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Pauline
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Pauline
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Which of the following best describes the relationship of the second paragraph to the first paragraph?

(A) It presents contrasting explanations for a phenomenon presented in the first paragraph.
(B) It discusses an exception to a general principle outlined in the first paragraph.
(C) It provides information that qualifies a claim presented in the first paragraph.
(D) It presents an example that strengthens a claim presented in the first paragraph.
(E) It presents an alternative approach to solving a problem discussed in the first paragraph.

Please provide explanation for your answers.
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C


A => no contrasting explanation for phenomenon
B => no exception discussed in second paragraph
D => No example presented which strengthens first paragraph, example is linked to second paragraph specific content
E => No alternative approach presented
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I think the answer is A. In the first paragraph, the author stated that TQM can work successfully in conjunction with 2 older management systems while in the 2nd paragraph, the author said that "TQM cannot simply be grafted onto these systems or onto other non-TQM management systems". Therefore, the 2nd paragraph presents something contrast to a phenomenon in first paragraph.

What is the OA?
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tarun
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The OA is C.
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tarun
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Can you explain how you selected C? Is it only on basis of elimination of other choices?

beraterschwein
C


A => no contrasting explanation for phenomenon
B => no exception discussed in second paragraph
D => No example presented which strengthens first paragraph, example is linked to second paragraph specific content
E => No alternative approach presented
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IMO.
The first sentence of the 2nd paragraph stated "TQM cannot simply be grafted onto ..........systems", this indicates that there are certain qualifications on simply combining TQM with other approaches, but TQM might work with other systems under certain conditions (may be explained in the 3rd par.).
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C?
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OA is D - can't post screenshot yet but the answer is confirmed. From GMATPrep 2005 edition, test 2.
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I got D too.
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Pauline
OA a few posts below.

According to P. F. Drucker, the management philosophy known as Total Quality Management (TQM), which is designed to be adopted consistently throughout an organization and to improve customer service by using sampling theory to reduce the variability of a product's quality, can work successfully in conjunction with two older management systems. As Drucker notes, TQM's scientific approach is consistent with the statistical sampling techniques of the "rationalist" school of scientific management, and the organizational structure associated with TQM is consistent with the social and psychological emphases of the "human relations" school of management.
However, TQM cannot simply be grafted onto these systems or onto certain other non-TQM management systems. Although, as Drucker contends, TQM shares with such systems the ultimate objective of increasing profitability, TQM requires fundamentally different strategies. While the other management systems referred to use upper management decision-making and employee specialization to maximize shareholder profits over the short term, TQM envisions the interests of employees, shareholders, and customers as convergent. For example, lower prices not only benefit consumers but also enhance an organization's competitive edge and ensure its continuance, thus benefiting employees and owners. TQM's emphasis on shared interests is reflected in the decentralized decision-making, integrated production activity, and lateral structure of organizations that achieve the benefits of TQM.


The primary purpose of the passage is to

A point out contradictions in a new management system
B compare and contrast the objectives of various management systems
C identify the organizational features shared by various management systems
D explain the relationship of a particular management system to certain other management systems
E explain the advantages of a particular management system over certain other management systems

I think answer is D
Referring to the first line in the passage:
[strike]According to P. F. Drucker, the management philosophy known as[/strike] Total Quality Management (TQM),[strike]which is designed to be adopted consistently throughout an organization and to improve customer service by using sampling theory to reduce the variability of a product's quality,[/strike] can work successfully in conjunction with two older management systems.

Basic Structure of the passage is:
- Introduce a theory
- Advantages of theory
- Explain Problem with the theory
- How another management practice used in conjnction with TQM can solve that problem.
Considering the AC:
Option A: Incorrect - Pointing out a contradiction is just part of the passage
Option B: Incorrect - Passage focusses mainly on just TQM
Option C: Incorrect - Passage focusses mainly on just TQM
Option D: Correct - Passage refers to other Mangement practices in context with TQM
Option E: Incorrect - Pointing out advantages is just part of the passage
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Hi can some one explain why is it 'c' for second question
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I also think the answer must be D



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