Students must start practicing the questions from CBSE Sample Papers for Class 12 Business Studies with Solutions Set 1 are designed as per the revised syllabus.
CBSE Sample Papers for Class 12 Business Studies Set 1 with Solutions
Time : 3 hrs
Max. Marks : 80
Instructions
- This question paper contains 34 questions.
- Marks are indicated against each question.
- Answers should be brief and to the point.
- Answers to the questions carrying 3 marks may be from 50 to 75 words.
- Answers to the questions carrying 4 marks may be about 150 words.
- Answers to the questions carrying 6 marks may be about 200 words.
- Attempt all parts of the questions together.
Question 1.
The Board of Directors of Medex Pharma Ltd. decided to issue debentures worth ₹ 40 lakhs in order to finance a major research and development project. This would increase the debt-equity ratio from 1: 1 to 2: 1. However, at the same time it would increase the earnings per share. The reason that will justify the above situation is………… [1]
(a) unfavourable financial leverage, as the financial risk will be higher.
(b) unfavourable financial leverage, as return on investment is lower than the cost of debt.
(c) favourable financial leverage as debt is easily available.
(d) favourable financial leverage, as return on investment is higher than cost of debt.
Answer:
(d) favourable financial leverage, as return on investment is higher than cost of debt.
Question 2.
A bottle of anti-dandruff shampoo mentions ‘Clean your hair and get rid of dandruff in one squeeze’. The product related decision involved is …………. [1]
(a) branding
(b) product quality
(c) packaging
(d) labelling
Answer:
(d) labelling
Question 3.
With the presence of women in the workforce, there has been a shift towards formal wear, increased demand of electronic gadgets and increase in demand of cosmetics. The related dimension of business environment referred in the above lines is …………………. [1]
(a) technological environment
(b) social environment
(c) political environment
(d) economic environment
Answer:
(b) social environment
Question 4.
Name the function of marketing which is effective in bringing repeat sales from the customers and developing brand loyalty for a product. [1]
(a) Standardisation and grading
(b) Promotion
(c) Customer support services
(d) Packaging and labelling
Answer:
(c) Customer support services
Question 5.
SEBI calls for information and issues a show cause notice to stock exchange and its officials seeking explanation and conducting audit and enquiry. Which function is SEBI performing? [1]
(a) Regulatory function
(b) Development function
(c) Protective function
(d) Both (a) and (c)
Answer:
(a) Regulatory function
Question 6.
Identify the point of significance of management illustrated in the picture. [1]
(a) Management helps in achieving group goals
(b) Management helps in achieving personal objectives
(c) Management helps in development of society
(d) Management increases efficiency
Answer:
(a) Management helps in achieving group goals
Question 7.
The allocative function of financial market helps in ………… [1]
(a) bringing transparency in trading procedure
(b) earning higher rate of return to household sector
(c) setter functioning of depository
(d) determining the prices of securities
Answer:
(b) earning higher rate of return to household sector
Question 8.
IND Dyechem Ltd. is a chemical manufacturing company producing dyes and pigments both for domestic and international market. It has enjoyed a considerable market share but lately, it has been facing problems in terms of target sales and customer satisfaction. This is due to the reason that new entrants have emerged with better technology and competitive pricing. The Chairman of the company addressed this issue in the departmental meeting. The production head, Mr. Kamble, advised the Chairman to revamp the system and take immediate necessary actions to rectify the problem so that sales are achieved as per the plans. Identify the relevant function of management being discussed here. [1]
(a) Organising
(b) Staffing
(c) Controlling
(d) Planning
Answer:
(c) Controlling
Question 9.
Choose the incorrect statement about pricing objectives as a factor affecting the price of a product. [1]
(a) If a firm’s objective is to maximise profits in the short-run, it should charge maximum price for its products.
(b) If a firm’s objective is to capture market share, it should keep low price of its product.
(c) If a firm wants to attain product quality leadership, it should charge lower prices.
(d) If a firm is facing problems in survival due to stiff competition, it may offer discount on its products.
Answer:
(c) If a firm wants to attain product quality leadership, it should charge lower prices.
Question 10.
Assertion (A) Management is concerned with efficient use of resources.
Reason (R) For management, both efficiency and effectiveness need to be balanced. [1]
Alternatives
(a) Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true and Reason (R) is the correct explanation of Assertion (A)
(b) Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true, but Reason (R) is not the correct explanation of Assertion (A)
(c) Assertion (A) is true, but Reason (R) is false
(d) Assertion (A) is false, but Reason (R) is true
Answer:
(b) Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true, but Reason (R) is not the correct explanation of Assertion (A)
Question 11.
Concentration of decision-making functions at the apex of management hierarchy is called …………. . [1]
(a) decentralisation
(b) delegation
(c) organisational structure
(d) centralisation
Answer:
(d) centralisation
Question 12.
Some employees have been assigned the job of measuring the output in an objective and reliable way. They are applying different techniques for achieving this aim. Some of these are personal observation, sample checking etc. They are also keeping the units of measurement same as that of the units in the standards.
Name the step of controlling process applicable in the above paragraph. [1]
(a) Analysing deviations
(b) Comparing actual performance with standards
(c) Establishing standards
(d) Measurement of actual performance
Answer:
(d) Measurement of actual performance
Question 13.
Statement I For products requiring long-term storage like agricultural products, the warehouses are located near to the market.
Statement II Higher the level of inventory, higher will be the level of service to customers but the cost of carrying the inventory will also be high. [1]
Alternatives
(a) Statement I is true and Statement II is false
(b) Statement II is true and Statement I is false
(c) Both the statements are true
(d) Both the statements are false
Answer:
(b) Statement II is true and Statement I is false
Question 14.
Mr. Vivek is working as the General Manager of Oshin Hotels Ltd. Mr. Vivek observed that government was taking a special interest in the tourism industry as this sector is an important source of foreign exchange and employment promotion.
On the basis of this news, the company decided to set up hotels at several tourist places, Oshin Hotels Ltd. established 50 hotels before other companies considered this issue. Very soon, this brand Oshin Hotels Ltd. became well known in the market. Identify the importance of business environment described here. [1]
(a) It enables the firm to identify opportunities and getting the first mover advantage.
(b) It helps the firm to identify threats and early warning signals.
(c) It helps in tapping useful resources.
(d) It helps in improving performance.
Answer:
(a) It enables the firm to identify opportunities and getting the first mover advantage.
Question 15.
Name the function of management that acts as a means for translating plans into action. [1]
(a) Planning
(b) Directing
(c) Organising
(d) Controlling
Answer:
(c) Organising
Question 16.
Statement I Electronic holdings can be converted into physical certificates with the process of dematerialisation.
Statement II There is no danger of theft, loss or forgery of share certificates in dematerialisation. [1]
Alternatives
(a) Statement I is true and Statement II is false
(b) Statement II is true and Statement I is false
(c) Both the statements are true
(d) Both the statements are false
Answer:
(b) Statement II is true and Statement I is false
Question 17.
‘Pace.’ is a reputed Chartered Accountant firm which renders services to big MNC’s. The Chartered Accountants of the firm are required to travel to Delhi and NCR for which they use company’s cars. The firm decided to convert its petrol cars to electric cars in order to improve the quality of life of people. Identify the dimensions of business environment. [1]
(a) Political and legal environment
(b) Legal and social environment
(c) Technological and political environment
(d) Social and technological environment
Answer:
(d) Social and technological environment
Question 18.
Match the following tools of promotion with their explanation and choose the correct option [1]
Column I | Column II |
A. It is undertaken by some identified person/company who makes efforts and bears the cost of it. | (i) Personal selling |
B. It plays an important role at the awareness stage and develops product preferences with the aim of making sale. | (ii) Sales |
C. It helps in managing public opinion and company’s relation with the public on regular basis. | (iii) Advertising |
D. It uses tools specifically designed to promote to customers, middlemen and to salespersons. | (iv) Public relation |
Codes
(a) (iii), (i), (iv), (ii)
(b) (i), (iii), (iv), (ii)
(c) (ii), (iii), (iv), (i)
(d) (ii), (iv),(i),(iiii)
Answer:
(a) (iii), (i), (iv), (ii)
Question 19.
From the following, which is not a relevant feature of management as science? [1]
(a) Principles are based on the basis of experimentation
(b) Systematised body of knowledge
(c) Based on practice and creativity
(d) Universal validity
Answer:
(c) Based on practice and creativity
Question 20.
The aim of demonetisation was not to …………… [1]
(a) curb corruption
(b) reduce the prices of real estate
(c) withhold the accumulation of black money generated by undeclared income
(d) counterfeit the use of high denomination notes for illegal activities
Answer:
(b) reduce the prices of real estate
Question 21.
Captcha Ltd. is a construction company in which all the employees learn various ways of dealing with diverse situations from their seniors. Company provides financial as well as non-financial incentives.
This helps the employees to grow and develop their abilities. The organisation behaves as a responsible constituent of society and always creates good quality products. It has a positive image in the market.
The training modules are excellent and the employees always try to find unique ways of providing solutions in the context of rapidly changing business environment. This has helped the organisation to adjust smoothly.
Identify and state three points of importance of management being highlighted here. [3]
Answer:
The importance of management highlighted in the given case is
(i) Helps in Achieving Personal Objectives A manager motivates and leads his team members in such a way that individual members are able to achieve personal goals while contributing to the overall organisational goals.
(ii) Helps in the Development of Society The organisation tries to behave as responsible constituent of society by giving due importance to social obligations and always creates good quality products.
(iii) Creates a Dynamic Organisation Organisations have to function in a constantly changing environment. Management helps people adapt to the changes so that organisation is able to maintain a competitive edge.
Question 22.
State any three reasons as to why controlling is regarded as an indispensable function of management.
Or
Enumerate any three advantages of management by exception which is used by manager in analysing deviations. [3]
Answer:
Controlling is regarded as an indispensable function of management due to the following reasons
(i) Making Efficient Use of Resources By exercising control, a manager seeks to reduce wastage and spoilage of resources. Each activity is performed in accordance with predetermined standards and norms, which helps in effective and efficient utilisation of resources.
(ii) Improving Employee Motivation It helps employees in realising well in advance, what they are expected to do and what are the standards of performance, on the basis of which they will be appraised. This motivates them to perform better.
(iii) Ensuring Order and Discipline By keeping a check on the activities of the employees, controlling creates an atmosphere of order and discipline among them. It also helps to keep a check on the dishonest behaviour of employees and minimise undesirable activities.
Or
Advantages of management by exception are as follows
- It saves the time and efforts of managers as they deal with only significant deviations
- It focuses managerial attention on important areas which leads to better utilisation of managerial talent.
- The routine problems are left to the subordinates. Thus, it facilitates delegation of authority and increases morale of employees.
Question 23.
Resolutions Pvt. Ltd. is a publishing company. Its book on Business Studies for Class XII is in great demand. As a result, the employees in the marketing department are always racing against time as they have to work overtime and on holidays as well to cater to the demand. The work stress has led to dissatisfaction among the employees of the marketing department. [3]
(i) Name and explain the step of staffing process which has not been performed properly.
(ii) Also, explain the immediate next step in the process of staffing.
Answer:
(i) The step of staffing process which has not been performed properly is estimation of manpower requirements. Operationally, understanding the manpower requirements would necessitate workload analysis on the one hand and workforce analysis on the other.
(ii) The next stage immediately following the step estimation of manpower requirement is recruitment. Recruitment may be defined as the process of searching for prospective employees and stimulating them to apply for jobs in the organisation.
Question 24.
State any three functions of stock exchange. [3]
Or
State the first three steps involved in the screen-based trading for buying and selling of securities.
Answer:
A stock exchange performs the following functions
(i) Pricing of Securities Share prices on a stock exchange are determined by the forces of demand and supply. It makes a constant valuation of securities and provides important information to both buyers and sellers in the market.
(ii) Safety of Transactions Stock exchange is well regulated and its dealings are well defined according to the existing legal framework. This ensures that the investing public gets a safe and fair deal in the market.
(iii) Contributes to Economic Growth In stock exchange, the process of disinvestment and reinvestment channelise the savings into their most productive investment avenues. This leads to capital formation and economic growth.
Or
The first three steps in screen-based trading in securities are as follows
(i) Investor has to first approach a registered broker and enter into agreement. He has to open a broker-client agreement and a client registration form before placing the order. He has to provide few details like PAN number, date of birth and address, educational qualification and occupation, residential status, bank account details, depository account details, name of any other broker with whom registered, client code number in the client registration form. The broker opens a trading account in the name of investor.
(ii) The investor has to open a demat account or beneficial owner account with a depository participant for holding and transferring securities in the demat form.
(iii) The investor places an order with the broker to buy or sell shares. Clear instructions have to be given about the number of shares and price at which shares can be bought or sold. The broker will go ahead with the deal to mention the best price available. Order confirmation slip is issued to the investor by the broker.
Question 25.
Explain the following features of directing [4]
(i) Directing initiates action
(ii) Directing is a continuous process
Or
Explain the following leadership styles
(i) Autocratic leadership
(ii) Laissez faire leadership
Answer:
(i) Directing initiates Action Directing is a key managerial function. A manager has to perform this function along with planning. organising, staffing and controlling while discharging his duties in the organisation.
(ii) Directing is a Continuous Process it is an ongoing process. It takes place throughout the life of the organisation irrespective of people occupying managerial positions. The managers may change but directing process continues as the organisational activities cannot continue further without direction.
Or
(i) Autocratic or Authoritarian Leadership An autocratic leader gives orders and expects his subordinates to obey those orders. This leadership style is effective in getting productivity in many situations like in a factory where the supervisor is responsible for production on time and has to ensure labour productivity. Quick decision-making is also tacilitated.
(ii) Laissez Faire or Free-rein Leadership Such a leader does not believe in the use of power unless it is absolutely essential. The followers are given high degree of independence to formulate their own objectives or ways to achieve them. The manager is only there to support them and supply them the required information to complete the task assigned.
Question 26.
State any four limitations of using internal sources of recruitment. [4]
Or
State any four commonly used sources of recruiting employees from outside the organisation.
Answer:
Internal sources of recruitment suffer from the following limitations
- No Fresh Talent Recruitment from internal sources does not bring fresh talent into the organisation.
- Lethargic Employees When employees are sure of time-bound promotions, they become lethargic.
- Not Available to New Enterprises A new enterprise cannot avail the benefit of this source. Also, no organisation can fill all its vacancies from internal sources,
- No Competitive Spirit Competitive spirit among the employees may get hampered.
Or
Commonly used sources of recruiting employees i from outside the organisation are as follows
(i) Direct Recruitment Under this method, a notice is placed on the notice board of the enterprise specifying the details of the jobs available. Job seekers assemble outside the premises of the organisation on a specific date and selection is done on the spot.
(ii) Casual Callers Many business organisations keep a database of unsolicited applicants in their offices. Such database can be recalled to fill the current vacant positions in the organisation. The major merit of using this source is that it is an inexpensive method of recruitment.
(iii) Advertisement Advertising in newspapers or trade and professional journals is a common method of encouraging people to apply for jobs. Most of the senior positions are filled by this method. The advantage of using advertising is that it can give a lot of information about the job as well as the company.
(iv) Employment Exchange These are run by government and help to match personnel demand and supply by serving as a link between job seekers and employers. It is regarded as good source of recruitment for unskilled and skilled operative jobs. In some cases, compulsory notification of vacancies to employment exchange is required by law.
Question 27.
Mr. Akshay, a 20-year-old college student purchased a book online from XYZ Pvt Ltd and when it was delivered, he noticed that there was no MRP mentioned on it. He browsed the internet and found that the book was sold at different prices in different places. He filed a case in District forum against the publisher. The court held in favour of Akshay and awarded a compensation of ₹ 10,000 [4]
(i) Identify and state the consumer right violated in the above case.
(ii) Name and explain the right exercised by Mr. Akshay.
Answer:
(i) The consumer right violated in the given case is right to be informed. Every consumer has a right to have complete information about the product he intends to buy including its aredients, date of manufacture, price, quantity, directions for use etc.
(ii) Mr. Akshay has exercised right to seek redressal. This right states that every consumer has the right to get reliet in case the product or service falls short of expectations.
Question 28.
Explain the following factors affecting the dividend decision of the company [4]
(i) Taxation policy
(ii) Cash flow position
Answer:
(i) Taxation Policy The rate of dividend also depends upon the taxation policy of the government. If the tax on dividends is higher, the company preters to pay less by way of dividends.
But if the tax rates are lower, higher dividends may be declared by the company. This is because as per the current taxation policy. a dividend distribution tax is levied on companies. However, shareholders prefer higher dividends, as dividends are tax tree in the hands of shareholders.
(ii) Cash Flow Position Payment of dividend involves an cutflow of cash. A company may be earning profit but may be short on cash. Thus, company having surplus cash, may declare higher dividend while during shortage of cash, company may declare low dividend.
Question 29.
Identify and state the various elements of communication highlighted in the following cases [4]
(i) Department ‘A’ has sent an encoded message to department ‘B’ through internet. What is the role of internet here?
(ii) Madhur is making gestures so that he can send a message to Ranbhir. What is Madhur doing here?
(ii) Ranbhir is trying to understand the message sent by Madhur by reading his gestures. What is Ranbhir doing here?
(iv) Kamesh picks up his phone and finds a message on it. He reads the message carefully. What is the role of Kamesh here?
Answer:
(i) Media lt is the path through which encoded message is transmitted to receiver. The channel may be in the written form, face-to-face, phone call, internet, etc.
(ii) Encoding it is a process of converting the message into communication symbols like words, pictures, gestures etc.
(iii) Decoding It is a process of converting encoded symbols of the sender.
(iv) Receiver Receiver is the person who receives communication of the sender.
Question 30.
Dhaval Acharya, after acquiring a bachelor’s degree in Hotel Management joined his father’s chain of vegetarian restaurants in Ahmednagar. Being young and enterprising, be suggested his father to add a new section of vegetarian bakery items which required an investment of ₹ 5 crore. His father Mr. Aariketh Acharya suggested him to take the decision with caution and understood everything comprehensively as bad decision may damage the financial fortune of business. Identify the decision suggested by Mr. Aariketh Acharya. State by giving any three reasons as to why he must have advised his son to take decision with caution. [4]
Answer:
Mr. Aariketh Acharya has suggested capital budgeting decision. Reasons why he must have advised this decision are as follows
- These decisions have bearing on the long-term growth. They affect the future prospects of the business.
- These decisions result in large portion of funds being blocked in long-term projects. Thus, these investments are planned after a detailed analysis.
- These decisions affect the returns of the firm and, therefore influence the overall business risk complexion of the firm.
Question 31.
(i) Explain any two techniques of scientific management from the following [3]
(a) Method study
(b) Motion study
(c) Time study
Answer:
(i) (a) Method Study This technique is conducted to find out the ‘one best method or way’ of performing a particular task. Every activity starting from procurement of raw materials till the delivery of final product to the customer forms part of method study. The objective of this study is to minimise the cost of production and maximise the quality and satisfaction of the customer.
(b) Motion Study This study refers to an in-depth study of movements or motions of a worker like lifțing. putting objects, changing positions, etc., while doing a task. Taylor recognised three types of movements, i.e. productive, unproductive and incidental. The objective of motion study is to eliminate unproductive movements in doing a task to achieve efficiency and reduce the time required to do the task. For this, Tayler used stopwatches and various colours and symbols to identify different movements or motions of the employees.
(c) Time Study It determines the standard time taken by a worker to perform a well-defined job. Time measuring devices are used to conduct this study. This type of study is helpful in deciding the standard time required to perform a job. The objective of time study is to determine the number of workers to be employed, to determine incentive schemes and labour costs as well as to set up the standard target for workers.
(ii) Differentiate between unity of command and unity of direction on any three basis. [3]
Or
(i) Explain any two principles of Fayol from the following
(a) Discipline
(b) Order
(c) Initiative
Answer:
Basis | Unity of Command | Unity of Direction |
Meaning | One subordinate should receive orders from and should be responsible to only one superior. | Each group of activities having same objecwe must have one head and one plan. |
Aim | It prevents dual subordination. | It prevents overlapping of activities |
Implications | It affects an individual employee. | It affects the entire orgarsation. |
Or
(i) (a) Discipline Discipline is the obedience to organisational rules and employment agreement which are necessary for the working of the organisation. According to Fayol, discipline requires good superiors at all levels, clear and fair agreements and judicious application of penalties.
(b) Order This principle states that there should be an orderly arrangement and specific place for everything (material order) and everyone (social order) in the organisation. Essentially, it means orderliness. According to Fayol, people and materials must be in suitable places at appropriate time for maximum efficiency. It helps in increased productivity and efficiency.
(c) Initiative It means taking the first step with self-motivation. Fayol suggested that employees at all levels should be encouraged and given an opportunity to take some initiative in making and executing the plans. A good company should have an employee suggestion system whereby initiatives that result in cost or time reduction should be awarded. Initiative must be encouraged, but it does not mean going against the established practices of the company for the sake of doing something different.
(ii) Difference between contributions made by FW Taylor and Henri Fayol is as follows
Basis | Henri Fayol | FW Taylor |
Perspective | Top level of management | Shop floor level of a factory |
Unity of Command | Staunch proponent | Did not feel that it is important as under functional foremanship, a worker receives orders from eight specialists |
Applicability | Applicable universally | Applicable to specialised situations |
Question 32.
Explain the steps that are required to be performed by a manager before evaluating all possible courses of action in planning process. [6]
Or
Explain how planning
(i) reduces overlapping and wasteful activities.
(ii) establishes standards for controlling.
(iii) facilitates decision-making.
Answer:
Steps required to be performed by a manager before evaluating all possible courses of action in planning process are as follows
(i) Setting Objectives Objectives or goals specify what the organisation wants to achieve. They give direction to all departments and must be stated clearly. They may be set for the entire organisation and each department within the organisation
(ii) Developing Premises Planning is concerned with future which is uncertain, therefore manager has to make certain assumptions about future. Assumptions are base material upon which plans are drawn which may be in the form of forecasts, existing plans or past information about policies.
(iii) Identifying Alternative Courses of Action Once the objectives are set and assumptions are made, next step is to identify alternative courses of action. The course of action may be routine or innovative. An innovative course may be adopted by involving more people and sharing their ideas.
Or
(i) Planning reduces Overlapping and Wasteful Activities Planning serves as a basis of coordinating the activities and efforts of different divisions, departments and sections. Since planning ensures clarity in thought and action, work is carried out smoothly without interruptions.
(ii) Planning establishes Standards of Controlling Planning provides the goals against which actual performance is measured. Through comparison, managers can know whether they are actually able to achieve the goals or not. Deviations, if any. can be corrected. Thus planning is a prerequisite for controlling.
(iii) Planning facilitates Decision-making Planning helps managers to look into the future and make a choice from amongst various alternative courses of action. The manager has to evaluate each alternate and select the most viable proposition.
Question 33.
Read the statements given in point (i) and (ii), answer the questions that follow [3]
(i) Tea is produced in Assam but is carried to customers not only in this state but also in other parts of the country.
(a) Identify and explain the function of marketing that enables the marketer to achieve its goals.
(b) Enumerate any two factors that marketer should take into consideration in order to analyse the identified needs.
Answer:
(a) The function of marketing that enables the marketer to achieve its goals is transportation. It involves physical movement of goods from one place to another. Since the user of products are wide spread and geographically separated from the place where they are produced, it is necessary to move them to the place where they are needed for consumption.
(b) The factors that should be taken into consideration to analyse the marketing needs are
- Nature of the product.
- Cost and location of target market.
(ii) Paddy is grown during summer season but its demand and sale takes place throughout the year. [3]
(a) Name and state the function of marketing which should be undertaken to reduce the gap between production and consumption of Paddy.
(b) State by giving two reasons as to why proper discharge of this function is important.
Answer:
(a) The function of marketing that reduces the gap between production and consumption of paddy is storage or warehousing.
Due to irregular demand or supply, there may be time gap between production of goods and their sale.
Storage helps in reducing the time gap between production and consumption and provides time utility.
(b) Importance of warehousing is as follows
- To ensure smooth flow of products in the market
- To protect against any unavoidable delays in delivery or meet contingencies in demand.
Question 34.
Diligent developers, a website design company in Bangalore is a startup initiative of Mr. Maniraj which aims at achieving a profit margin of 10% in its first year.
Mr. Maniraj appointed Mr. Advait as the Digital Marketing Head, Mr. Kiyansh as the head of backend department and Mr. Nirved headed the graphics designing department. Since each head was specialised in specific skills, it resulted in increased efficiency and better coordination.
However, problems arose when Advait started considering group objectives superior to organisational objectives and stopped exchanging information with Mr. Kiyansh and Mr. Nirved.
The company had to bear the brunt of lack of coordination and was unable to achieve its objectives.
(i) Identify and state the organisational structure adopted by the company.
(ii) State two benefits and two limitations of the identified structure highlighted in the above case. [6]
Answer:
(i) The organisational structure adopted by Diligent Developers is functional structure. Functional structure is an organisational design that groups similar or related jobs together.
(ii) Benefits of functional structure are as follows:
- It leads to occupational specialisation since emphasis is placed on specific functions.
This promotes efficiency in utilisation of manpower as employees perform similar tasks within a department and are able to improve performance. - It promotes control and coordination within a department because of similarity in the tasks being performed.
Limitations of functional structure are as follows
- A functional structure places less emphasis on overall enterprise objectives than the objectives pursued by a functional head.
Pursuing departmental interests at the cost of organisational interests can also hinder the interaction between two or more departments. - It may lead to problems in coordination as information has to be exchanged across functionally differentiated departments.