Xat January 2013: Decision Making Solved Question Paper

1. Over the last five years, Bank of Bharat has seen the number of its retail customer accounts drop by over 40 percent. Over the same period, the share price of Bank of Bharat has increased by more than 80 percent. This amazed a few investors, who believe that a bank's share price should drop if its number of customers drops. Which of the following, if true over the last five years, best accounts for the observed movement in the price of Bank of Bharat's equity shares?

The bank recently implemented a highly publicised program for free home loans

There have been many new banks, which have entered retail banking business over the last five years

The bank is known to be the best paymaster in the industry

The best explanation for the observed movement in the price of Bank of Bharat's equity shares is that the bank has been switching its customer base from retail customers to commercial customers, which now accounts for over 75 percent of the bank's revenues. This means that even though the number of retail customer accounts has dropped, the bank's revenue and profitability have increased due to a focus on commercial customers. This shift in customer base and revenue source could explain the increase in the bank's share price despite the decrease in retail customer accounts.

Explanation

The best explanation for the observed movement in the price of Bank of Bharat's equity shares is that the bank has been switching its customer base from retail customers to commercial customers, which now accounts for over 75 percent of the bank's revenues. This means that even though the number of retail customer accounts has dropped, the bank's revenue and profitability have increased due to a focus on commercial customers. This shift in customer base and revenue source could explain the increase in the bank's share price despite the decrease in retail customer accounts.

2. Gastric bypass surgery has been shown to be effective at helping extremely obese people lose weight. Some patients have lost as much as 300 pounds after undergoing the surgery, there by substantially prolonging their lives. Despite the success of the treatment, most doctors have not embraced the surgery. Which of the following statements, if true, best accounts for the lukewarm reaction of the medical community to gastric bypass surgery?

Gastric bypass surgery carries a high risk of serious complications, including death

Obesity is one of the leading contributors to heart disease and hypertension, two leading causes of death

Incidences of obesity among the Indian urban middle class population have been increasing consistently for the last three decades

Many patients report that losing weight through diets is ineffective, since they usually gain the weight back within six months

The lukewarm reaction of the medical community to gastric bypass surgery can be best accounted for by the fact that the surgery carries a high risk of serious complications, including death. Despite its effectiveness in helping extremely obese people lose weight, the potential dangers associated with the procedure may make doctors hesitant to fully embrace it as a treatment option. The risk of complications and death may outweigh the potential benefits for some doctors, leading to their reluctance in recommending or advocating for gastric bypass surgery.

Explanation

The lukewarm reaction of the medical community to gastric bypass surgery can be best accounted for by the fact that the surgery carries a high risk of serious complications, including death. Despite its effectiveness in helping extremely obese people lose weight, the potential dangers associated with the procedure may make doctors hesitant to fully embrace it as a treatment option. The risk of complications and death may outweigh the potential benefits for some doctors, leading to their reluctance in recommending or advocating for gastric bypass surgery.

3. Direction: Read the following caselet and choose the best alternative. It was the end of performance review cycle for the year 2012 when you asked your subordinates about any problems they were facing. Natrajan told you that an important member of his team, Vardarajan, who had also won the best performance award for the year 2011, was not taking interest in work. Despite Natrajan's counselling, no change was noticed in Vardarajan, rather his attitude deteriorated. You had also received such information from other employees. You had not interfered hoping that Natrajan, an experienced hand, would be able to solve the problem. But now that Natrajan himself brought this to your notice, you decided to call Vardarajan and counsel him. You overheard a conversation between Vardarajan and his colleague over an official dinner. He expressed his unhappiness about the fact that good performers were not given their due credit while poor performers were promoted faster. If Vardarajan is right, which of the following steps would help in creating a better organisation?

Promote Vardarajan with immediate effect

Ensure that performance is objectively and transparently assessed

Give another assignment to Vardarajan

Give higher salary to Vardarajan

Fire Vardarajan

The correct answer is to ensure that performance is objectively and transparently assessed. This step would help in creating a better organization because it addresses Vardarajan's concern about good performers not being given their due credit. By implementing an objective and transparent assessment process, the organization can ensure that deserving employees are recognized and rewarded for their performance, which would promote fairness and motivation among the employees.

Explanation

The correct answer is to ensure that performance is objectively and transparently assessed. This step would help in creating a better organization because it addresses Vardarajan's concern about good performers not being given their due credit. By implementing an objective and transparent assessment process, the organization can ensure that deserving employees are recognized and rewarded for their performance, which would promote fairness and motivation among the employees.

4. Direction: Read the following caselet and choose the best alternative. Island of Growth was witnessing a rapid increase in GDP. Its citizens had become wealthier in recent times, and there had been a considerable improvement in the standards of living. However, this rapid growth had increased corruption and nepotism in the Island. In the recent rimes, a fear had gripped the population that corruption would destroy the inclusive nature of the society and hinder economic progress. However, most citizens had kept quiet because: a. they had benefitted from the corruption indirectly, if not directly. b. they did not have the time and energy to protest. c. they did not have courage to rise against the established power centres. There was a need to remove corruption but no one was willing to stick his neck out. Many politicians, bureaucrats and private organisations were corrupt. Media and intellectuals kept quiet, as they benefitted indirectly from corruption. The common man was scared of state's retribution and the youngsters feared insecure future. Against this background, an old, unmarried and illiterate gentleman of high moral and ethical authority, Shambhu, decided to take on the issue of corruption. He sat on a hunger strike in the heart of the capital city of the Island. Shambhu demanded that the Government should constitute new laws to punish the corrupt across all walks of life. Media and the citizens of the island gave massive support to Shambhu. Buckling under the pressure, the Government promised to accept Shambhu's demands. He ended the hunger strike immediately following the Government's announcement. Shambhu became the darling of the media. He used this opportunity as a platform to spread the message that only citizens with an unblemished character should be allowed to hold a public office. A few months later, it was found that the Government had not fulfilled any of its promises made to Shambhu. Infuriated, he was thinking of launching another island-wide protest. However, this time, he sensed that not many people and media persons were willing to support him. Which of the following could be the most likely reason for decline in public support for Shambhu?

The common man had become sick and tired of Government's inaction against rising corruption

Shambhu's colleagues were misleading him

Shambhu came from a village, while most of his supporters were city dwellers

The decline in public support for Shambhu could be due to the realization that he was too focused on "indirect involvement" in past incidences of corruption. The common men may have found it difficult to live up to the high standards set by Shambhu, leading to a decline in their support.

Explanation

The decline in public support for Shambhu could be due to the realization that he was too focused on "indirect involvement" in past incidences of corruption. The common men may have found it difficult to live up to the high standards set by Shambhu, leading to a decline in their support.

5. Direction: Read the following caselet and choose the best alternative: Head of a nation in the Nordic region as struggling with the slowing economy on one hand and restless citizens on the other. In addition, his opponents were doing everything possible to discredit his government. As a famous saying goes, "There is no smoke without a fire", it cannot be said that the incumbent government was doing all the right things. There were reports of acts of omission and commission coming out every other day. Distribution of public resources for private businesses and for private consumption had created a lot of problems for the government. It was being alleged that the government has given the right to exploit these public resources at throw-away prices to some private companies. Some of the citizens were questioning the government policies in the Supreme Court of the country as well as in the media. In the midst of all this, the head of the nation called his cabinet colleagues for a meeting on the recent happenings in the country. He asked his minister of water resources about the bidding process for allocation of rights to set up mini-hydel power plants. To this, the minister replied that his ministry had followed the laid out policies of the government. Water resources were allocated to those private companies that bid the highest and were technically competent. The minister continued that later on some new companies had shown interest and they were allowed to enter the sector as per the guidelines of the Government. This, the minister added, would facilitate proper utilisation of water resources and provide better services to the citizens. The new companies were allocated the rights at the price set by the highest bidders in the previous round of bidding. After hearing this, the head of the nation replied that one would expect the later allocations to be done after a fresh round of bidding. The minister of water resources replied that his ministry had taken permissions from the concerned ministries before allocating the resources to the new companies. Looking at the public unrest and discontent, the Government's anticorruption branch was entrusted with the task of investigating the matter. Within a week's time the branch charge sheeted top corporate managers and the minister for wrong doings. Mr. Swamy was again asked to identify the guilty. Who should Mr. Swamy pick?

Only corporate managers

Only the minister

Only the Head of the nation

All of these

None of these

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Explanation

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6. Direction: Read the following caselet, and choose the best alternative: Prof. Vijya, the chairperson of the Faculty Academic Committee (FAC), was trying to understand the implications of decisions taken by the Student Placement Committee (SPC) on placement issues. It was alleged that Biswajit, a final year student, inflated his grades in his bio-data that was sent to the recruiters. The President of SPC requested the FAC to debar Biswajit from the campus recruitment process. When the matter was brought up for discussion in FAC, one of the professors remarked that Biswajit too should be allowed to defend himself. When Biswajit arrived for the meeting the situation became even more challenging. Biswajit raised the issue that many other students who had misrepresented grades to get coveted jobs had gone scot-free. He alleged that these students were close to the President of SPC and, therefore, no action was taken against them. He stated that somebody has deliberately manipulated his grades in the bio-data. This allegation confused the members and it was decided to adjourn the meeting. Vijya was to decide on the next course of action. As a potential entrant you are having an informal Facebook chat with one of the college seniors. You wanted to know about the pay packages of the graduating students. The senior replied that one will be able to understand this only after joining the college. He did not reveal any information but suggested that it is not very difficult to get a high salary job as you have already started networking. He also cautioned that you should not believe any rum ours and you should directly contact the student body for any further information. What will be your most appropriate choice for seeking further information about placements?

You will contact the college authorities to get more insights about the placement process

You will start networking with the HR managers to understand their requirements

You will try to contact the President of SPC

You will contact your other Facebook friends to find out about the placement activities at the college

The most appropriate choice for seeking further information about placements would be to contact the college authorities. This is because they would have the most accurate and reliable information about the placement process, including details about pay packages and the overall placement scenario. Networking with HR managers or contacting the President of SPC may not provide comprehensive information about the placement process as they may have limited knowledge or biased perspectives. Contacting other Facebook friends may not provide reliable information as they may not have direct knowledge about the placement activities at the college.

Explanation

The most appropriate choice for seeking further information about placements would be to contact the college authorities. This is because they would have the most accurate and reliable information about the placement process, including details about pay packages and the overall placement scenario. Networking with HR managers or contacting the President of SPC may not provide comprehensive information about the placement process as they may have limited knowledge or biased perspectives. Contacting other Facebook friends may not provide reliable information as they may not have direct knowledge about the placement activities at the college.

7. Direction: Read the following caselet, and choose the best alternative: Prof. Vijya, the chairperson of the Faculty Academic Committee (FAC), was trying to understand the implications of decisions taken by the Student Placement Committee (SPC) on placement issues. It was alleged that Biswajit, a final year student, inflated his grades in his bio-data that was sent to the recruiters. The President of SPC requested the FAC to debar Biswajit from the campus recruitment process. When the matter was brought up for discussion in FAC, one of the professors remarked that Biswajit too should be allowed to defend himself. When Biswajit arrived for the meeting the situation became even more challenging. Biswajit raised the issue that many other students who had misrepresented grades to get coveted jobs had gone scot-free. He alleged that these students were close to the President of SPC and, therefore, no action was taken against them. He stated that somebody has deliberately manipulated his grades in the bio-data. This allegation confused the members and it was decided to adjourn the meeting. Vijya was to decide on the next course of action. Vijya found that there were many such cases of grade inflation. She was giving final touches to the report when her attention was diverted by a phone call on her personal cell phone. It was from an unlisted number. The caller conveyed to her that it will be in her interest as well as in the interest of the college if the report is not presented to the Director. The caller also told her these findings will change nothing, only result in bad publicity for the college. The caller identified himself as a well-wisher of the college before hanging up. Consider yourself in Vijya's position and choose an appropriate decision from the following choices.

Disregard the phone call and do not share its details with others

Understand the implications of the phone call and apply for a leave

Call up the Director, tell him about the phone call, and excuse yourself from the responsibility

Talk to the director and seek his opinion

Constitute a different committee to investigate the "phone call" and carryon with normal activities

Vijya should talk to the director and seek his opinion because the phone call raises concerns about the integrity of the report and the reputation of the college. By discussing the situation with the director, Vijya can gather more information and guidance on how to proceed. This will ensure transparency and accountability in handling the matter, and the director's input will help in making an informed decision.

Explanation

Vijya should talk to the director and seek his opinion because the phone call raises concerns about the integrity of the report and the reputation of the college. By discussing the situation with the director, Vijya can gather more information and guidance on how to proceed. This will ensure transparency and accountability in handling the matter, and the director's input will help in making an informed decision.

8. Direction: Read the following caselet and choose the best alternative. It was the end of performance review cycle for the year 2012 when you asked your subordinates about any problems they were facing. Natrajan told you that an important member of his team, Vardarajan, who had also won the best performance award for the year 2011, was not taking interest in work. Despite Natrajan's counselling, no change was noticed in Vardarajan, rather his attitude deteriorated. You had also received such information from other employees. You had not interfered hoping that Natrajan, an experienced hand, would be able to solve the problem. But now that Natrajan himself brought this to your notice, you decided to call Vardarajan and counsel him. Which of the following could be the most unlikely reason for Vardarajan's declining involvement in the workplace?

Vardarajan does not find the work challenging enough as he has already achieved the best performance award

Others in the organisation have been trying to pull him down, since he was declared best performer

After putting in lots of effort for the superlative performance, Vardarajan felt burnt out

Vardarajan was appreciated by his bosses for his achievement last year

Vardarajan being appreciated by his bosses for his achievement last year is the most unlikely reason for his declining involvement in the workplace. Typically, receiving appreciation from superiors would motivate an employee to continue performing well. However, in this case, Vardarajan's attitude has deteriorated despite the recognition he received. This suggests that there might be other underlying factors contributing to his disinterest in work.

Explanation

Vardarajan being appreciated by his bosses for his achievement last year is the most unlikely reason for his declining involvement in the workplace. Typically, receiving appreciation from superiors would motivate an employee to continue performing well. However, in this case, Vardarajan's attitude has deteriorated despite the recognition he received. This suggests that there might be other underlying factors contributing to his disinterest in work.

9. Direction: Read the following caselet and choose the best alternative. Island of Growth was witnessing a rapid increase in GDP. Its citizens had become wealthier in recent times, and there had been a considerable improvement in the standards of living. However, this rapid growth had increased corruption and nepotism in the Island. In the recent rimes, a fear had gripped the population that corruption would destroy the inclusive nature of the society and hinder economic progress. However, most citizens had kept quiet because: a. they had benefitted from the corruption indirectly, if not directly. b. they did not have the time and energy to protest. c. they did not have courage to rise against the established power centres. There was a need to remove corruption but no one was willing to stick his neck out. Many politicians, bureaucrats and private organisations were corrupt. Media and intellectuals kept quiet, as they benefitted indirectly from corruption. The common man was scared of state's retribution and the youngsters feared insecure future. Against this background, an old, unmarried and illiterate gentleman of high moral and ethical authority, Shambhu, decided to take on the issue of corruption. He sat on a hunger strike in the heart of the capital city of the Island. Shambhu demanded that the Government should constitute new laws to punish the corrupt across all walks of life. Media and the citizens of the island gave massive support to Shambhu. Buckling under the pressure, the Government promised to accept Shambhu's demands. He ended the hunger strike immediately following the Government's announcement. Shambhu became the darling of the media. He used this opportunity as a platform to spread the message that only citizens with an unblemished character should be allowed to hold a public office. A few months later, it was found that the Government had not fulfilled any of its promises made to Shambhu. Infuriated, he was thinking of launching another island-wide protest. However, this time, he sensed that not many people and media persons were willing to support him. Read the following statements: 1. People's latent anger against corruption 2. Shambhu's moral courage 3. Hungry media looking to raise Issues 4. Rising income level In your opinion, which combination of the above statements is the most unlikely reason for Shambhu's initial success?

1, 2, 4

3, 4

1, 3

1, 3, 4

1, 2, 3, 4

Shambhu's initial success in his fight against corruption is unlikely to be attributed to the combination of statement 3 (Hungry media looking to raise issues) and statement 4 (Rising income level). This is because the passage does not mention media's hunger to raise issues as a contributing factor to Shambhu's success. Additionally, the passage does not indicate that the rising income level of the citizens played a significant role in supporting Shambhu's cause.

Explanation

Shambhu's initial success in his fight against corruption is unlikely to be attributed to the combination of statement 3 (Hungry media looking to raise issues) and statement 4 (Rising income level). This is because the passage does not mention media's hunger to raise issues as a contributing factor to Shambhu's success. Additionally, the passage does not indicate that the rising income level of the citizens played a significant role in supporting Shambhu's cause.

10. Direction: Read the following caselet and choose the best alternative. Marathe is a Vice President in a construction equipment company in the city of Mumbai. One day, his subordinate Bhonsle requested that Kale, a project manager, be transferred to the Chennai office from the Mumbai office. In Chennai, Kale would work alone as a researcher. Bhonsle gave the following reasons for his request: "Kale is known to frequently fight with his colleagues. Kale is conscientious and dedicated only when working alone. He is friendly with seniors, but refuses to work with colleagues, in a team. He cannot accept criticism and feels hostile and rejected. He is over-bearing and is generally a bad influence on the team." Marathe called upon Gore, another project manager, and sought further information on Kale. Gore recalled that a former colleague, Lakhote (who was also Kale's former boss) had made a few remarks on his appraisal report about Kale. In his opinion, Kale was not fit for further promotion as he was emotionally unstable to work in groups though he had seven years of work experience. Lakhote had described Kale as too authoritative to work under anyone. Lakhote had further told Gore that Kale had an ailing wife, and an old mother, who does not want to stay with his wife. Marathe sought an appointment with Lakhote to find out ways to help Kale. Lakhote is of the opinion that the company's responsibility is restricted to the workplace and it should not try to address the personal problems of employees. If Marathe has to agree to Lakhote's opinion, which of the solutions presented in the previous question would be weakened:

1

2

3

4

5

The correct answer is option 5. If Marathe agrees with Lakhote's opinion that the company's responsibility is restricted to the workplace and should not address personal problems of employees, it weakens the solution presented in option 5. Option 5 suggests finding ways to help Kale, which contradicts Lakhote's opinion. If the company does not address personal problems, it would not be able to provide any assistance or support to Kale in dealing with his emotional instability or personal issues, thereby weakening the proposed solution.

Explanation

The correct answer is option 5. If Marathe agrees with Lakhote's opinion that the company's responsibility is restricted to the workplace and should not address personal problems of employees, it weakens the solution presented in option 5. Option 5 suggests finding ways to help Kale, which contradicts Lakhote's opinion. If the company does not address personal problems, it would not be able to provide any assistance or support to Kale in dealing with his emotional instability or personal issues, thereby weakening the proposed solution.

11. Direction: Read the following caselet and choose the best alternative. The BIG and Colourful Company You are running "BIG and Colourful (BnC)" company that sells books to customers through three retail formats: a. You can buy books from bookstores, b. You can buy books from supermarket, c. You can order books over the Internet (Online). Your manager has an interesting way of classifying expenses: some of the expenses are classified in terms of size: Big, Small and Medium; and others are classified in terms of the colours, Red, Yellow, Green and Violet. The company has a history of categorising overall costs into initial costs and additional costs. Additional costs are equal to the sum of Big, Small and Medium expenses. There are two types of margins, contribution (sales minus initial costs) and profit (contribution minus additional costs). Given below is the data about sales and costs of BnC:

Each of the Big, Small and Medium cost is categorised by the manager into Red, Yellow, Green and Violet costs. Breakdown of the additional costs under these headings is shown in the table below:

Red, Yellow, Green and Violet costs are allocated to different retail formats. These costs are apportioned in the ratio of number of units consumed by each retail format. The number of units consumed by each retail format is given in the table below:

Read the following statements: Statement: I. Online store accounted for 50% of the sales at BnC and the ratio of supermarket sales and book store sales is 1 : 2. II. Initial Cost is allocated in the ratio of sales. If you want to calculate the profit/loss from the different retail formats, then

Statement I alone is sufficient to calculate the profit/loss

Statement II alone is sufficient to calculate the profit/loss

Both statements I and II are required to calculate the profit/loss

Either of the two statements is sufficient to calculate the profit/loss

Neither Statement I nor Statement II is sufficient to calculate the profit/loss

Both statements I and II are required to calculate the profit/loss. Statement I provides information about the sales distribution among the different retail formats, which is essential to determine the contribution from each format. Statement II provides information about how the initial costs are allocated, which is necessary to calculate the profit/loss. Without both pieces of information, it would not be possible to accurately calculate the profit/loss from the different retail formats.

Explanation

Both statements I and II are required to calculate the profit/loss. Statement I provides information about the sales distribution among the different retail formats, which is essential to determine the contribution from each format. Statement II provides information about how the initial costs are allocated, which is necessary to calculate the profit/loss. Without both pieces of information, it would not be possible to accurately calculate the profit/loss from the different retail formats.

12. Direction: Based on your answer to the above question, answer these questions. Which retail format is least profit making for BnC?

Online

Supermarket

Book Store

All formats are loss making

All formats are profit making

The correct answer is Supermarket. This means that out of all the retail formats mentioned (Online, Supermarket, Book Store), the Supermarket format is the least profit making for BnC.

Explanation

The correct answer is Supermarket. This means that out of all the retail formats mentioned (Online, Supermarket, Book Store), the Supermarket format is the least profit making for BnC.

13. Direction: Read the following caselet and choose the best alternative: A teacher wanted to administer a multiple choice (each question having six choices) based quiz of high difficulty level to a class of sixty students. The quiz had sixty questions. The probability of selecting the correct answer for a good student and a brilliant student was 0.2 and 0.25 respectively. The poor students had no learning advantage. The teacher did not want students to cheat but does not have time and resources to monitor. All students were seated serially in 10 rows and 6 columns. Is it possible for the teacher to detect cheating without monitoring? Choose the statement that best describes your opinion:

It is not at all possible; teacher will have to introduce technology if there is no human support

It is always possible; but teacher has to calculate the exact answer

If many students sitting next to each other consistently have the same incorrect answers for multiple questions, it could indicate that they are cheating. However, there may be a small margin of error in judging whether the similarity in answers is due to cheating or mere coincidence. This suggests that while it is possible to detect cheating without monitoring, there is a possibility of making a mistake in judgement.

Explanation

If many students sitting next to each other consistently have the same incorrect answers for multiple questions, it could indicate that they are cheating. However, there may be a small margin of error in judging whether the similarity in answers is due to cheating or mere coincidence. This suggests that while it is possible to detect cheating without monitoring, there is a possibility of making a mistake in judgement.

14. Students from four sections of a class accompanied by respective class teachers planned to go for a field trip. There were nineteen people in all. However, on the scheduled day one of the four teachers and a few students could not join the rest. Given below are some statements about the group of people who ultimately left for the trip. I. Section A had the largest contingent. II. Section B had fewer students than Section A. III. Section C's contingent was smaller than Section B. IV. Section D had the smallest contingent. V. The product of the number of students from each section is a multiple of 10. VI. The number of students from Section C is more than 2. VII. The product of the number of students from each section is a multiple of 24. VIII. The largest contingent has more than 4 students. IX. Each section contributed different number of students. The statements that taken together can give us the exact number of students from each section:

I, II, III, IV, VI

I, VI, VIII, IX

I, II, III, IV, V, VI

I, II, III, IV, VI, VII

I, IV, VI, VII, IX

The given statements provide the following information:
- Section A had the largest contingent.
- Section B had fewer students than Section A.
- Section C's contingent was smaller than Section B.
- Section D had the smallest contingent.
- The product of the number of students from each section is a multiple of 10.
- The number of students from Section C is more than 2.

From these statements, we can deduce that Section D had the smallest contingent, Section C had more than 2 students, Section B had fewer students than Section A, and Section A had the largest contingent. Additionally, the product of the number of students from each section is a multiple of 10. Therefore, the statements I, II, III, IV, V, and VI can give us the exact number of students from each section.

Explanation

The given statements provide the following information:
- Section A had the largest contingent.
- Section B had fewer students than Section A.
- Section C's contingent was smaller than Section B.
- Section D had the smallest contingent.
- The product of the number of students from each section is a multiple of 10.
- The number of students from Section C is more than 2.

From these statements, we can deduce that Section D had the smallest contingent, Section C had more than 2 students, Section B had fewer students than Section A, and Section A had the largest contingent. Additionally, the product of the number of students from each section is a multiple of 10. Therefore, the statements I, II, III, IV, V, and VI can give us the exact number of students from each section.

15. Direction: Read the following caselet and choose the best alternative: Head of a nation in the Nordic region as struggling with the slowing economy on one hand and restless citizens on the other. In addition, his opponents were doing everything possible to discredit his government. As a famous saying goes, "There is no smoke without a fire", it cannot be said that the incumbent government was doing all the right things. There were reports of acts of omission and commission coming out every other day. Distribution of public resources for private businesses and for private consumption had created a lot of problems for the government. It was being alleged that the government has given the right to exploit these public resources at throw-away prices to some private companies. Some of the citizens were questioning the government policies in the Supreme Court of the country as well as in the media. In the midst of all this, the head of the nation called his cabinet colleagues for a meeting on the recent happenings in the country. He asked his minister of water resources about the bidding process for allocation of rights to set up mini-hydel power plants. To this, the minister replied that his ministry had followed the laid out policies of the government. Water resources were allocated to those private companies that bid the highest and were technically competent. The minister continued that later on some new companies had shown interest and they were allowed to enter the sector as per the guidelines of the Government. This, the minister added, would facilitate proper utilisation of water resources and provide better services to the citizens. The new companies were allocated the rights at the price set by the highest bidders in the previous round of bidding. After hearing this, the head of the nation replied that one would expect the later allocations to be done after a fresh round of bidding. The minister of water resources replied that his ministry had taken permissions from the concerned ministries before allocating the resources to the new companies. Media reports suggested that the minister of water resources had deliberately allocated the water resources at old prices to the new companies, and in return some received kickbacks. However, the minister denied these charges. His counter argument was that he followed the stated policies of the Government and it is very difficult to price a scarce resource. He also said that the loss that the media is talking about is notional and in reality the Government and the citizens have gained by the entry of new players. Which of the following is the most appropriate inference?

If benefit to the citizens is higher than notional losses then it is not unethical

If benefit to the citizens is lower than notional losses then it is unethical

If benefit to the citizens is higher than actual losses then it is not unethical

If benefit to the citizens is lower than actual losses then it is unethical

All of the above A, B, C and D are inappropriate

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Explanation

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16. Direction: Read the following caselet and choose the best alternative: A teacher wanted to administer a multiple choice (each question having six choices) based quiz of high difficulty level to a class of sixty students. The quiz had sixty questions. The probability of selecting the correct answer for a good student and a brilliant student was 0.2 and 0.25 respectively. The poor students had no learning advantage. The teacher did not want students to cheat but does not have time and resources to monitor. All students were seated serially in 10 rows and 6 columns. Three good students were seated next to each other. What is the probability of them having the same incorrect choice for four consecutive questions?

256/390625

256/3125

4/3125

1/3125

Cannot be calculated

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Explanation

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17. Direction: Read the following caselet, and choose the best alternative: Prof. Vijya, the chairperson of the Faculty Academic Committee (FAC), was trying to understand the implications of decisions taken by the Student Placement Committee (SPC) on placement issues. It was alleged that Biswajit, a final year student, inflated his grades in his bio-data that was sent to the recruiters. The President of SPC requested the FAC to debar Biswajit from the campus recruitment process. When the matter was brought up for discussion in FAC, one of the professors remarked that Biswajit too should be allowed to defend himself. When Biswajit arrived for the meeting the situation became even more challenging. Biswajit raised the issue that many other students who had misrepresented grades to get coveted jobs had gone scot-free. He alleged that these students were close to the President of SPC and, therefore, no action was taken against them. He stated that somebody has deliberately manipulated his grades in the bio-data. This allegation confused the members and it was decided to adjourn the meeting. Vijya was to decide on the next course of action. If you were Vijya what in your opinion would be the most appropriate action?

Suspend Biswajit and the President of SPC

Apprise the corporate recruiters of the situation and assure them that corrective actions will be taken

Both options C and D

In this situation, the most appropriate action would be to constitute a fact finding committee to investigate the matter and ask them to submit a report within a week's time. This action would allow for a thorough investigation into Biswajit's allegations and the claims of other students misrepresenting grades. It would ensure a fair and unbiased assessment of the situation before any further action is taken. Additionally, this action would demonstrate a commitment to transparency and accountability, which is important in maintaining the integrity of the placement process.

Explanation

In this situation, the most appropriate action would be to constitute a fact finding committee to investigate the matter and ask them to submit a report within a week's time. This action would allow for a thorough investigation into Biswajit's allegations and the claims of other students misrepresenting grades. It would ensure a fair and unbiased assessment of the situation before any further action is taken. Additionally, this action would demonstrate a commitment to transparency and accountability, which is important in maintaining the integrity of the placement process.

18. Direction: Read the following caselet and choose the best alternative: Head of a nation in the Nordic region as struggling with the slowing economy on one hand and restless citizens on the other. In addition, his opponents were doing everything possible to discredit his government. As a famous saying goes, "There is no smoke without a fire", it cannot be said that the incumbent government was doing all the right things. There were reports of acts of omission and commission coming out every other day. Distribution of public resources for private businesses and for private consumption had created a lot of problems for the government. It was being alleged that the government has given the right to exploit these public resources at throw-away prices to some private companies. Some of the citizens were questioning the government policies in the Supreme Court of the country as well as in the media. In the midst of all this, the head of the nation called his cabinet colleagues for a meeting on the recent happenings in the country. He asked his minister of water resources about the bidding process for allocation of rights to set up mini-hydel power plants. To this, the minister replied that his ministry had followed the laid out policies of the government. Water resources were allocated to those private companies that bid the highest and were technically competent. The minister continued that later on some new companies had shown interest and they were allowed to enter the sector as per the guidelines of the Government. This, the minister added, would facilitate proper utilisation of water resources and provide better services to the citizens. The new companies were allocated the rights at the price set by the highest bidders in the previous round of bidding. After hearing this, the head of the nation replied that one would expect the later allocations to be done after a fresh round of bidding. The minister of water resources replied that his ministry had taken permissions from the concerned ministries before allocating the resources to the new companies. Subsequently, the minister questioned the role of the media in the whole affair. He said that the media cannot act like a reporter, prosecutor and judge at the same time. Mr. Swamy, an independent observer, was asked about appropriateness of the minister's opinion. What should be Mr. Swamy's reply?

Media has been rightly accused by the minister

Minister's statement may be factually incorrect

Media has rightly accused the minister

Media has wrongly accused the minister

None of these

The correct answer suggests that Mr. Swamy's reply should be that the Minister's statement may be factually incorrect. This is because the Minister is questioning the role of the media in the affair and implying that they are acting improperly. However, it is possible that the media has accurately accused the Minister and his ministry of wrongdoing in the allocation of resources. Without more information, it cannot be definitively stated whether the media or the Minister is correct, but it is suggested that the Minister's statement may be factually incorrect.

Explanation

The correct answer suggests that Mr. Swamy's reply should be that the Minister's statement may be factually incorrect. This is because the Minister is questioning the role of the media in the affair and implying that they are acting improperly. However, it is possible that the media has accurately accused the Minister and his ministry of wrongdoing in the allocation of resources. Without more information, it cannot be definitively stated whether the media or the Minister is correct, but it is suggested that the Minister's statement may be factually incorrect.

19. There is a lot of interest in the first five ranks for Class XI students. One student guessed the rank order as Ankita, Bhagyashree, Chanchal, Devroopa and Esha. Later upon announcement of the results, it was found that not only did he get each student out off her true position, none of the students in his ranking correctly followed her immediate predecessor. Another student guessed Devroopa, Ankita, Esha, Chanchal and Bhagyashree. Even his guess was wrong. It was found that he had got two positions correct, and two students in his ranking correctly followed their immediate predecessors. Which of the following is true about the correct rank' order?

Ankita got the third position

Bhagyashree got the fourth position

Chanchal got the second position

Devroopa stood first

Esha got the fourth position

Based on the given information, we know that both students' guesses were incorrect. The first student got each student out of her true position and none of the students in his ranking correctly followed her immediate predecessor. The second student got two positions correct and two students in his ranking correctly followed their immediate predecessors. From this, we can deduce that Ankita cannot be in the first or second position since the first student got each student out of her true position. Therefore, Ankita must be in the third position.

Explanation

Based on the given information, we know that both students' guesses were incorrect. The first student got each student out of her true position and none of the students in his ranking correctly followed her immediate predecessor. The second student got two positions correct and two students in his ranking correctly followed their immediate predecessors. From this, we can deduce that Ankita cannot be in the first or second position since the first student got each student out of her true position. Therefore, Ankita must be in the third position.

20. Direction: Read the following caselet and choose the best alternative. Marathe is a Vice President in a construction equipment company in the city of Mumbai. One day, his subordinate Bhonsle requested that Kale, a project manager, be transferred to the Chennai office from the Mumbai office. In Chennai, Kale would work alone as a researcher. Bhonsle gave the following reasons for his request: "Kale is known to frequently fight with his colleagues. Kale is conscientious and dedicated only when working alone. He is friendly with seniors, but refuses to work with colleagues, in a team. He cannot accept criticism and feels hostile and rejected. He is over-bearing and is generally a bad influence on the team." Marathe called upon Gore, another project manager, and sought further information on Kale. Gore recalled that a former colleague, Lakhote (who was also Kale's former boss) had made a few remarks on his appraisal report about Kale. In his opinion, Kale was not fit for further promotion as he was emotionally unstable to work in groups though he had seven years of work experience. Lakhote had described Kale as too authoritative to work under anyone. Lakhote had further told Gore that Kale had an ailing wife, and an old mother, who does not want to stay with his wife. Which of the following statements, if true, would weaken the decision to sack Kale the most?

Another article published in the magazine, Xaviers Quarterly, highlighted that employees' problems at home affect their performance at work

Bhonsle was of the opinion that emotionally unstable persons find it difficult to get back to normal working life

This statement weakens the decision to sack Kale because it suggests that Kale's difficulty in working with colleagues and in a team may not be uncommon among top managers. If most top managers find it difficult to work in a group, it may not be fair to single out Kale and consider him unfit for further promotion based on this characteristic alone.

Explanation

This statement weakens the decision to sack Kale because it suggests that Kale's difficulty in working with colleagues and in a team may not be uncommon among top managers. If most top managers find it difficult to work in a group, it may not be fair to single out Kale and consider him unfit for further promotion based on this characteristic alone.

21. Direction: Read the following caselet, and choose the best alternative: Prof. Vijya, the chairperson of the Faculty Academic Committee (FAC), was trying to understand the implications of decisions taken by the Student Placement Committee (SPC) on placement issues. It was alleged that Biswajit, a final year student, inflated his grades in his bio-data that was sent to the recruiters. The President of SPC requested the FAC to debar Biswajit from the campus recruitment process. When the matter was brought up for discussion in FAC, one of the professors remarked that Biswajit too should be allowed to defend himself. When Biswajit arrived for the meeting the situation became even more challenging. Biswajit raised the issue that many other students who had misrepresented grades to get coveted jobs had gone scot-free. He alleged that these students were close to the President of SPC and, therefore, no action was taken against them. He stated that somebody has deliberately manipulated his grades in the bio-data. This allegation confused the members and it was decided to adjourn the meeting. Vijya was to decide on the next course of action. It was found that a large section of the students have been indulging in such practices. Unfortunately, the HR manager of a much coveted campus recruiter, who is an alumnus of the college came to know about this. Considering yourself in the position of that HR manager, what would be your reaction?

Express your 'displeasure and stop any further recruitment from the college

Talk to your contact in the college and try to find out the truth

Do not change anything and continue the process as if nothing has happened

Ask the college to send a fresh set of bio-data as you wanted verified grades of the students

Ask the SPC to resend the details of the short-listed students including their verified grades

As the HR manager, the best course of action would be to ask the college to send a fresh set of bio-data with verified grades. This is because the caselet mentions that many students have been misrepresenting their grades, and the HR manager has come to know about this. By requesting a fresh set of bio-data with verified grades, the HR manager is taking a proactive step to ensure the accuracy of the information provided by the students. This will help maintain the integrity of the recruitment process and prevent any further instances of grade inflation.

Explanation

As the HR manager, the best course of action would be to ask the college to send a fresh set of bio-data with verified grades. This is because the caselet mentions that many students have been misrepresenting their grades, and the HR manager has come to know about this. By requesting a fresh set of bio-data with verified grades, the HR manager is taking a proactive step to ensure the accuracy of the information provided by the students. This will help maintain the integrity of the recruitment process and prevent any further instances of grade inflation.

22. Direction: Based on your answer to the above question, answer these questions. Which retail format gives the highest profit for BnC?

Book Store

Supermarket

Online

All are equally profitable

Cannot be determined from given information

Based on the given information, the correct answer is "Book Store." This implies that among the given retail formats (Book Store, Supermarket, Online), the Book Store format yields the highest profit for BnC.

Explanation

Based on the given information, the correct answer is "Book Store." This implies that among the given retail formats (Book Store, Supermarket, Online), the Book Store format yields the highest profit for BnC.

23. Direction: Read the following caselet and choose the best alternative. Marathe is a Vice President in a construction equipment company in the city of Mumbai. One day, his subordinate Bhonsle requested that Kale, a project manager, be transferred to the Chennai office from the Mumbai office. In Chennai, Kale would work alone as a researcher. Bhonsle gave the following reasons for his request: "Kale is known to frequently fight with his colleagues. Kale is conscientious and dedicated only when working alone. He is friendly with seniors, but refuses to work with colleagues, in a team. He cannot accept criticism and feels hostile and rejected. He is over-bearing and is generally a bad influence on the team." Marathe called upon Gore, another project manager, and sought further information on Kale. Gore recalled that a former colleague, Lakhote (who was also Kale's former boss) had made a few remarks on his appraisal report about Kale. In his opinion, Kale was not fit for further promotion as he was emotionally unstable to work in groups though he had seven years of work experience. Lakhote had described Kale as too authoritative to work under anyone. Lakhote had further told Gore that Kale had an ailing wife, and an old mother, who does not want to stay with his wife. Consider the following solutions to the problem mentioned above: 1. Marathe should transfer Kale to Chennai office. 2. Marathe should try and verify the facts from other sources as well. 3. Kale should be sacked. 4. Kale should be demoted. 5. Marathe should suggest Kale to visit a family counselor. Which of the following would be the most appropriate sequence of decisions in terms of immediacy: starting from immediate to a longer term solution?

2, 1, 5

1, 4, 2

2, 3, 4

2, 5, 1

2, 5, 4

The most appropriate sequence of decisions in terms of immediacy would be to first verify the facts from other sources (option 2) to gather more information about Kale's behavior and performance. This will help in making an informed decision. Once the facts have been verified, Marathe should transfer Kale to the Chennai office (option 1) where he can work alone as a researcher, which suits his personality and work style. Finally, Marathe should suggest Kale to visit a family counselor (option 5) to address any personal issues that may be affecting his behavior and relationships with colleagues.

Explanation

The most appropriate sequence of decisions in terms of immediacy would be to first verify the facts from other sources (option 2) to gather more information about Kale's behavior and performance. This will help in making an informed decision. Once the facts have been verified, Marathe should transfer Kale to the Chennai office (option 1) where he can work alone as a researcher, which suits his personality and work style. Finally, Marathe should suggest Kale to visit a family counselor (option 5) to address any personal issues that may be affecting his behavior and relationships with colleagues.

24. Direction: Based on your answer to the above question, answer these questions. What is the profit/loss from "online" sales?

0

- 310

+ 20

+ 450

Cannot be determined from the given information

The profit from "online" sales is +450.

Explanation

The profit from "online" sales is +450.

25. Direction: Read the following caselet and choose the best alternative. It was the end of performance review cycle for the year 2012 when you asked your subordinates about any problems they were facing. Natrajan told you that an important member of his team, Vardarajan, who had also won the best performance award for the year 2011, was not taking interest in work. Despite Natrajan's counselling, no change was noticed in Vardarajan, rather his attitude deteriorated. You had also received such information from other employees. You had not interfered hoping that Natrajan, an experienced hand, would be able to solve the problem. But now that Natrajan himself brought this to your notice, you decided to call Vardarajan and counsel him. Vardarajan did not find his work challenging enough, given below are some steps that could be taken to motivate him: 1. Give Vardarajan a more challenging assignment. 2. Transfer Vardarajan from Projects department to Training department. 3. Ask him to take a vacation for two months. 4. Send him for further training on decision making under stress. Which of the following combinations would be the most appropriate?

1, 2, 3

1, 3, 4

1, 4

2, 3, 4

1, 2, 3, 4

The most appropriate combination would be 1, 2, 3. Giving Vardarajan a more challenging assignment would address his lack of interest in work. Transferring him from the Projects department to the Training department could provide him with new opportunities and a change of environment. Asking him to take a vacation for two months would give him a break and a chance to recharge. These steps together would help to motivate Vardarajan and address his lack of interest in work.

Explanation

The most appropriate combination would be 1, 2, 3. Giving Vardarajan a more challenging assignment would address his lack of interest in work. Transferring him from the Projects department to the Training department could provide him with new opportunities and a change of environment. Asking him to take a vacation for two months would give him a break and a chance to recharge. These steps together would help to motivate Vardarajan and address his lack of interest in work.