Correct Answer: Organising

Solution : Identifying and classifying various organisational activities falls within the management function of organising. In addition, it deals with assembling the material, financial, and people resources necessary and established to accomplish organisational goals. Hence, the correct option is 2.

Correct Answer: Social objective
    

Solution : The correct answer is (b) Social objective

The social objective of management is concerned with creating a positive work environment, fostering employee well-being, and ensuring that employees are satisfied with their jobs. It encompasses aspects such as workplace safety, employee engagement, work-life balance, and employee development. While the economic objective is related to financial goals, the social objective emphasizes the welfare and satisfaction of the workforce.

Correct Answer: Both assertions and reasons are correct, and the reason is the correct explanation of the assertion.

Solution : The correct answer is (a) Both assertions and reasons are correct, and the reason is the correct explanation of the assertion.

The assertion that scientific management principles aim to increase efficiency through job specialization is correct. Scientific management emphasizes breaking down work into specialized tasks to improve efficiency and productivity by allowing employees to focus on specific tasks.

The reason provided, stating that it allows employees to focus on specific tasks, leading to expertise, is also correct. Job specialization in scientific management does indeed enable employees to concentrate and become experts in their specific tasks, which enhances efficiency and productivity.

Both the assertion and the reason are correct, and the reason effectively explains assertion.

Correct Answer: Ensuring transparency
 

Solution : The correct answer is (b) Ensuring transparency

The main aim of SEBI's protective functions is to ensure transparency in the securities market. SEBI's protective functions are designed to safeguard the interests of investors and maintain the integrity and fairness of the market. By enforcing regulations, preventing fraudulent practices, ensuring accurate and timely disclosure of information, and prohibiting insider trading, SEBI promotes transparency. Transparency is crucial for investor confidence, fair market practices, and the overall health and stability of the financial system. It allows investors to make informed decisions based on accurate and reliable information, fostering trust and contributing to the development and growth of the market.

Correct Answer: Strategic plan
   

Solution : The correct answer is (b) Strategic plan

A strategic plan is most appropriate when an organization, in this case, a school like ABC Educational Institute, is making significant changes such as introducing a new curriculum. A strategic plan would involve setting long-term goals, outlining key strategies, and aligning resources to achieve those goals. It provides a roadmap for the overall direction and vision of the educational institution.

Correct Answer: The assertion is correct, the reason is incorrect.

Solution : The correct answer is (c) The assertion is correct, the reason is incorrect.

The assertion that scientific management principles aim to optimize worker output is correct. Scientific management principles, as advocated by Frederick Taylor, focus on optimizing productivity and efficiency in the workplace through various methods such as time and motion studies, standardized work processes, and incentives to increase output.

The reason provided, stating that it does not promote standardization and specialization in tasks, is incorrect. Scientific management does indeed promote standardization and specialization in tasks to streamline processes and enhance productivity.

Therefore, while the assertion is correct in stating the aim of scientific management principles, the reason provided is incorrect as it contradicts the fundamental principles of scientific management.

Correct Answer: Lower-level management

Solution : The correct answer is (c) Lower-level management

Lower-level management, also known as first-line or front-line management, is directly responsible for overseeing and ensuring the smooth execution of day-to-day operations. They supervise employees, manage tasks, and ensure that operational processes run efficiently. Top management focuses on strategic decisions and overall direction, while middle-level management often handles departmental coordination and specific project planning. Lower-level managers and supervisors are the ones who are closest to the operational activities of the organization.

Correct Answer: Smothering

Solution : The correct choice is the third option.

"Asphyxiating" means to cause someone or something to suffocate or be deprived of air, resulting in a feeling of being unable to breathe. In the passage, it is used metaphorically to describe the feeling of being held back or suffocated by the existing hierarchy or constraints.

The meanings of the other options are as follows:

• "Emancipating" and "liberating" both have the opposite meaning of "asphyxiating". They imply freedom and release from constraints, which is the opposite of what is described in the passage.
• "Unfettering" also implies the removal of constraints, so it is not a suitable synonym for "asphyxiating" in this context.

Correct Answer: Statement 1 is false, and Statement 2 is true.

Solution : The correct answer is (d) Statement 1 is false, and Statement 2 is true.

Statement 1 is false because lower-level management is not typically responsible for creating long-term strategic plans. Strategic planning is usually the responsibility of top-level management, such as executives and senior leaders.

Statement 2 is true because lower-level management is often responsible for overseeing and managing day-to-day operations, ensuring that tasks and activities are carried out efficiently and effectively.