Question

Recently, some alumni of ABC threatened that their children should be given preference in admissions, or they would withdraw as recruiters. The director was, however, hesitant about allowing alumni to interfere in running the school because the fairness of the admissions process had earned ABC high respect within the corporate world that recruited from the school.
Which of the following reasons, if true, will BEST help the director NOT to worry about pandering to those alumni?

• A. The alumni were the reason that ABC was able to attract corporates.
• B. Some of the alumni were regularly teaching as guest faculty in the school.
• C. The alumni depend upon ABC’s success to enhance their employability.
• D. No business school, in the region, has allowed alumni any say in managing the operations.
• E. ABC has not entertained any requests from the alumni till date.
• A. The alumni do not follow research publications in general.
• B. The alumni do not care for the teachers, or classes, in general.
• C. The alumni are aware that ABC offers a retainable talent pool.
• D. ABC’s placements in the previous year were completed in 4 days.
• J. ABC could never break into the top 40 ranks in the country when it applied earlier.
• A. Students, who attend every class, should be given “thank you” notes from the director.
• B. Students should be asked to pay a monetary penalty for missing classes.
• C. Faculty members, who make classes very engaging, should be felicitated during the convocation.
• D. Only students, with at least 85 percent class attendance, will participate in placements.
• O. Students should be rewarded for contributing to in-class discussions and learning.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

To determine the best reason for the director not to worry about pandering to the alumni's demands for preferential admissions, let's evaluate the options in the context of the school's situation.

1. Option 1:
   The alumni were the reason that ABC was able to attract corporates.

   If this were true, it would imply that the alumni hold significant influence over the school's success in placements. This could make the director worried about antagonizing them, as it might impact the school's ability to attract recruiters.

2. Option 2:
   Some of the alumni were regularly teaching as guest faculty in the school.

   While this shows the alumni's involvement, it does not directly address their power to influence the admissions process. It neither strengthens nor weakens the director's resolve not to pander to their demands.

3. Option 3:
   The alumni depend upon ABC’s success to enhance their employability.

   This option suggests that alumni have a vested interest in maintaining and supporting the school's success. If ABC maintains its standards, alumni stand to benefit in their professional lives. Thus, they are less likely to take any actions that could potentially harm the school's reputation. This provides a strong reason for the director not to yield to their demands.

4. Option 4:
   No business school, in the region, has allowed alumni any say in managing the operations.

   This option presents a regional standard of practice but does not necessarily protect ABC from alumni pressure. It does not impact the alumni's potential influence within ABC.

5. Option 5:
   ABC has not entertained any requests from the alumni till date.

   This suggests a precedent of not giving into alumni demands, which could support the director's decision. However, it does not provide a reason why the alumni's threats shouldn't be taken seriously now.

After evaluating all options, Option 3—"The alumni depend upon ABC’s success to enhance their employability"—proves to be the best reason for the director not to worry about pandering to alumni demands, as it indicates that the alumni themselves have a vested interest in maintaining the school's high standards and reputation.

Answer 2

Step 1: Analyze the scenario.
The alumni’s threats highlight their importance to the institution’s operations. However, the director must focus on the institution’s independence and credibility.
Step 2: Evaluate the options.
- Option 1: Highlights alumni’s role but does not directly justify ignoring their demands. 
-Option 2: Irrelevant to the alumni’s request for preferential admissions. 
- Option 3: Indicates that the alumni’s dependence on ABC’s success ensures mutual interest, making their threats less credible. 
- Option 4: Shows a regional precedent but does not directly relate to ABC’s specific case. 
- Option 5: Past decisions are not as compelling in the face of current challenges.
Final Answer: (3)

Answer 3

To determine which fact best alleviates the director's concern about applying for rankings, we need to understand the context of the question. ABC Business School is aiming for better visibility and rankings, but the challenge is to engage faculty in research and consulting, which is not their current focus.

The key solution lies in the role of alumni and their impact on the school’s reputation and recruitment strength. Let's examine each option to identify the best mitigating factor:

1. The alumni do not follow research publications in general.
   This option suggests that alumni are not interested in research, which is not helpful as the school needs faculty to engage in research to improve rankings.
2. The alumni do not care for the teachers, or classes, in general.
   This portrays a negative perception of alumni towards faculty and coursework, which could harm the school’s efforts in improving its reputation and rankings.
3. The alumni are aware that ABC offers a retainable talent pool.
   This fact is crucial. It indicates that despite the lack of a strong research presence, the alumni recognize and value the school’s ability to nurture talent who can be retained by organizations. This is a strong selling point for recruiters and adds to the school’s positive reputation, contributing to its rankings.
4. ABC’s placements in the previous year were completed in 4 days.
   While quick placements suggest a strong job market for graduates, they do not directly impact the faculty’s research focus, which is the primary concern for rankings.
5. ABC could never break into the top 40 ranks in the country when it applied earlier.
   This highlights a historical struggle with rankings and does not offer any mitigating factor to change that narrative.

Among all options, the statement that the alumni are aware that ABC offers a retainable talent pool (Option 3) addresses the director's concern effectively. This fact underscores the school’s value beyond research efforts by showcasing a favorable aspect that can attract recognition and retain recruiter interest, helping the director focus less on the immediate research and consulting transition.

Answer 4

Step 1: Analyze the scenario.
The director’s concern revolves around visibility among recruiters and the need for faculty engagement in research and consulting. However, a strong talent pool and existing recruiter satisfaction might reduce the urgency of applying for rankings.
Step 2: Evaluate the options.
- Option 1: Indicates alumni’s indifference to research but does not address recruiter visibility.
- Option 2: Suggests alumni’s indifference to faculty efforts but is not linked to rankings. 
-Option 3: Highlights recruiter satisfaction with the talent pool, reducing reliance on rankings.
- Option 4: Shows placement efficiency but lacks direct impact on the ranking decision. 
-Option 5: Suggests prior failures in rankings but does not address recruiter satisfaction.
Final Answer: (3)

Answer 5

To address the issue of faculty complaints about student attendance, we need to implement a policy that effectively increases student participation in classes. Let's evaluate the given options one by one:

1. Students, who attend every class, should be given “thank you” notes from the director.
   This option acknowledges students' presence but lacks any substantial incentive. It is unlikely to significantly increase attendance as thank-you notes don't provide a compelling reason for students to change their behavior.
2. Students should be asked to pay a monetary penalty for missing classes.
   Introducing a penalty might deter absenteeism, but it can also lead to negative feelings and resentment. It is not a constructive approach as it doesn't address the root cause of low attendance.
3. Faculty members, who make classes very engaging, should be felicitated during the convocation.
   While this rewards faculty efforts, it does not directly compel students to attend classes. The focus here is on faculty, rather than changing student behavior.
4. Only students, with at least 85 percent class attendance, will participate in placements.
   This option directly impacts students' futures by tying attendance to placement opportunities. Given that placements are a crucial aspect for students, this is a highly effective measure to incentivize attendance. It imposes a significant consequence for non-compliance, thus aligning students' priorities with academic participation.
5. Students should be rewarded for contributing to in-class discussions and learning.
   Encouraging engagement can improve class quality but might not address the attendance issue directly. Students may still skip classes if they feel they won't contribute significantly.

After evaluating all options, the most effective announcement by the director to ensure faculty stop complaining about student attendance is:

Only students, with at least 85 percent class attendance, will participate in placements.

Conclusion: Tying attendance to placement opportunities is a strong motivator for students to attend classes. As placements directly affect their career prospects, students are more inclined to maintain the required attendance level, thereby addressing both faculty concerns and promoting academic diligence.

Answer 6

Step 1: Analyze the scenario.
The primary concern is the lack of attendance and seriousness among students. A strong measure tied to an essential aspect, like placements, would likely address this concern.
Step 2: Evaluate the options.
- Option 1: A “thank you” note is unlikely to incentivize students meaningfully. 
- Option 2: Monetary penalties might create resentment and are not directly linked to academic seriousness. 
- Option 3: Felicitating faculty may encourage teaching efforts but does not address student behavior. 
- Option 4: Linking attendance to placements provides a direct and impactful incentive for students to attend classes seriously. 
- Option 5: Rewards for class participation are beneficial but do not address attendance directly.
Final Answer: (4)