GMAT考试阅读辅导——(20)
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(单词翻译:双击或拖选)

Passage 20

  The majority of successful senior managers do not closely follow the classical rational model of first clarifying goals, assessing the problem, formulating1 options,estimating likelihoods of success, making a decision,(5) and only then taking action to implement2 the decision.Rather, in their day-by-day tactical maneuvers3, thesesenior executives rely on what is vaguely4 termed “intuition” to mangage a network of interrelated problemsthat require them to deal with ambiguity5, inconsistency,(10) novelty, and surprise; and to integrate action into the process to thinking.
  Generations of writers on management have recognized that some practicing managers rely heavily on intuition. In general, however, such writers display a (15)poor grasp of what intuition is. Some see it as the opposite of rationality: others view it as an excuse for capriciousness.
  Isenberg’s recent research on the cognitive6 processes of senior managers reveals that managers’ intuition is (20) neither of these. Rather, senior managers use intuitionin at least five distinct ways. First, they intuitively sense when a problem exists. Second, managers rely on intu-ition to perform well-learned behavior patterns rapidly.This intuition is not arbitrary or irrational7, but is based (25) on years of painstaking8 practice and hands-on experi-ence that build skills. A third function of intuition is to synthesize isolated9 bits of data and practice into an integrated picture, often in an “Aha!” experience. Fourth,some managers use intuition as a check on the results (30) of more rational analysis. Most senior executives are familiar with the formal decision analysis models and tools, and those who use such systematic10 methods for reaching decisions are occasionally leery of solutionssuggested by these methods which run counter to their (35) sense of the correct course of action. Finally, managerscan use intuition to bypass in-depth analysis and move rapidly to engender11 a plausible12 solution. Used in this way, intuition is an almost instantaneous cognitiveprocess in which a manager recognizes familiar patterns.(40)One of the implications of the intuitive style of executive management is that “thinking” is inseparable from acting13. Since managers often “know” what is right before they can analyze14 and explain it, they frequently act first and explain later. Analysis is inextricably tied (45) to action in thinking/acting cycles, in which managersdevelop thoughts about their companies and organizations not by analyzing15 a problematic situation and thenacting, but by acting and analyzing in close concert.
  Given the great uncertainty16 of many of the manage-(50) ment issues that they face, senior managers often instigate17 a course of action simply to learn more about an issue. They then use the results of the action to developa more complete understanding of the issue. One implication of thinking/acting cycles is that action is often (55) part of defining the problem, not just of implementingthe solution.

1. According to the passage, senior managers use intuition in all of the following ways EXCEPT to
 (A) speed up of the creation of a solution to a problem
 (B) identify a problem
 (C) bring together disparate facts
 (D) stipulate18 clear goals
 (E) evaluate possible solutions to a problem

2. The passage suggests which of the following about the “writers on management” mentioned in line 12?
 (A) They have criticized managers for not following the classical rational model of decision analysis.
 (B) They have not based their analyses on a sufficiently19 large sample of actual managers.
 (C) They have relied in drawing their conclusions on what managers say rather than on what managers do.
 (D) They have misunderstood how managers use intuition in making business decisions.
 (E) They have not acknowledged the role of intuition in managerial practice.

3. Which of the following best exemplifies “an ‘Aha!’ experience” (line 28) as it is presented in the passage?
 (A) A manager risks taking an action whose outcome is unpredictable to discover whether the action changes the problem at hand.
 (B) A manager performs well-learned and familiar behavior patterns in creative and uncharacteristic ways to solve a problem.
 (C) A manager suddenly connects seemingly unrelated facts and experiences to create a pattern relevant to the problem at hand.
 (D) A manager rapidly identifies the methodology used to compile data yielded by systematic analysis.
 (E) A manager swiftly decides which of several sets of tactics to implement in order to deal with the contingencies20 suggested by a problem.

4. According to the passage, the classical model of decision analysis includes all of the following EXCEPT
 (A) evaluation21 of a problem
 (B) creation of possible solutions to a problem
 (C) establishment of clear goals to be reached by the decision
 (D) action undertaken in order to discover more information about a problem
 (E) comparison of the probable effects of different solutions to a problem

5. It can be inferred from the passage that which of the following would most probably be one major difference in behavior between Manager X, who uses intuition to reach decisions, and Manager Y, who uses only formal decision analysis?
 (A) Manager X analyzes22 first and then acts; Manager Y does not.
 (B) Manager X checks possible solutions to a problem by systematic analysis; Manager Y does not
 (C) Manager X takes action in order to arrive at the solution to a problem; Manager Y does not.
 (D) Manager Y draws on years of hands-on experience in creating a solution to a problem; Manager X does not.
 (E) Manger Y depends on day-to-day tactical maneuvering23; manager X does not.

6. It can be inferred from the passage that “thinking/acting cycles” (line 45 ) in managerial practice would be likely to result in which of the following?
Ⅰ.A manager analyzes a network of problems and then acts on the basis of that analysis.
Ⅱ. A manager gathers data by acting and observing the effects of action.
Ⅲ. A manager takes action without being able to articulate reasons for that particular action.
 (A) Ⅰ only
 (B) Ⅱ only
 (C) Ⅰ and Ⅱ only
 (D) Ⅱ and Ⅲ only
 (E) Ⅰ,Ⅱ, and Ⅲ

7. The passage provides support for which of the following statements?
 (A) Managers who rely on intuition are more successful than those who rely on formal decision analysis.
 (B) Managers cannot justify24 their intuitive decisions.
 (C) Managers’ intuition works contrary to their rational and analytical25 skills
 (D) Logical analysis of a problem increases the number of possible solutions.
 (E) Intuition enables managers to employ their practical experience more efficiently26.

8. Which of the following best describes the organization of the first paragraph of the passage?
 (A) An assertion is made and a specific supporting example is given.
 (B) A conventional model is dismissed and an alternative introduced.
 (C) The results of recent research are introduced and summarized
 (D) Two opposing points of view are presented and evaluated.
 (E) A widely accepted definition is presented and qualified



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1 formulating 40080ab94db46e5c26ccf0e5aa91868a     
v.构想出( formulate的现在分词 );规划;确切地阐述;用公式表示
参考例句:
  • At present, the Chinese government is formulating nationwide regulations on the control of such chemicals. 目前,中国政府正在制定全国性的易制毒化学品管理条例。 来自汉英非文学 - 白皮书
  • Because of this, the U.S. has taken further steps in formulating the \"Magellan\" programme. 为此,美国又进一步制定了“麦哲伦”计划。 来自百科语句
2 implement WcdzG     
n.(pl.)工具,器具;vt.实行,实施,执行
参考例句:
  • Don't undertake a project unless you can implement it.不要承担一项计划,除非你能完成这项计划。
  • The best implement for digging a garden is a spade.在花园里挖土的最好工具是铁锹。
3 maneuvers 4f463314799d35346cd7e8662b520abf     
n.策略,谋略,花招( maneuver的名词复数 )
参考例句:
  • He suspected at once that she had been spying upon his maneuvers. 他立刻猜想到,她已经侦察到他的行动。 来自辞典例句
  • Maneuvers in Guizhou occupied the Reds for four months. 贵州境内的作战占了红军四个月的时间。 来自辞典例句
4 vaguely BfuzOy     
adv.含糊地,暖昧地
参考例句:
  • He had talked vaguely of going to work abroad.他含糊其词地说了到国外工作的事。
  • He looked vaguely before him with unseeing eyes.他迷迷糊糊的望着前面,对一切都视而不见。
5 ambiguity 9xWzT     
n.模棱两可;意义不明确
参考例句:
  • The telegram was misunderstood because of its ambiguity.由于电文意义不明确而造成了误解。
  • Her answer was above all ambiguity.她的回答毫不含糊。
6 cognitive Uqwz0     
adj.认知的,认识的,有感知的
参考例句:
  • As children grow older,their cognitive processes become sharper.孩子们越长越大,他们的认知过程变得更为敏锐。
  • The cognitive psychologist is like the tinker who wants to know how a clock works.认知心理学者倒很像一个需要通晓钟表如何运转的钟表修理匠。
7 irrational UaDzl     
adj.无理性的,失去理性的
参考例句:
  • After taking the drug she became completely irrational.她在吸毒后变得完全失去了理性。
  • There are also signs of irrational exuberance among some investors.在某些投资者中是存在非理性繁荣的征象的。
8 painstaking 6A6yz     
adj.苦干的;艰苦的,费力的,刻苦的
参考例句:
  • She is not very clever but she is painstaking.她并不很聪明,但肯下苦功夫。
  • Through years of our painstaking efforts,we have at last achieved what we have today.大家经过多少年的努力,才取得今天的成绩。
9 isolated bqmzTd     
adj.与世隔绝的
参考例句:
  • His bad behaviour was just an isolated incident. 他的不良行为只是个别事件。
  • Patients with the disease should be isolated. 这种病的患者应予以隔离。
10 systematic SqMwo     
adj.有系统的,有计划的,有方法的
参考例句:
  • The way he works isn't very systematic.他的工作不是很有条理。
  • The teacher made a systematic work of teaching.这个教师进行系统的教学工作。
11 engender 3miyT     
v.产生,引起
参考例句:
  • A policy like that tends to engender a sense of acceptance,and the research literature suggests this leads to greater innovation.一个能够使员工产生认同感的政策,研究表明这会走向更伟大的创新。
  • The sense of injustice they engender is a threat to economic and political security.它们造成的不公平感是对经济和政治安全的威胁。
12 plausible hBCyy     
adj.似真实的,似乎有理的,似乎可信的
参考例句:
  • His story sounded plausible.他说的那番话似乎是真实的。
  • Her story sounded perfectly plausible.她的说辞听起来言之有理。
13 acting czRzoc     
n.演戏,行为,假装;adj.代理的,临时的,演出用的
参考例句:
  • Ignore her,she's just acting.别理她,她只是假装的。
  • During the seventies,her acting career was in eclipse.在七十年代,她的表演生涯黯然失色。
14 analyze RwUzm     
vt.分析,解析 (=analyse)
参考例句:
  • We should analyze the cause and effect of this event.我们应该分析这场事变的因果。
  • The teacher tried to analyze the cause of our failure.老师设法分析我们失败的原因。
15 analyzing be408cc8d92ec310bb6260bc127c162b     
v.分析;分析( analyze的现在分词 );分解;解释;对…进行心理分析n.分析
参考例句:
  • Analyzing the date of some socialist countries presents even greater problem s. 分析某些社会主义国家的统计数据,暴露出的问题甚至更大。 来自辞典例句
  • He undoubtedly was not far off the mark in analyzing its predictions. 当然,他对其预测所作的分析倒也八九不离十。 来自辞典例句
16 uncertainty NlFwK     
n.易变,靠不住,不确知,不确定的事物
参考例句:
  • Her comments will add to the uncertainty of the situation.她的批评将会使局势更加不稳定。
  • After six weeks of uncertainty,the strain was beginning to take its toll.6个星期的忐忑不安后,压力开始产生影响了。
17 instigate dxLyg     
v.教唆,怂恿,煽动
参考例句:
  • His object was to instigate a little rebellion on the part of the bishop.他的目的是,在主教方面煽起一场小小的造反。
  • It would not prove worthwhile to instigate a nuclear attack.挑起核攻击最终是不值得的。
18 stipulate shhyP     
vt.规定,(作为条件)讲定,保证
参考例句:
  • International rules stipulate the number of foreign entrants.国际规则规定了外国参赛者的人数。
  • Some manufacturers stipulate the price at which their goods are to be sold.有些制造商规定出售他们生产的商品的价格。
19 sufficiently 0htzMB     
adv.足够地,充分地
参考例句:
  • It turned out he had not insured the house sufficiently.原来他没有给房屋投足保险。
  • The new policy was sufficiently elastic to accommodate both views.新政策充分灵活地适用两种观点。
20 contingencies ae3107a781f5a432c8e43398516126af     
n.偶然发生的事故,意外事故( contingency的名词复数 );以备万一
参考例句:
  • We must consider all possible contingencies. 我们必须考虑一切可能发生的事。
  • We must be prepared for all contingencies. 我们要作好各种准备,以防意外。 来自辞典例句
21 evaluation onFxd     
n.估价,评价;赋值
参考例句:
  • I attempted an honest evaluation of my own life.我试图如实地评价我自己的一生。
  • The new scheme is still under evaluation.新方案还在评估阶段。
22 analyzes e2e80b8320e1dd8d4c035d41fd7e44e5     
v.分析( analyze的第三人称单数 );分解;解释;对…进行心理分析
参考例句:
  • This approach analyzes management by studying experience usually through cases. 这个学派通常从实例获得经验,用以分析管理。 来自辞典例句
  • The econometrician analyzes statistical data. 经济计量学者要分析统计材料。 来自辞典例句
23 maneuvering maneuvering     
v.移动,用策略( maneuver的现在分词 );操纵
参考例句:
  • This Manstein did, with some brilliant maneuvering under the worse winter conditions. 曼施坦因在最恶劣的严冬条件下,出色地施展了灵活机动的战术,终于完成了任务。 来自辞典例句
  • In short, large goals required farsighted policies, not tactical maneuvering. 一句话,大的目标需要有高瞻远瞩的政策,玩弄策略是不行的。 来自辞典例句
24 justify j3DxR     
vt.证明…正当(或有理),为…辩护
参考例句:
  • He tried to justify his absence with lame excuses.他想用站不住脚的借口为自己的缺席辩解。
  • Can you justify your rude behavior to me?你能向我证明你的粗野行为是有道理的吗?
25 analytical lLMyS     
adj.分析的;用分析法的
参考例句:
  • I have an analytical approach to every survey.对每项调查我都采用分析方法。
  • As a result,analytical data obtained by analysts were often in disagreement.结果各个分析家所得的分析数据常常不一致。
26 efficiently ZuTzXQ     
adv.高效率地,有能力地
参考例句:
  • The worker oils the machine to operate it more efficiently.工人给机器上油以使机器运转更有效。
  • Local authorities have to learn to allocate resources efficiently.地方政府必须学会有效地分配资源。
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