it is not followed, different employees may perform the work differently, causing inconsistency and variation in quality. Option B is incorrect because ignoring a method does not always improve quality. Exam tip: The main purpose of a method is to ensure uniformity in work.

Correct answer: A. Checking safety cover before starting a machine

Explanation: The direct answer is A: checking the safety cover before starting a machine. A method is a planned way of doing a task. A safety method is specially meant to prevent injury, damage, or danger. The reasoning is simple: first the worker checks whether the protective cover is correctly fitted; then the machine is started; therefore moving parts are less likely to harm someone. Option A is correct because it gives a preventive safety step. Option B, a company profit target, describes a desired financial result, not a safety procedure. Option C, an employee promotion list, concerns staffing and career decisions, not accident prevention. Option D, office rent, is an expense or financial obligation, not a method of working safely. Remember: a safety method tells people what safety check or action to perform before or during work.

Correct answer: A. Way

Explanation: The direct answer is Option A: way. A method means an organised way of doing a task. It may also be called a procedure, approach or technique, depending on the context. Therefore, in a question based on the meaning of method, the word ‘way’ is a useful clue and Option A is correct. Option B, dividend, means a distribution of profit to shareholders and belongs to finance, not to the meaning of method. Option C, ownership, means having legal control or possession of a business or property; it does not describe how an activity is performed. Option D, market price, means the price at which a product or security is sold in the market, and it is also unrelated to a method. The reasoning is simple: ask, ‘Does this word tell me how to do something?’ ‘Way’ does; dividend, ownership and market price do not. Do not treat every familiar business term as a method clue. Remember: method = way or procedure for doing work.

Correct answer: A. Method

Explanation: A method is a prescribed sequence or way of performing a task. Checking items against the list before packing is a fixed procedure, so Method is correct. A policy provides general guidance for decisions; it does not specify the steps for doing a task. Exam tip: If the question asks how a task will be done, look for Method.

Correct answer: B. Prescribed way of performing a task

Explanation: In planning, a method specifies the prescribed way of performing a particular task—that is, how the work will be done. Therefore, option B is correct. A profit-distribution plan and a source of capital are separate planning or financial matters, not a method. Exam tip: if the question asks ‘how to do it’, think of a method.

Correct answer: C. A prescribed technique for assembling parts in a factory

Explanation: A method is a prescribed way or technique for performing a task. The specified technique for assembling parts tells workers how the work is to be done, so it is a clear example of a method. Setting a sales target is an objective, not a method. Exam tip: A statement that explains ‘how a task will be done’ usually indicates a method.

Correct answer: A. Method

Explanation: A prescribed way or sequence for marking finished goods is a method. A method states how a particular task is to be performed. An objective states the result to be achieved, while a policy provides general guidance for decisions. Exam tip: Words such as “way” or “how” usually point to a method.

Correct answer: B. In routine and repeatedly performed tasks

Explanation: A method specifies the prescribed sequence or way of performing a task. It is most useful for routine and repeatedly performed tasks because it brings uniformity, saves time, and reduces errors. Completely unknown tasks may first require fresh planning or decision-making. Exam tip: remember a method as an orderly way of doing a task.

Correct answer: C. Sales target for next month

Explanation: A sales target for the next month is an objective or target because it states the result to be achieved. A method specifies the prescribed way of performing a task, such as switching off a machine or handing a packet to a customer. Therefore, option C is not a method. Exam tip: a target tells what is to be achieved, while a method tells how a task is to be done.

Correct answer: D. Method

Explanation: A method specifies a fixed and orderly way of performing a task. The prescribed style for attaching reports ensures that all hospital staff organise records in the same manner; therefore, it is a method. A strategy is a broad plan for achieving an objective, not a prescribed process for a routine task. Exam tip: when a question refers to a fixed way of doing work, choose method.

Correct answer: A. Uniformity in work

Explanation: A method specifies the prescribed sequence or way of doing a task. When employees follow the same method, uniformity in work performance increases and results become more consistent. Uncertainty, inconsistency and confusion are generally reduced, not increased, by a clear method. Exam tip: remember that a method is a systematic way of doing work and promotes uniformity.

Correct answer: B. Method tells the way of doing work and objective tells the goal to be achieved

Explanation: A method specifies the definite or systematic way in which a task will be performed—how the work will be done. An objective states the result or goal that is to be achieved. Therefore, option B is correct. Option A reverses these two concepts. Exam tip: link ‘how’ with method and ‘what is to be achieved’ with objective.

Correct answer: C. Method

Explanation: A method is a fixed, systematic technique or way of performing a task. Therefore, the prescribed steps for labelling samples in a laboratory are a method, making option C correct. A policy provides general decision guidelines, a budget is a financial plan, and a programme outlines a broader sequence of activities. Exam tip: When a question asks for the fixed way of doing a task, choose method.

Correct answer: D. They can learn to perform the work correctly and quickly

Explanation: A method gives clear steps and a sequence for performing a task. By following it, new employees understand how and in what order the work should be done, so they learn to perform it correctly and quickly. Increasing capital or controlling the market is not a direct benefit of a method. Exam tip: Remember a method as a prescribed sequence for doing a task.

Correct answer: A. Method

Explanation: A method is a prescribed way of performing a task. Therefore, the fixed way of placing fragile goods on a separate shelf is a method. A policy gives general guidance, whereas a method states how the work will actually be done. Exam tip: If the question asks ‘how a task will be done’, look for method.

Correct answer: B. Way

Explanation: A method specifies the prescribed way or manner of performing a task. Therefore, ‘Way’ is the best identifying word. A policy provides broad guidance for decision-making, whereas a method focuses on how a task is to be performed. Exam tip: Remember method by linking it with the question, ‘How will the work be done?’

Correct answer: D. Method

Explanation: A fixed style for verifying a customer’s signature is a Method because it specifies the way in which a task is to be performed. A policy gives broad guidance, whereas a method states the specific manner of doing the work. Exam tip: When the question asks for a ‘way of doing a task’, Method is usually the correct choice.

Correct answer: B. Creating a service ticket for a customer complaint

Explanation: Creating a service ticket when a customer complains is an example of a systematic method for providing after-sales service. It records the complaint, routes it to the concerned team, and helps track its resolution. Setting a profit target is an objective of planning, not a method. Exam tip: A method describes the clear steps or process used to perform a task.

Correct answer: C. Operational level

Explanation: A method specifies the prescribed way of performing a task. It is used most in routine, day-to-day activities to ensure that work is done uniformly; therefore, it is most visible at the operational level. Top and middle management are more concerned with framing policies and plans. Exam tip: If a question refers to the way or sequence of doing a task, connect method with the operational level.

Correct answer: D. Method

Explanation: A fixed, orderly way of checking a product’s weight before packing is a method. A method specifies how a task will be performed, for example, calibrating the scale, weighing the product, and comparing it with the prescribed weight. A strategy gives broad direction, whereas a budget is a financial plan. Exam tip: Words such as “fixed way” or “how the work will be done” usually indicate a method.

Correct answer: A. Available resources and work requirements

Explanation: A method is the prescribed sequence and way of performing a task. It must consider the resources available and the requirements of the work so that it is practical and implementable. The colour of a building, the owner’s age, or the size of an advertisement are generally not bases for deciding a method. Exam tip: Remember a method as the ‘systematic way of doing a task’.

Correct answer: B. Method

Explanation: A fixed sequence or way of pasting price labels is a method. A method specifies how a task should be performed and the steps to be followed. A rule states what must or must not be done, whereas this situation describes the way of doing the task. Exam tip: Words such as “fixed way”, “procedure”, “sequence”, or “how to do” usually indicate a method.

Correct answer: D. Method

Explanation: A method lays down the standard, step-by-step procedure for performing a task. A common method for preparing receipts ensures that every employee follows the same format and process. A policy gives broad guidance for decisions, whereas a method specifies how a task is to be done. Exam tip: When the question asks ‘how to do’ a task, look for method.