1) Academic Research & White Paper
Question 1 of 21
A correlational study will not only point out the trends in your data but
can prove causality.
TRUE
FALSE
FALSE
Question 2 of 21
A rigorous and well-structured instrument will need to be what two
things?
Significant and Ethical
Deductive and Confidential
Correlational and Probabilistic
Reliable and Valid
Reliable and Valid
Question 3 of 21
Why is it important for another researcher to be able to replicate your
study?
It broadens the findings of your research if findings can be replicated in
another setting.
It allows for the research field to test the validity of your findings
It can ensure the relevance of this new knowledge in different
environments.
all of these answers
all of these answers
Question 4 of 21
The independent variable is the variable your research will manipulate
to see potential relationships with dependent variables.
TRUE
FALSE
TRUE
Question 5 of 21
What makes a research objective different from a research question?
There can only be one research objective.
A research objective is more focused than a research question.
A research objective can only relate to a hypothesis.
The research objective is concerned with the goals of your research
rather than the questions your data collection attempts to answer.
The research objective is concerned with the goals of your research
rather than the questions your data collection attempts to answer.
Question 6 of 21
Why is the null hypothesis important in quantitative research?
There needs to be more than an educated guess about a phenomenon.
Statistics are a soft science and need a different hypothesis than a hard
science.
A null hypothesis accounts for random chance as the reason for a
perceived relationship between variables.
Quantitative research is about certainty rather than probability. The null
hypothesis is not a certainty measure.
A null hypothesis accounts for random chance as the reason for a
perceived relationship between variables.
Question 7 of 21
How does a literature review differ from an annotated bibliography?
A literature review is a straightforward recitation of what you read, like a
book report.
There is no difference; a literature review is the research term for
annotated bibliography.
A literature review must include all of the literature you have read on
the topic.
A literature review provides a thorough dive into the field from a
narrative perspective, not just notes.
A literature review provides a thorough dive into the field from a
narrative perspective, not just notes.
Question 8 of 21
Can good social science research be subjective?
Yes, because social science research can cherry-pick its findings to match
an ideology.
Yes, because subjectivity as a social science research term is about the
human condition.
No, because objectivity must be more than a research framework.
No, because objectivity is at the forefront of the scientific method.
Yes, because social science research can cherry-pick its findings to
match an ideology.
Question 9 of 21
Which of the following IS NOT a consideration when narrowing your
research topic?
Relationship of Variables
Aspect
Validity
Methodology
Validity
Question 10 of 21
You should start writing your problem statement from the place you feel
the most comfortable.
TRUE
FALSE
TRUE
Question 11 of 21
Which of the following IS NOT a section of a research proposal
Criticisms
Problem Statement
Methodology
Analysis
Criticisms
Question 12 of 21
What is population sampling?
The methodology used to achieve a representative sample of people to
participate in your study.
Finding the people who take part in your study but should not have.
Choosing participants at random to ensure probability.
Engineering the participants in your study to align with the contours of
the population.
The methodology used to achieve a representative sample of people to
participate in your study.
Question 13 of 21
Which is the best description of an ancillary study?
Putting an intervention into an experiment to measure against a control
group.
Supplementing an existing data set with one or more additional
measurements.
Using an existing data set but comparing variables not examined in the
original study.
Using statistics to identify variances and publication biases in existing
literature and research results.
Supplementing an existing data set with one or more additional
measurements.
Question 14 of 21
There are multiple ways to share and fill out a survey, and your research
can combine methods to meet participants where they are.
TRUE
FALSE
FALSE
Question 15 of 21
How do ‘statistical significance’ and ‘practical significance’ differ?
Statistical means the findings are relevant; practical means the
probability of results left to random chance is low.
Statistical means the probability of results left to random chance is low;
practical means the findings are relevant to use in your field.
There is no difference.
Statistical means the probability of results left to random chance is low
and the findings are relevant; practical means the cost is low.
Statistical means the probability of results left to random chance is low;
practical means the findings are relevant to use in your field.
Question 16 of 21
Which of the following IS NOT true about formatting a table?
Show data patterns in columns rather than rows because most people
read down rather than across.
More smaller tables are better than one very large table.
Simplify numbers to the fullest extent, even if that means using scientific
notation.
Make sure to share your data from the highest number to the lowest.
Make sure to share your data from the highest number to the lowest.
Question 17 of 21
Common acronyms should be used throughout the paper.
TRUE
FALSE
FALSE
Question 18 of 21
Most research limitations fall into which two categories?
Methodology limitations and data limitations.
Methodology limitations and infrastructure limitations.
Methodology limitations and population sample limitations.
Methodology limitations and research team limitations.
Methodology limitations and research team limitations.
Question 19 of 21
The abstract and final summary are almost always the two most-read
parts of a research paper.
TRUE
FALSE
TRUE
Question 20 of 21
Which of the following IS NOT a primary ethical standard of research?
Informed consent
Validity
Avoiding harm while doing good
Confidentiality
Validity
Question 21 of 21
Which of the following studies would NOT require Institutional Review
Board approval?
All studies require IRB approval.
A study using a mix of human and non-human subjects.
A study entirely using previously collected data which was published in a
publically available source.
A study using internal subjects.
A study entirely using previously collected data which was published in
a publically available source.
2) Writing Articles
Question 1 of 9
Which of these article types is the most flexible and popular?
feature
news
research
commentary
feature
Question 2 of 9
What should you NOT include in a pitch or query letter?
sources you plan to speak with
a deadline for responding
your completed article
the editor’s name
your completed article
Question 3 of 9
All of these are great sources for your article content EXCEPT _.
something you saw with your own eyes
something you heard from a friend
something you read in a major news outlet
an interview you did with an expert
something you heard from a friend
Question 4 of 9
Before an interview, it’s a good idea _.
to prepare a list of yes-or-no questions
not to think too much—you want it to feel like a natural conversation
to prepare a list of long, complex questions
to ask your subject if it’s okay to record the interview
to ask your subject if it’s okay to record the interview
Question 5 of 9
One way to organize the ideas in your article is to _.
edit your notes, deleting and cutting/pasting as needed
create a detailed outline with roman numerals
all of these answers
sketch a loose visual roadmap or flow chart
all of these answers
Question 6 of 9
Use your creativity to keep the reader engaged in all parts of your article
EXCEPT _.
transitions
the ending
quotations
the “lede” or beginning
quotations
Question 7 of 9
When editing your article, what should you NOT be looking for?
Roman numerals
cliches
fussy language
unnecessary words
Roman numerals
Question 8 of 9
When submitting your article for publication, don’t include _.
a suggested headline
a list of your interview questions
This is not necessary.
photos and captions
your availability in the coming days
a list of your interview questions
Question 9 of 9
What are the two main reasons to promote your article?
to show your subject matter to readers and your skills to editors
to show your editing to publishers and your skills to sources
to show your transitions to readers and your subject matter to editors
to show your sources to editors and your skills to competitors
to show your subject matter to readers and your skills to editors
3) Information Literacy
Question 1 of 21
Information literacy includes skills in navigating research, as well as an
understanding of _.
how information is created
the Dewey decimal system
who the primary information creators are
exactly how much information exists
how information is created
Question 2 of 21
Aaron plans to do some research on the Industrial Revolution in the
university library’s archives. How would what he finds there differ from
research on the same topic in a general library’s collection?
The materials are more likely to be digital than materials in a general
library collection.
The materials were all created by scholars who studied the Industrial
Revolution.
Some of the relevant materials were created during the Industrial
Revolution.
There are many more copies of archival materials than materials in a
general library collection.
Some of the relevant materials were created during the Industrial
Revolution.
Question 3 of 21
Margot travels frequently for work. Why might she choose to use an
online library to conduct research for a project she’s working on?
She needs to use books written by an author who’s still living.
Only online libraries have free books.
She can access the books remotely.
She only needs books in the public domain.
She can access the books remotely.
Question 4 of 21
A train derailed outside of Philadelphia on Monday. Based on the
information cycle, where would you read about this story on Tuesday?
internet
reference book
newspaper
academic journal
newspaper
Question 5 of 21
How can Wikipedia be helpful when you’re conducting college research?
It can help you identify keywords and concepts to research elsewhere.
It can be referred to for unbiased information on any topic.
It can be used as primary source material.
It can be used as a sole source since it’s so comprehensive.
It can help you identify keywords and concepts to research elsewhere.
Question 6 of 21
How are social media sites today being used as a trusted source of
information?
They’re used to connect classmates and coworkers.
They’re used to share personal videos.
They’re used to update communities about natural disasters.
They’re used by organizations to push a political agenda.
They’re used to update communities about natural disasters.
Question 7 of 21
Nan is a school administrator trying to estimate how many school-age
kids will be living in her district in five years. What type of research
resource should she use to help her find the answer?
maps
statistical database
objects and artifacts
materials collections
statistical database
Question 8 of 21
As a visually literate researcher, which action can help establish the
credibility of an image?
Find an image with an online search.
Identify the images needed.
Evaluate the image source.
Put the image in context.
Evaluate the image source.
Question 9 of 21
Felicity wants to use some photos of the New York City skyline in her
presentation. What type of images should she look for to ensure she can
use them without permission?
images in the public domain
images from a library’s archives
images from the Library of Congress
images that appear in Google search
images in the public domain
Question 10 of 21
For a class assignment, Nelson needs to use a periodical source that has
been peer reviewed. Which source should he use?
newspaper
trade journal
general magazine
scholarly journal
scholarly journal
Question 11 of 21
What is true about general magazines?
The articles are peer reviewed.
They’re written by professional journalists.
They are considered primary sources.
They contain a bibliography.
They’re written by professional journalists.
Question 12 of 21
Who would find mind mapping the most helpful?
Someone who needs to refine the direction of their research.
Someone who wants to organize the research they’ve already conducted.
Someone who doesn’t know what research topic to start with.
Someone who is an expert in their research topic.
Someone who needs to refine the direction of their research.
Question 13 of 21
Which Boolean search term broadens your search?
and
both
or
not
or
Question 14 of 21
What type of search terms can help you find similar or related terms
grouped together?
free language terms
subject headings
authority headings
keywords
authority headings
Question 15 of 21
If you aren’t able to find enough source material when you start
researching a topic, you should consider _ your topic.
narrowing
giving up
expanding
abandoning
expanding
Question 16 of 21
Malik’s instructor is requiring that students use two primary sources for
their end-of-semester project. What sources should he choose?
autobiography and biography
news article and diary
diary and description by a witness
magazine article and encyclopedia
diary and description by a witness
Question 17 of 21
Cecily is searching for sources for a paper she’s writing on the
Mediterranean diet. In what circumstance would she choose a popular
publication as a source?
She needs a bibliography to refer to.
She wants to use peer-reviewed information.
She is unfamiliar with the jargon in the field.
She needs credible citations.
She is unfamiliar with the jargon in the field.
Question 18 of 21
Dylan wants to use a sentence from a history book in his paper. What
action would be considered plagiarism?
Using the sentence with quotation marks around it.
Just changing the word order of the sentence.
Restating the sentence in his own words.
Crediting the original source of the sentence.
Just changing the word order of the sentence.
Question 19 of 21
What usage of copyrighted materials would be a violation of the fair use
doctrine?
criticism
marketing
teaching
news reporting
marketing
Question 20 of 21
Kara is working on a group research project and needs to create an
annotated bibliography based on the bibliography created by another
team member. What does she need to add?
a description of the sources
the authors of the sources
the publishers of the sources
the names of the sources
a description of the sources
Question 21 of 21
For a work of art, what is contained in an image caption that is not
present in an image citation?
the item’s owner
the title of the work
the dimensions
the artist’s name
the dimensions
4) Technical Writing
Question 1 of 5
When starting your Quick Start Guide, what questions should you keep
in mind?
A. Are there steps my user must take to get started?
B. How can I make my guide visually appealing?
C. Are there tasks my user may want to complete?
A, C
B, C
A, B
A, B, C
A, C
Question 2 of 5
Which of the following practices should you follow when annotating
screenshots?
Keep annotation style consistent throughout the guide.
Vary the annotation style from one visual to the next.
Make the annotation style match the size and color of the actual
screenshot.
Annotate each element of the screenshot.
Keep annotation style consistent throughout the guide.
Question 3 of 5
Good Quick Start Guides combine _ language and _ language.
plain; understandable
technical; specialized
plain; technical
plain; technical
Question 4 of 5
A good heading should always be what?
specific and descriptive
as concise as possible
seldom using any verbs
written as a complete sentence
specific and descriptive
Question 5 of 5
Which of the following items is the best example of a good step
description?
Turn on ventilation system before starting any other steps.
Ventilate the laboratory.
The necessity of proper ventilation
Before starting any other steps, turn on the ventilation system.
Turn on ventilation system before starting any other steps.
Final Exam
Question 1 of 7
What is the difference between a conceptual guide and a procedural
guide?
A conceptual guide explains why it is necessary to accomplish a task, but
a procedural guide describes pitfalls.
A conceptual guide explains the order of steps, but a procedural guide
lists the steps in no particular order.
A conceptual guide outlines steps to accomplish a task, but a procedural
guide explains the main ideas of that task.
A conceptual guide introduces main ideas, but a procedural guide
outlines steps to accomplish a task.
d )A conceptual guide introduces main ideas, but a procedural guide
outlines steps to accomplish a task.
Question 2 of 7
Which of the following items best uses plain language to describe an
idea?
Lyophilize the sample until its mass becomes constant.
Remove as much water as possible from the sample by lyophilization.
Freeze dry the sample until no more water sublimes.
Leave the sample in the lyophilizer until its mass does not change with
time.
d) Leave the sample in the lyophilizer until its mass does not change
with time.
Question 3 of 7
How are “Must” Quick Start Guides organized?
They give the user options for how to proceed.
They walk the user through a strict sequence to achieve a desired
outcome.
They are presented non-sequentially.
They include helpful visual aids.
b) They walk the user through a strict sequence to achieve a desired
outcome.
Question 4 of 7
It can be helpful to base your Quick Start Guide on _.
an online template
the user manual
previous Quick Start Guides you have made
your competitor’s Quick Start Guide
b) the user manual
Question 5 of 7
The most important aspect of formatting to remember is that _.
it should be conservative and decorative
it should be easy on the eye and consistent
it should convey meaning and be consistent
it should be decorative and flamboyant
c) it should convey meaning and be consistent
Question 6 of 7
How should you address the user when you are writing a Quickstart
guide?
with the phrase “the user” throughout the guide
with second-person pronouns or the imperative mood
with a fictional user and giving that user a name
with third-person pronouns and the indicative mood
b) with second-person pronouns or the imperative mood
Question 7 of 7
How can you avoid including too many notes?
by writing a glossary of terms
by including notes in an appendix
by breaking up steps into smaller groups
by using footnotes instead of notes in the text
c) by breaking up steps into smaller groups
5) Business Writing Principles
Question 1 of 8
Which choice is a reliable way to ensure that your email will be read?
Use a comma after the recipient’s name to convey respect.
Use a compelling subject line.
Close out the email with a heartfelt expression like “Very truly yours.”
Give all the critical information in one paragraph so the reader will have
fewer paragraphs to read.
Use a compelling subject line.
Question 2 of 8
How should you structure your document for easy reading?
Use two or three line paragraphs
Include at least 8 sentences in each paragraph.
Use lists and bullets.
Use long paragraphs.
Use lists and bullets.
Question 3 of 8
Revise the following sentence to be more concise, but have the same
meaning:
“The sales figures that we calculate annually will be given to you
sometime on the first day of the month of July.”
You will receive our annual sales figures July 1.
We will give the sales figures that we calculate annually to you on July 1.
On the first day of July, you will receive the sales figures that we have
calculated.
You will receive from us before the close of our work day on July 1 the
annual sales figures.
You will receive our annual sales figures July 1.
Question 4 of 8
Which of the following elements do effective business writers always
include in their communications?
a face-to-face component
adjectives and adverbs
topic sentences
compliments to the reader
topic sentences
Question 5 of 8
Which of these is an example of a concrete request?
Please help yourself to several bagels in the conference room.
You’ll need to increase your sales by 20 percent soon.
Try to work harder on your next presentation.
Please have the expense report on my desk by 5 p.m. this afternoon.
Please have the expense report on my desk by 5 p.m. this afternoon.
Question 6 of 8
Which sentence is punctuated properly?
Despite having been before I am excited to attend the conference.
I have been to the conference before, I am excited to go again.
I have been to the conference before, and I am excited to go again.
I have been to the conference before; and I am excited to go again.
I have been to the conference before, and I am excited to go again.
Question 7 of 8
Which of these should you do during the planning stage?
write every random thought that comes into your head
identify five specific topics to include
determine how long the document will be
consider the reader’s needs and wants
consider the reader’s needs and wants
Question 8 of 8
What is one reason to send a handwritten note?
to discipline a subordinate
to express gratitude
to spread awareness about a new policy
to suggest a new meeting time
to express gratitude
Final Exam
Question 1 of 13
Which of the following is a grammatically correct sentence?
Please put the folders over their.
Your attitude affects your performance.
Everyone already knows what they’re supposed to do.
Kyle and myself would like to request Friday off.
b) Your attitude affects your performance.
Question 2 of 13
How much of your writing time should be spent planning and revising?
50%
80%
none
30%
b) 80%
Question 3 of 13
What question should you ask yourself to write in a conversational style?
What are the most important pieces of content to include in this email?
Would I say this to someone if I were speaking to them face to face?
By when do I need this correspondent to send her reply?
How can I make this email formal enough to sound impressive?
b) Would I say this to someone if I were speaking to them face to face?
Question 4 of 13
Revise to include all the necessary specifics: We will be having a meeting
on Tuesday.
Next Tuesday we’ll meet to discuss some items in Room 101.
Our next staff meeting to discuss flextime and childcare will be Tuesday,
November 12, in Room 101 in our company annex.
We are writing you to tell you that our Tuesday meeting’s plan is to
discuss flextime and child care.
We will have a meeting next Tuesday at 10:00.
b) Our next staff meeting to discuss flextime and childcare will be
Tuesday, November 12, in Room 101 in our company annex.
Question 5 of 13
You send an email to your coworkers telling them to meet at the hotel
conference room at 9 a.m. for a meeting.
Considering the 10 Cs, what piece of information are you forgetting to
tell them?
They should bring writing utensils to take notes.
The meeting’s purpose is to discuss a marketing plan for your new
product.
The new hire, Janet, will also be there.
The hotel recently received national recognition.
b) The meeting’s purpose is to discuss a marketing plan for your new
product.
Question 6 of 13
Which of the following is indicative of a typical memo?
a clear introduction
a single paragraph
a length over two pages
a signature block
a) a clear introduction
Question 7 of 13
Which of the following is an example of courteous writing?
The room is already booked on the 11th, but it is available on the 12th.
You didn’t remember to include the time.
I will grant you the extension.
No, that won’t work for us.
a) The room is already booked on the 11th, but it is available on the
12th.
Question 8 of 13
Which of these should be included in a report for a client unfamiliar with
your company?
opinions
company-specific jargon
superlatives
specific company background information
d) specific company background information
Question 9 of 13
“Please complete the audit report by end of business day, Friday.”
What sort of request is this?
redundant request
considerate request
courteous request
concrete request
d) concrete request
Question 10 of 13
How can you ensure your recipient will read your email quickly when she
receives it in her inbox?
Mention the email when you speak to her face to face.
Forward messages as often as possible.
Use a one-word subject line.
Create a specific and compelling subject line.
d) Create a specific and compelling subject line.
Question 11 of 13
Which of these clues indicates that a source is credible?
The source includes answers collected from a few coworkers.
The source comes from an expert in the field.
The source uses materials collected several years ago.
The source was compiled using leading questions.
b) The source comes from an expert in the field.
Question 12 of 13
What is grammatically wrong with this sentence?
“Although I’ve already reviewed the slide deck I am still planning on
attending the live presentation.”
The sentence is grammatically correct.
The sentence needs a comma after “deck.”
The sentence should be divided into two separate sentences.
The sentence has a spelling error.
b) The sentence needs a comma after “deck.”
Question 13 of 13
Your employee’s writing skills have improved. Because of this
improvement, she is being put on a new account.
Considering coherence, which of the following is the most effective way
to inform her of this?
Your writing skills have improved tremendously. Consequently, you are
being assigned to the Johnson account.
Your writing skills have improved tremendously. However, you are being
assigned to the Johnson account.
Your writing skills have improved tremendously; additionally, you are
being assigned to the Johnson account.
Your writing skills have improved tremendously. You are being assigned
to the Johnson account.
a) Your writing skills have improved tremendously. Consequently, you
are being assigned to the Johnson account.
6) Preparing for Successful
Communication
Question 1 of 10
Noel has a critical meeting with her steering committee. She wants her
communication to succeed so she can move forward with a project.
Which tool will help her achieve this?
using a 5W form
using video conferencing
using a checklist
using email
using a 5W form
Question 2 of 10
One of the important factors of successful communication is to know
your audience and to have them listen to you. Which of the 5Ws guides
you through questions to get to the results you need from them?
Who
Why
Where
What
What
Question 3 of 10
Mika is getting ready to propose a new solution to her company
executives. She knows there may be resistance. What should she avoid
to get her audience to be receptive?
Articulate what you can do instead of what you cannot.
Ask yourself, why might my decision-maker say no?
Bridge with the word “but” instead of the word “and.”
Bridge with the word “but” instead of the word “and.”
Question 4 of 10
Jeremiah just finished a speech with an idea he mentioned in his
introduction. This technique is known as _.
bookending
sandwiching
alliteration
bookending
Question 5 of 10
Rafe has less than 10 minutes to get his communication into his
audience’s mental door and wanting to know more. Which of the
following would prevent Rafe from connecting with his audience?
Link the word “imagine” to three benefits of your product.
Open with three “did you know” questions.
Segue into what’s next by saying, “you don’t have to imagine it.”
Provide the audience with a two- or three-sentence overview of the
company.
Provide the audience with a two- or three-sentence overview of the
company.
Question 6 of 10
Albert has crafted a presentation for a conference on environmental
solutions. He needs to ensure that his audience will be inspired to take
action. What does he need to include in his presentation to inspire
action?
Include a Q and A slide.
Tell them what they need to do.
Include an action-oriented close.
Provide one specific way to continue the conversation.
Include an action-oriented close.
Question 7 of 10
Mark has a great idea for securing dog crates in a car. Which technique
would be the best way for him to present his idea?
Use a slide show.
Use a prop and act out the scenario.
Explain the problem and solution you have.
Use a prop and act out the scenario.
Question 8 of 10
You want to create a takeaway people can repeat and have it stay in
their minds when they leave your communication. What should you
avoid?
using rhyme
using iambic meter
developing a 50-100 word message
using alliteration
developing a 50-100 word message
Question 9 of 10
Miguel has asked you to help him with his presentation. He wants his
audience to be a part of his story. Which technique would you
recommend to him?
Add “you” type questions.
Add a Q and A.
Tell them your story.
Pause after every slide and ask if anyone has questions.
Add “you” type questions.
Question 10 of 10
Dieter has a big communication meeting coming up where he will be
presenting his solution. Which action may inhibit Dieter from being
successful?
Rehearse in front of some people.
Go for a walk and rehearse your presentation.
Practice your delivery in front of a mirror.
Practice your delivery in front of a mirror.
Final Exam
Question 1 of 9
You are in a meeting with your boss and need to ask for a raise. Which
tip would you use to reinforce that you are worth it?
End sentences with downward inflection.
Project your voice to all four corners of the room.
Tower instead of cower.
Project a voice of authority.
a) End sentences with downward inflection.
Question 2 of 9
When interviewing for a job or selling an idea, what should you refrain
from doing?
Talk about the various positions you have had in your career.
Share a unique credential.
Give a specific example of a problem you solved.
Relate relevant experience to benefits to your audience.
a) Talk about the various positions you have had in your career.
Question 3 of 9
Taylor is using a technique in her communication that will help her
audience follow her points. Which of these would confuse her
audience?
Highlight your numbered points when you mention them and in your
summary.
Preselect a precise number of ideas to cover in your allotted time.
Name your step-by-step process with an alliterative word.
Color code your process steps.
d) Color code your process steps.
Question 4 of 9
Chloe has created a communication she will give to her team. She has
identified the goal in one sentence. Which of the following is the next
logical step in the process of creating relevant communication?
You are right to show you understand their cares and concerns.
Share the good news of how you have already addressed their cares and
concerns.
Address their cares and concerns.
Anticipate your decision maker’s cares and concerns.
d) Anticipate your decision maker’s cares and concerns.
Question 5 of 9
Amy is applying the technique called _ in her communication so that
the audience will picture what she is saying and feel they are part of
her story.
SCENE
SEGMENT
SEQUENCE
SENSE
a) SCENE
Question 6 of 9
Kurt is fielding questions from an audience after his company just
implemented some recalls on a product. What would make the person
complaining angrier?
Apologize.
Explain why it happened.
Agree.
Act.
b) Explain why it happened.
Question 7 of 9
The _ says we can identify with an individual, not an idea.
empathic medium
sympathy telescope
empathy telescope
social medium
c) empathy telescope
Question 8 of 9
If you are fielding questions from an audience and someone asks a
question you do not want to answer, what would be the best approach
in this situation?
Tell them you cannot answer that one.
Say you don’t know.
Redirect the conversation.
Tell them that is a bad question.
c) Redirect the conversation.
Question 9 of 9
The goal of communication is to _.
tell people what to do
inspire action
sell an idea
sell a product
b) inspire action
7) Understanding Intellectual Property
Question 1 of 7
Under copyright law if you have a database of your client contact
information, what is considered protected?
only individual confidential data records
combination of phone number and client contact name
only the entire database not individual data
neither the data nor the database is protected
only the entire database not individual data
Question 2 of 29
If in a work-for-hire agreement, you (the contractor) create something,
who will own the rights to be considered the author?
As a contractor, it will be the party that is paying you to do the work.
As an contractor, you always are considered the author.
As an employee, you are always considered the author.
As a contractor, both parties will have joint authorship rights.
As a contractor, it will be the party that is paying you to do the work.
Question 3 of 29
If you are the creator of an asset protected by copyright law, which
statement is true?
If you are authoring for a company, then the copyright is valid for 70
years after your death.
If you are not authoring for a company, then the copyright is valid for 70
years after your death.
If you are not authoring for a company, then the copyright expires upon
your death.
If you are authoring for a company, then the copyright never expires.
If you are not authoring for a company, then the copyright is valid for
70 years after your death.
Question 4 of 29
Public domain is defined by assets not protected by copyright law?
TRUE
FALSE
TRUE
Question 5 of 29
In order to sue for copyright infringement, you must first do what?
have a registered copyright
you can sue before you register the copyright
have all your confidentiality agreements prepared to be signed
register for a trademark first
have a registered copyright
Question 6 of 29
Which statement is most accurate?
Under copyright law, companies can be liable for all infractions even if
they are not aware of them.
Even if you know that an infraction has taken place, you are not liable if
a contractor performed the infraction.
Under copyright law, owners of companies cannot be held personally
liable for infractions.
Under copyright law, companies are never liable for infractions if no one
in the company is aware of them.
Under copyright law, companies can be liable for all infractions even if
they are not aware of them.
Question 7 of 29
DMCA is an abbreviation for what federal act?
the Design Materials Copyright Act
the Document Management Copyright Act
the Digital Materials Copyright Act
the Digital Millennium Copyright Act
the Digital Millennium Copyright Act
Question 8 of 29
What is not a good example of a trademark?
a slogan
a brand name
a color
a jump shot
a jump shot
Question 9 of 29
Copyrights cover a work of art and trademarks cover a brand.
TRUE
FALSE
TRUE
Question 10 of 29
In trademark terms, “genericide” means
the trademark name has lost its distinctiveness.
the product that you have trademarked has not been successful.
the trademark name is no longer valid because you have changed the
product name.
the trademark name is not unique enough to be protected.
the trademark name has lost its distinctiveness.
Question 11 of 29
Before adopting a trademark, what is the first thing that you should do?
Look for a similar trademark and copy it closely.
Determine if this trademark will look good on social media.
Determine if you can adopt this trademark without infringing upon any
prior existing use of the trademark.
Register the trademark.
Determine if you can adopt this trademark without infringing upon any
prior existing use of the trademark.
Question 12 of 29
What .gov site provides a searchable database of registered trademarks
and provides forms for registering your own trademark?
USPS.gov
PTOUS.cov
USPTO.gov
USPA.gov
USPTO.gov
Question 13 of 29
What protocol is in place that allows for trademarks filed in the US to be
recognized by some international countries?
International Trademark Act Protocol
Madrid Protocol
EU Trademark Protocol
International Trademark Protocol
Madrid Protocol
Question 14 of 29
The broadest trademark symbol is the use of what?
words
logo only
a word in a stylized font
words and logo
words
Question 15 of 29
How many trademark extensions can you file?
1
10
as many as you can afford
5
5
Question 16 of 29
In terms of trademarks, infringement
adds value to your trademark.
is an analysis of whether there’s a likelihood of confusion between two
different marks.
is a good thing.
is using a trademark without the owner’s permission.
is an analysis of whether there’s a likelihood of confusion between two
different marks.
Question 17 of 29
What is an injunction?
Something usually issued by the USPTO.
Something that happens when you get a shot.
The best way to take a trademark away from someone else.
A requirement from a court that the party infringing on the trademark
must stop.
A requirement from a court that the party infringing on the trademark
must stop.
Question 18 of 29
How many years is a patent valid?
15
5
10
20
20
Question 19 of 29
In how many months does a provisional patent expire?
18
36
24
12
12
Question 20 of 29
What change has been made to the America Invents Act in recent years?
Mobile devices were added to list of patentable inventions.
Two creators can now gain patents on identical inventions if both were
created within 12 months of each other.
The creator of an article is better protected against infringement.
The first person to file the patent gains the rights versus the first person
to come up with the idea.
The first person to file the patent gains the rights versus the first
person to come up with the idea.
Question 21 of 29
If you share your idea with someone before you file the patent, what is a
good way to prevent the idea from being used by the other party?
Get a verbal agreement from the other party that they will not steal your
idea.
Have the other party sign an NDA.
Keep two fingers crossed behind you back as you tell them your secret.
Threaten to sue the other party if they steal your idea.
Have the other party sign an NDA.
Question 22 of 29
Which is not a good way to research if a patent already exists for your
idea?
Search the US Patent and Trademark Office’s online database.
Search Google’s online patent database.
Phone a friend.
Hire a lawyer to verify that no patent exists.
Phone a friend.
Question 23 of 29
Which of these is not a good way to keep track of your creation?
email notes
keep dated documents on a computer
keep lab notebooks
leverage the poor man’s patent
leverage the poor man’s patent
Question 24 of 29
A trade secret is
something that is secret but is of no real value.
is worth its weight in gold.
in the name so all trade secrets must have the word “secret” somewhere
in the name.
something that is secret and has value.
something that is secret and has value.
Question 25 of 29
In general, recipes are never protected under the trade secret law.
TRUE
FALSE
FALSE
Question 26 of 29
In order to prove that someone has infringed upon a trade secret, you
do not need to
prove it is a secret.
have the name of the party that is infringing.
prove that you took steps to protect the secret.
show that it has value.
have the name of the party that is infringing.
Question 27 of 29
If you are under an NDA and someone who is not under an NDA
discloses a trade secret to you, you are still bound by your NDA to not
disclose the trade secret in most cases.
TRUE
FALSE
FALSE
Question 28 of 29
Rights of publicity usually do not cover
the exploitation of your persona for monetary gain without your
permission.
the exploitation of your face for monetary gain without your permission.
your freedom of speech.
the exploitation of your voice for monetary gain without your
permission.
your freedom of speech.
Question 29 of 29
A model release is a waiver to rights-of-publicity laws?
TRUE
FALSE
TRUE
8) Understanding Patents: A Deeper Dive
Question 1 of 6
Which of the these is the only subject matter than is patentable?
data structures
electro-magnetic signals
compositions of matter
non-functional descriptive material
compositions of matter
Question 2 of 6
An inventor comes up with an idea for a self-propelled baseball bat.
What attribute(s) must the idea have to be patentable?
It must be useful, novel, and obvious.
It must be a an idea for a product that can be sold to the public.
It must have merit as determined by a patent attorney.
It must be useful, novel, and non-obvious.
It must be useful, novel, and non-obvious.
Question 3 of 6
In what component of a patent application does the applicant identify
the relevance of the invention and the motivation for coming up with
the invention?
summary
claims
background
abstract
background
Question 4 of 6
Sue invented a steamer that heats food faster than a microwave. She
knows she can sell the steamer worldwide. Sue is concerned about costs.
How should Sue protect her invention in other countries while she
begins marketing her cooker?
Sue should file an international patent application that will protect her
invention in any country she sells in.
Sue should file a PCT patent application, then determine what countries
to file in after WIPO examines her patent.
Sue should file a patent in the U.S., then file a PCT application to give her
time to determine what countries she should file patents in.
Sue should file a patent in the U.S., then file a PCT application that will
provide her with twenty-year patent protection all countries.
Sue should file a patent in the U.S., then file a PCT application to give
her time to determine what countries she should file patents in.
Question 5 of 6
Infringement on dependent claims is nearly always found even if the
independent is not infringed upon.
TRUE
FALSE
FALSE
Question 6 of 6
ABC, Inc. is a large multi-national company with numerous product lines.
ABC wants to avoid being sued for intentional patent infringement.
What might ABC, Inc. do to avoid intentional infringement?
Avoid doing patent searches so they do not become aware of a patent
they might infringe.
Avoid producing an item based upon an idea that a patent had been
applied for but abandoned.
Avoid producing a product when a similar product has a patent pending.
Avoid using risk management techniques when proceeding with product
development.
Avoid doing patent searches so they do not become aware of a patent
they might infringe.
Final Exam
Question 1 of 7
“Patent prosecution” has what meaning in the process of submitting
patent applications?
Patent prosecution is the process of appealing the refusal of a patent
application to the federal courts.
Patent prosecution is the process of moving an application through the
patent office by addressing refusals until a patent is issued.
Patent prosecution is the process of reviewing prior art noted by the
examiner when refusing an application.
Patent prosecution is the process of having a patent examiner expedite
the review process.
b) Patent prosecution is the process of moving an application through
the patent office by addressing refusals until a patent is issued.
Question 2 of 7
Jane believes she has a patentable idea. What timeframe applies if Jane
decides to apply for a utility patent?
Jane must not have not disclosed her idea publicly within the year
before filing her application.
Jane must not have disclosed her idea publicly more than a year from
filing her application.
Jane must have disclosed her idea publicly regardless of time limit
before filing her application.
Jane must have disclosed her idea publicly at some time more than a
year before filing her application.
b) Jane must not have disclosed her idea publicly more than a year
from filing her application.
Question 3 of 7
ABC Corp. copies XYZ Corp’s patented wheel-lock for its new trailer. The
wheel-lock is only $12 of the $3,000 dollars the trailer will sell for. ABC
has not yet started selling its new trailer. Has ABC infringed on XYZ’s
patent?
ABC will infringe on XYZ’s patent once it begins selling trailers with the
XYZ patented wheel-lock.
ABC will only infringe on XYZ’s patent if it sells the wheel-locks
separately from the trailers.
ABC has not infringed because it did not use the wheel-locks sold by XYZ
but made its own locks.
ABC infringed on XYZ’s patent when it used XYZ’s patented idea for its
own wheel-lock.
d) ABC infringed on XYZ’s patent when it used XYZ’s patented idea for
its own wheel-lock.
Question 4 of 7
While working for XYZ Corp. Carl patents a new process for painting
sheet metal. XYZ claims they are entitled to the benefits of the patent.
What is the only legally accurate scenario regarding patent rights and
benefits?
XYZ Corp. licensed any rights to inventions to Carl when he was hired.
XYZ Corp’s name will be on the patent.
Carl assigned the rights to any inventions to XYZ when he was hired. His
name remains on the patent but the benefits are in the name of XYZ.
Carl licensed his patent rights to XYZ. When he licensed his rights, XYZ
Corp’s name replaces Carl’s on the patent.
XYZ Corp. is the named inventor because XYZ furnished the facilities in
which Carl developed the new painting process.
b) Carl assigned the rights to any inventions to XYZ when he was hired.
His name remains on the patent but the benefits are in the name of
XYZ.
Question 5 of 7
Edgar has come up with a X-shaped steering wheel for cars. He knows
the X-shape will be popular with drivers who buy sports cars. What type
of patent should he apply for?
a utility patent because utility patents protect the aesthetics of an
invention rather than the invention’s functionality
a design patent because once Edgar protects the X-design his patent will
also protect the function of turning the car’s front wheels
a utility patent because a utility patents protects both the design and the
functionality of an invention
Attempted correct option
a design patent because it protects the X-design which is more
important to Edgar than the function of a steering wheel that turns a car
d) a design patent because it protects the X-design which is more
important to Edgar than the function of a steering wheel that turns a
car
Question 6 of 7
If a patent examiner refuses an application because the idea in the
application is “obvious”, that does this generally mean?
The examiner found there is no usefulness to the idea.
The examiner determined the idea is not novel.
The examiner identified similar products in the marketplace.
The examiner discovered there is prior art for the idea.
d) The examiner discovered there is prior art for the idea.
Question 7 of 7
When you are searching a database to determine if there is an existing
patent for an idea, where should you focus your search?
in abstracts, because abstracts contain the most complete information
regarding novelty or obviousness
in background, because a patent that satisfies a particular need bars
other patents that satisfy the same need
in drawings, to determine if your product’s utility and design is sufficient
to be issued a patent
in claims, to determine if your idea might infringe on an existing patent
and be barred if the claims are the same
d) in claims, to determine if your idea might infringe on an existing
patent and be barred if the claims are the same
9) Copyright for Creatives: Protecting
Your Work
Question 1 of 25
When was the copyright clause incorporated into the United States
constitution?
1906
1776
1878
1787
1787
Question 2 of 25
Kohel Haver has not registered for a copyright himself.
TRUE
FALSE
FALSE
Question 3 of 25
What does DMCA stand for?
Digital Management Copyright Act
Department Management Copyright Attribution
Digital Millennium Copyright Act
Digitally Managed Copyright Act
Digital Millennium Copyright Act
Question 4 of 25
You need to have a copyright credit on your image to protect the
copyright.
TRUE
FALSE
FALSE
Question 5 of 25
How soon is copyright ownership attained by the creator?
as soon as the creator registers his copyright
as soon as the government sends them a copyright registration
certificate
as soon as the creator signs his creation
as soon as the pen leaves the paper
as soon as the pen leaves the paper
Question 6 of 25
What types of tangible creative expressions (work) can you copyright?
Words or Names
Photographs, Drawings or Designs, Music or Songs, Sculptures, Story
Ideas or Concepts
Photographs, Drawings or Designs, Music or Songs, Sculptures, Story
Question 7 of 25
What are the bonuses for registering your copyright?
absolute proof you created the artwork, free access to courts,
guaranteed damages up to $150,000 for willful infringement
legal presumption you created the artwork, free access to courts,
guaranteed damages up to $150,000 for willful infringement
legal presumption you created the artwork, access to courts,
presumption of damages up to $150,000 for willful infringement
legal presumption you created the artwork, access to courts,
presumption of damages up to $150,000 for willful infringement
Question 8 of 25
Copyright.gov is the only online website to officially register your
copyright in the United States.
TRUE
FALSE
TRUE
Question 9 of 25
What is the cost and damages allowed for registering a single image
copyright?
$35 and $150 for willful infringement
$35 and $150,000 for willful infringement
$40 and $120,000 for willful infringement
$35 and $150,000 for willful infringement
Question 10 of 25
What is the cost and damages allowed for registering a group of images
copyright?
$55 and $120,000 for willful infringement
$75 and $120,000 for willful infringement
$55 and $150,000 for willful infringement
$55 and $150,000 for willful infringement
Question 11 of 25
A copyright registration for a single or group of images for an individual
lasts a lifetime plus seventy years.
TRUE
FALSE
TRUE
Question 12 of 25
A copyright registration for a single or group of images for a business
lasts ninety five years.
TRUE
FALSE
FALSE
Question 13 of 25
As long as you change a design in some way you can avoid copyright
infringement.
TRUE
FALSE
FALSE
Question 14 of 25
When does an individual copyright go into public domain?
after seventy years
after a lifetime plus seventy years.
when it appears in google images
when the creator dies
after a lifetime plus seventy years.
Question 15 of 25
When does a business copyright go into public domain?
when the business goes out of business
after seventy years
after ninety five years
If you’re Disney, never.
after ninety five years
Question 16 of 25
NASA moon landing pictures are public domain because the public paid
for them.
TRUE
FALSE
TRUE
Question 17 of 25
Cease and desist letters are a good method to use for those who ignore
a reasonable response to copyright infringement.
TRUE
FALSE
TRUE
Question 18 of 25
DMCA letters are specifically used to respond to web sites who are
infringing your copyright and asks them to remove and cease using the
work.
TRUE
FALSE
TRUE
Question 19 of 25
A DMCA Take Down Notice is sent to website hosting companies letting
them know of copyright infringement by their users and requires them
to address the problem with the infringing web site and its owner.
TRUE
FALSE
TRUE
Question 20 of 25
How many years do you have to respond to a copyright infringement?
4 years
1 year
3 years
7 years
3 years
Question 21 of 25
If you change a design at least 20%, then it’s OK to use it.
TRUE
FALSE
FALSE
Question 22 of 25
If you created it you own the copyright as soon as the pen leaves the
paper.
TRUE
FALSE
TRUE
Question 23 of 25
A copyright registration in the United States can be universally enforced
globally.
TRUE
FALSE
FALSE
Question 24 of 25
An animal’s original creative expression can be owned by the animal
who created it.
TRUE
FALSE
FALSE
Question 25 of 25
Just like normal humans, a Zombie’s copyright lasts a lifetime plus
seventy years.
TRUE
FALSE
FALSE
10) Leading with Innovation
Question 1 of 13
Which of the following is NOT part of the core logic of innovation?
creation of variety
scaling up of the best ideas
brutal selection from among the many options
repeating the word innovation again and again
repeating the word innovation again and again
Question 2 of 13
Why do most organizations often stumble at innovation?
baggage of past success
fear of cannibalization
all of these answers
an excessive focus on maximizing efficiency
all of these answers
Question 3 of 13
Why is collaborative innovation becoming increasingly necessary?
all of these answers
No company can master all of the necessary technologies and stay
ahead.
Most products now require an integration of multiple technologies.
Rapid pace of technology development.
all of these answers
Question 4 of 13
Which of the following is NOT an element of the “Design Thinking”
process?
focusing on aesthetic beauty above all else
putting the user at the center
focusing on not just what the user says but also how he or she thinks,
behaves, and feels
aiming for “zero distance” between the company and the user
focusing on aesthetic beauty above all else
Question 5 of 13
What is the core logic behind the “lean startup” process?
Conduct lots of experiments.
Think of the term “lean” as eliminating wasted time, effort, and
resources.
Design each experiment to answer a specific question.
all of these answers
all of these answers
Question 6 of 13
Which of the following would be a poor approach to foster creativity
without risking chaos?
urging creativity while also severely punishing any failure
setting up well-defined sandboxes for innovation
investing in deeper understanding of customers’ needs
engaging routinely and actively with young startups
urging creativity while also severely punishing any failure
Question 7 of 13
Which of the following would be a BAD idea in a dramatic reimagining of
the target customer (e.g., when Apple launched the PC aimed at
individual users)?
Analyze why these customers remain unserved.
Brainstorm business model changes to make them relevant customers.
Identify currently unserved markets/customer segments.
Ignore eventual profitability.
Ignore eventual profitability.
Question 8 of 13
What’s the best approach to pursue collaborative innovation?
Cultivate trust while keeping a watchful eye.
Agree upfront about contributions, ownership, and decision-making.
Partner with people or organizations who bring complementary
capabilities.
all of these answers
all of these answers
Question 9 of 13
What is a key element of social innovation?
all of these answers
ensuring financial viability for the user as well as your organization
a novel solution to an important but underserved social problem
factoring in how the product or service would be used in real-life
contexts
all of these answers
Question 10 of 13
What does frugal innovation (think of Southwest Airlines) refer to?
offering copycat products or services at somewhat lower prices
creating products or services that are cheap and ignoring everything else
acting tough with suppliers and employees to drive the cost down
designing an ultra-low-cost business model by eliminating “waste”
across the entire system
designing an ultra-low-cost business model by eliminating “waste”
across the entire system
Question 11 of 13
What must you NOT do when figuring out how to dramatically reengineer the industry’s value chain?
Ignore the impact of transforming some activities on other related
activities.
Focus especially on activities with the biggest impact on total cost or
delivered customer value.
Examine how technology could dramatically transform the entire value
chain (or a part of it).
Map out the entire value chain from one end to the other.
Ignore the impact of transforming some activities on other related
activities.
11) Thinking Creatively
Question 1 of 13
What is an advantage to learning to be creative?
increased self-confidence
improved quality of health and life
all of these answers
improved problem-solving skills
all of these answers
Question 2 of 13
Fixedness is a cognitive bias that _.
limits your ability to see the world around you differently than you’re
used to
really doesn’t impact your creative abilities over time
helps you work better with those who see the world like you
enhances your creative abilities by limiting your mental processes
limits your ability to see the world around you differently than you’re
used to
Question 3 of 13
What is not a criteria for classifying a thought as creative?
It’s popular.
It’s useful.
It’s new.
It’s surprising.
It’s popular.
Question 4 of 13
Task unification is defined as _.
the assignment of additional tasks to an existing resource
bringing two product attributes into harmony with each other
assigning only one function to a product
bringing simplicity to the world of innovation
the assignment of additional tasks to an existing resource
Question 5 of 13
When applying the multiplication technique, which product attribute
should you consider when creating a table?
color
all of these answers
weight
shape
all of these answers
Question 6 of 13
When applying the division technique, after dividing a product or its
components, what should you do?
Seek consultation from an R&D specialist.
Rearrange them back into the product.
Apply a second technique to the product.
Get a pricing quote from a potential manufacturer.
Rearrange them back into the product.
Question 7 of 13
The subtraction technique is defined as the removal of an essential
component from a product.
FALSE
TRUE
TRUE
Question 8 of 13
After virtually applying one of the SIT methods to a product, what is a
good question to ask?
Does the concept help people in any way?
Can this product bring in enough profit within the current fiscal year?
Would I buy this product?
Will this product be popular enough with consumers?
Does the concept help people in any way?
Question 9 of 13
What is a Systematic Inventive Thinking pattern?
subtraction
multiplication
all of these answers
task unification
all of these answers
Question 10 of 13
The hallmark of the attribute dependency technique is the unrelated
nature of a product’s parts.
FALSE
TRUE
FALSE
Question 11 of 13
A key to selecting the best ideas is identifying the most important _ for
your ideas in advance.
cost analysis
people
timeframe
criteria
criteria
Question 12 of 13
The best creativity workshops are held in rooms with specialized
accessories to boost innovative ideas.
FALSE
TRUE
FALSE
Question 13 of 13
Functional diversity means that _.
team members have different technological skill sets
team members can interchange their team role when asked
team members come from different parts of the company
team members should be okay working various times of the day
team members come from different parts of the company
12) Critical Roles Consultants Play
Question 1 of 6
What do good consultants do with their engagement contract?
Create a summary which outlines the four contract components.
Write a critique for the contract manager.
Uses the contract to determine how to construct consulting deliverables.
Files it, as the real job description is not included in the contract.
Create a summary which outlines the four contract components.
Question 2 of 6
What type of “shifts” do you need to look out for if your client doesn’t
support your proposed solution?
strategy shifts
power shifts
shifty shifts
funding shifts
power shifts
Question 3 of 6
One of the primary purposes for using the managerial and technical
roles is to ensure your client _.
understands your deliverables
listens to your exact approach for delivery
doesn’t call another consultant
understands the importance of your contract
understands your deliverables
Question 4 of 6
What is NOT something that client’s typically look for during the early
stages of your consulting engagement?
Your social status within the client environment.
Evidence that you know what you are doing.
Your willingness to listen.
Confidence in your abilities.
Your social status within the client environment.
Question 5 of 6
Which of these actions is not recommended when positioning your
deliverables for your client to provide “care and feeding” after your
engagement is concluded?
Define any operational risks that may surface for your client.
Respond to and correct any issue your client may bring to your attention.
Schedule checkpoints to measure progress.
Define phase 2 opportunities, if appropriate.
Respond to and correct any issue your client may bring to your
attention.
Question 6 of 6
What are the two types of potential “reviewer” you may be asked to
fulfill during a consulting engagement?
validating and critical
contracts and processes
crucial and temporary
all of these answers
validating and critical
Final Exam
Question 1 of 9
Being a good “follower” is needed to show you can work within what
aspects of your client’s environment?
The pace and industry of your client.
You like the food in their cafeteria so you are happy to meet clients
there.
The culture and expectations of your client.
The meeting structure and collaborative nature of your client.
c)The culture and expectations of your client.
Question 2 of 9
Switching between roles in a manner that doesn’t confuse your client is
important. Which of the following is NOT a good practice when
switching between consulting roles?
Justify the role before you switch to it.
Use dialog to set up your role changes.
Move quickly from one role to the other so your client doesn’t lose
patience with you.
Assess your effectiveness when switching roles.
c) Move quickly from one role to the other so your client doesn’t lose
patience with you.
Question 3 of 9
When executing change management, working backwards from your
“change picture” and determine what steps your client needs to take is
sometimes called what?
solution verification
business analysis
painting the picture
outcomes mapping
d) outcomes mapping
Question 4 of 9
Which of the following is one of the elements to look for when
determining the appropriate roles that will satisfy your client?
The degree of process focus your client has in your technical area.
The length and detail included in your consulting contract.
The presence (or not) of potentially competing consultants on your
client site.
The enthusiasm your client has for the technical products you are
producing.
a) The degree of process focus your client has in your technical area.
Question 5 of 9
The best signal that you have support from your client is when your
client management team _ on the recommendations you make.
acts
meets
questions
debates
a) acts
Question 6 of 9
Which of the following is not recommended for setting yourself up for
future consulting engagements with your client?
Understanding your client’s business strategy.
Understanding what your client plans for their next major initiative.
Constantly learning more about your client.
Giving your client detailed plans for multiple new initiatives.
d) Giving your client detailed plans for multiple new initiatives.
Question 7 of 9
There are two critical characteristics to ensure success as a consultant.
What are they?
Broad technical skill and mastery of tools.
A keen ability to listen and change the minds of your client.
Communication skills and contract management background.
Expertise and the right attitude.
d) Expertise and the right attitude.
Question 8 of 9
Before implementing your solution, your extended stakeholders need to
understand _.
all the possible errors that might surface
your background so they know what to expect from your leadership
when you will leave so they know when to take over your role
the risks and benefits to expect
d) the risks and benefits to expect
Question 9 of 9
When playing the role of reviewer, you typically analyze a potential
solution for which two characteristics?
Reviews need to confirm how to integrate solutions with those of your
client, and review deliverables for suitability.
A review of personnel assigned to the project and the skills they bring to
the initiative.
Reviews need to confirm the latest techniques are applied to derive a
solution, and that the senior leader understands the approach.
A review of planned deliverables, and to ensure the approach matches
what you would do as a consultant.
a) Reviews need to confirm how to integrate solutions with those of
your client, and review deliverables for suitability.
13) Getting Your Ideas Approved
Question 1 of 11
Which step of the process will cause you to iterate more than others?
define the question
select analyses
create the story
discuss and refine the story
discuss and refine the story
Question 2 of 11
You should immediately start manipulating data at the beginning of this
process.
TRUE
FALSE
FALSE
Question 3 of 11
Poor communication leads to lengthy, inefficient process. You end up
doing excess, irrelevant analysis and the result is weak, convoluted
communications. When this happens, there’s a lack of _ for your ideas.
You’ll also lose _ as a thought leader.
excitement; salary
color; schedule opportunities
support; credibility
linear path; clients
support; credibility
Question 4 of 11
A hypothesis is something taken to be true for the sake of argument.
TRUE
FALSE
TRUE
Question 5 of 11
You should choose your architecture based upon your audience.
TRUE
FALSE
FALSE
Question 6 of 11
You can never combine a layer architecture with a column architecture.
TRUE
FALSE
FALSE
Question 7 of 11
A column architecture can have more than three columns
TRUE
FALSE
TRUE
Question 8 of 11
You should spend a lot of time perfecting your story at this stage.
TRUE
FALSE
FALSE
Question 9 of 11
When discussing and refining your story, you should get input from
many stakeholders
TRUE
FALSE
FALSE
Question 10 of 11
You should never try to disprove your hypothesis.
TRUE
FALSE
FALSE
Question 11 of 11
You should choose your communication vehicle based upon _.
your preference
what your boss likes
how many people are in the room
your audience
your audience
Final Exam
Question 1 of 17
When transforming a layer architecture to a story, you should _.
invert it
start with the core idea
wordsmith it
do an analysis
a) invert it
Question 2 of 17
A story based on a column architecture starts with a _.
what’s changed
background
core idea
hypothesis
c) core idea
Question 3 of 17
At what point should you wordsmith your story?
when finalizing the communication
when you build your architecture
when you write the core idea
when you first draft the story
a) when finalizing the communication
Question 4 of 17
A good architecture is both distinct and _.
complete
logical
interesting
short
a) complete
Question 5 of 17
When converting a column architecture to a story, what comes first in
the story?
column 2
the core idea
column 3
column 1
b) the core idea
Question 6 of 17
How many analyses should you conduct to prove your case?
as many as you can possibly think of
as many as are required to prove the architecture
as few as you can get away with
six
b) as many as are required to prove the architecture
Question 7 of 17
What attributes should the elements of your architecture possess?
linked and nested
full and forthright
compelling and direct
distinct and complete
d) distinct and complete
Question 8 of 17
A well-defined question consists of a what” and a _.”
how
why
where
when
b) why
Question 9 of 17
What goes at the bottom of a layer architecture?
hypothesis
background
what’s changed
core idea
b) background
Question 10 of 17
What is the button?
the key analysis that your entire argument rests upon
the link between the layer and column architecture
the first element of your core idea
the objective function your stakeholder cares about most
d) the objective function your stakeholder cares about most
Question 11 of 17
What is the benefit of structuring your communications?
clearer communications
efficient fact gathering
less rework
all of these answers
d) all of these answers
Question 12 of 17
What tells you which facts to include or exclude from your
recommendation?
architecture
analysis
background
stakeholders
a) architecture
Question 13 of 17
If you disprove your hypothesis, what should you do?
change the question you’re trying to answer
change the analysis to prove the hypothesis
go home and give up
evaluate your next-best hypothesis
d) evaluate your next-best hypothesis
Question 14 of 17
Which of these are benefits of a good architecture?
prevents rambling communications
avoid irrelevant analysis
audience arrives at your conclusion
all of these answers
d) all of these answers
Question 15 of 17
Why should you get input from stakeholders when refining your story?
to get them to do the analysis
to know what concerns to avoid
to build support for your idea
to keep them from stealing your idea
c) to build support for your idea
Question 16 of 17
Which of the following is NOT part of the core idea?
why
question
button
what
b) question
Question 17 of 17
Your presentation title should be based upon _.
stakeholder preference
market research
your core idea
a column architecture
c) your core idea
14) Creating a Business Plan
Question 1 of 12
When defining the problem your company solves, you should look at it
through the perspective of _.
your customers
your ad agency
your suppliers
your employees
your customers
Question 2 of 12
What is a profit pool?
the return your investors make when you sell your company
the profit dollars available in a given market
a measure of how much profit you make
how much of your profits are taxable
the profit dollars available in a given market
Question 3 of 12
What does the “T” in SWOT stand for?
teams
training
threats
taxes
threats
Question 4 of 12
The threat of substitutes is the risk you face when _.
your customers can use a different product to solve their problem
your employees are absent and you use lower skilled workers
your suppliers swap out cheaper components in your product
you use the wrong numbers in your financial projections
your customers can use a different product to solve their problem
Question 5 of 12
The product development roadmap describes _.
how your competitor’s product has evolved over time
how your research and development process works
how you’ll build your product over time
the routes you’ll use to distribute your product
how you’ll build your product over time
Question 6 of 12
When you describe your points of differentiation versus competitors,
those differences must be _.
aspirational
your weaknesses versus competitors
spelled out in writing
substantial and meaningful
substantial and meaningful
Question 7 of 12
What does the sales section of your business plan explain?
the profit margin you earn on each sale
how much revenue you’ll earn each year
your FOB delivery terms for each sale
how you’ll sell your product to your customer
your FOB delivery terms for each sale
Question 8 of 12
A brand is a _.
marketing campaign
promise
sales plan
logo
promise
Question 9 of 12
What must your production plan explain?
what kind of staffing you need to make your product
whether you’ll insource or outsource production
all of these answers
how your production matches your strategy
whether you’ll insource or outsource production
Question 10 of 12
What is the most expensive form of compensation?
equity
bonus
cash
perks
equity
Question 11 of 12
What is one way to exit your business?
short sale
bank refinancing
acquisition
mass layoffs
acquisition
Question 12 of 12
Your financial forecast should be _.
built based on unit drivers
optimistic and exciting
built top down
extremely precise
built based on unit drivers
Final Exam
Question 1 of 12
What is a moon chart?
only required if you’re in the aerospace industry
a measure of your financial performance
a way to compare your business to your competitors
a map of the moon
c) a way to compare your business to your competitors
Question 2 of 12
When choosing suppliers, you should select the one that is _.
the highest reliability
the best fit with your business model
the lowest cost
the highest quality
b) the best fit with your business model
Question 3 of 12
Your financial forecast should be _.
extremely precise
built top down
optimistic and exciting
built based on unit drivers
d) built based on unit drivers
Question 4 of 12
Which of the following is not a type of revenue model?
recurring
positive amortization
one time fee
cost plus margin
b) positive amortization
Question 5 of 12
Which of the following affects how you support your product?
how demanding your customers are
how often your product breaks down
how many product returns you receive
all of these answers
d) all of these answers
Question 6 of 12
What must your production plan explain?
all of these answers
what kind of staffing you need to make your product
whether you’ll insource or outsource production
how your production matches your strategy
a) all of these answers
Question 7 of 12
What is the most important thing your product delivery plan should
focus on?
choosing between government and private shipping companies
speed of delivery
low cost shipping options
how you get your product into your customers’ hands
d) how you get your product into your customers’ hands
Question 8 of 12
What’s a warning sign that your financial plan isn’t accurate?
a hockey stick forecast
market research inaccuracy
capital requirement ratios
high-level unit drivers
a) a hockey stick forecast
Question 9 of 12
What does your value proposition describe?
how your employees are paid
how your product benefits your customer
how much your company is worth
the beliefs and values of your company
b) how your product benefits your customer
Question 10 of 12
What are two things you must know about your capital on hand?
your burn rate and runway
your FDIC protection and overdraft limit
your interest rate and yield
your equity value and book value
a) your burn rate and runway
Question 11 of 12
What does the sales section of your business plan explain?
the profit margin you earn on each sale
how you’ll sell your product to your customer
your FOB delivery terms for each sale
how much revenue you’ll earn each year
b) how you’ll sell your product to your customer
Question 12 of 12
Why should you have expert advice when it comes to HR and legal
issues?
so that you can impress investors
it’s less expensive than doing it yourself
to prevent major regulatory and legal issues from harming your business
because you don’t have time to do it on your own
c) to prevent major regulatory and legal issues from harming your
business
15) Consulting Foundations
Question 1 of 16
Which of these is NOT a consulting business model?
general contractor
project based
S-corporation
staff augmentation
S-corporation
Question 2 of 16
How should you estimate and manage your costs?
take a swag and monitor it
review your financials at the end of the year
use a bottoms-up pro forma P&L
use only external benchmarks
use a bottoms-up pro forma P&L
Question 3 of 16
Where should you market your services?
on the cheapest marketing platform
on every available marketing platform
only on your website
where your buyers are
where your buyers are
Question 4 of 16
_ sales is where the principals of the firm build relationships with clients,
understand their needs, and sell services to meet those needs.
Subcontractor
Direct
Commissioned
Partnership
Direct
Question 5 of 16
Which type of contract governs your entire relationship with the client?
Master Services Agreement
Purchase Order
Statement of Values
Task Order
Master Services Agreement
Question 6 of 16
Which of these is a challenge of “at risk” pricing models?
regulators don’t like these arrangements
incentives are aligned with your client
measurement is difficult
you can make more money
measurement is difficult
Question 7 of 16
What is true about “work made for hire” or “work product”?
it becomes your intellectual property
the client owns it after the engagement
it doesn’t need to be defined in the contract
you get paid a higher rate for it
the client owns it after the engagement
Question 8 of 16
Which of these is NOT a downside to responding to an RFP?
they can take a lot of time
they can put pressure on your rates
they expose your true economics
they can result in big contracts
they can result in big contracts
Question 9 of 16
What drives the number of people you need to staff on your team?
employment law
the amount of work to be done
personalities
contract provisions
the amount of work to be done
Question 10 of 16
Which of the following is NOT a good technique for resolving conflict?
act passive-aggressively and hope the client gets the point
incorporate a client’s ideas into the project
reduce the client’s workload
give the client a visible role on the project
act passive-aggressively and hope the client gets the point
Question 11 of 16
When presenting your findings, be sure to present your ideas _.
in the right format
after you leave the project
with as much data as you can find
like you’re the expert
in the right format
Question 12 of 16
Why should you consult an attorney when you draft a contract?
to protect your interests and reduce risk
because the client has an attorney
to lower your profits which reduces your taxes
so your contracts sound intimidating in negotiations
to protect your interests and reduce risk
Question 13 of 16
_ tracks money coming into your business and going out of it.
Balance sheets
Cash flow
Financing
Debt
Cash flow
Question 14 of 16
A _ agreement prevents your employees from pursuing your clients after
they’ve left your employment.
intellectual property
restriction
project
noncompete
noncompete
Question 15 of 16
What kind of insurance protects you when your work isn’t up to
standard and it causes financial damages?
disability
workers’ compensation
Errors and omissions (E&O)
general liability
Errors and omissions (E&O)
Question 16 of 16
When you hire people to support you, you have to _ work.
generate more
avoid
do more
delegate
delegate
Final Exam
Question 1 of 16
Which revenue model is one where you get paid based on the number of
hours you work?
fee-for-service
unit pricing
project-based
ancillary fees
a) fee-for-service
Question 2 of 16
Which of these is a downside to staffing your team with contractors
instead of employees?
your workforce could be less stable and predictable
you don’t have staffing flexibility to add or remove staff quickly
you carry a large fixed cost by doing so
you don’t have to pay employment taxes
a) your workforce could be less stable and predictable
Question 3 of 16
_ marketing is an approach where you share ideas and perspectives to
interest your buyers.
Content-based
Interest-based
Buyer-focused
Digital
a) Content-based
Question 4 of 16
What is a major risk of having a few large clients?
sales efforts are easier
losing a big client can be very damaging
sales cycles are shorter
income is more stable
b) losing a big client can be very damaging
Question 5 of 16
A _ is when a client pays you a fixed fee for a time period regardless of
how much or little they use your services.
retainer
project fee
flat rate
fixed rate
a) retainer
Question 6 of 16
Why is the first deal you negotiate with a client so important?
it generates a lot of revenue
it sets precedent for future deals
it proves you have a real business
it keeps your competitors away
b) it sets precedent for future deals
Question 7 of 16
When licensing your intellectual property to clients, which of these
actions should you take?
define the license fees the client needs to pay
define whether or not they can modify your IP
specify how they can use the IP
all of these answers
d) all of these answers
Question 8 of 16
What are the five major phases of a consulting engagement?
kickoff, analysis, presentation, assessment, invoicing
proposal, kickoff, delivery, closure, archive
contracting, proposal, delivery, feedback, payment
selling, proposal, kickoff, delivery, report-out
b) proposal, kickoff, delivery, closure, archive
Question 9 of 16
When should you include clients as members of your team?
only when they demand it
when you need to save money
when the client seems bored
as often as possible
d) as often as possible
Question 10 of 16
The first step in a standard problem solving process is _.
presenting recommendations
pinning and defining the problem
conducting deep analysis
generating solutions
b) pinning and defining the problem
Question 11 of 16
What’s a possible risk of staying on with the client to implement the
recommendation?
your colleagues might get jealous of you
you’ll increase the number of hours you bill the client
implementation might not go well and you’ll be blamed
the client might look smarter than you
c) implementation might not go well and you’ll be blamed
Question 12 of 16
Consider retaining an attorney once you’ve hired _.
5 employees
an accountant
10 contractors
a single employee
d) a single employee
Question 13 of 16
When using _ accounting you record the income or expense as it’s
incurred.
accrual
economic
cash
algorithmic
a) accrual
Question 14 of 16
What do employees usually get that contractors don’t?
performance appraisals
pay
equipment
benefits
d) benefits
Question 15 of 16
Which of the following is a common certification you can get for your
business?
fast-growing
profitable
multilingual
veteran-owned
d) veteran-owned
Question 16 of 16
Focusing too much on delivering services can cause what issue?
micromanagement and overtime
not spending enough time selling
completing projects too quickly
reduced employee morale
b) not spending enough time selling
16) Writing White Papers
Question 1 of 4
Which topics would be the best candidate for a white paper?
an opportunity for buying surplus parts for steering systems
a faster, cheaper, data-storage medium
a revolutionary pollution-reduction method
a promotional offer on last year’s automobiles
a revolutionary pollution-reduction method
Question 2 of 4
From the viewpoint of the reader, how does a white paper differ from a
typical sales brochure?
A sales brochure is more concerned with economic factors than a white
paper.
The white paper focuses more on a single issue or product than a sales
brochure.
A white paper appears to be more analytical and impartial than a sales
brochure.
A sales brochure appears more honest and trustworthy than a white
paper.
A white paper appears to be more analytical and impartial than a sales
brochure.
Question 3 of 4
Which paper would engage most readers from beginning to end in a
lengthy white paper?
“Sorghum Harvests for 2012-2018”
“How to Install Horseshoe Cable Fasteners”
“High-performance sports car price guide 2019 “
“Global Water Quality in the Next Decade”
“How to Install Horseshoe Cable Fasteners”
Question 4 of 4
How might you manage the process of polishing a draft?
Read the draft multiple times.
Use a checklist.
Employ an outside editor.
Run a spell checker.
Use a checklist.
Final Exam
Question 1 of 5
A stakeholder who is quoted in a paper should be given the opportunity
to review _.
the section containing the quotation
the quotation only
the quotation and the executive summary
the entire white paper
a) the section containing the quotation
Question 2 of 5
How can you avoid discontinuities in style when incorporating outside
materials?
Limit the outside material to footnotes or sidebars.
Present all graphics in an appendix.
Incorporate materials with explanatory text rather than just graphics.
Adapt the materials to your paper’s need, and avoid just copying content
from outside materials.
d) Adapt the materials to your paper’s need, and avoid just copying
content from outside materials.
Question 3 of 5
What should be the focus of the introductory part of a white paper?
Develop engagement with the reader.
Identify solutions for the reader.
Strive to make a sale with the reader.
Present background data to the reader.
a) Develop engagement with the reader.
Question 4 of 5
What graphics type should you use sparingly in white paper?
company-related graphics
informational graphics
graphical text elements
illustrational graphics
a) company-related graphics
Question 5 of 5
What is the main benefit of studying examples of white papers in your
area of expertise?
You can learn how to format content listings and titles.
You can understand acceptable variations in paper length
You can find suitable examples that fit your purpose.
You can find the accepted format standard in your area.
c) You can find suitable examples that fit your purpose.