Competition Mode Question
Since the national postal service in country X was privatized six months ago, delays in the delivery of mail have increased by 20 percent. To combat this problem, more sorting and delivering staff must be hired in the busiest regions of the country.
Which of the following, if true, casts the most doubt on the effectiveness of the solution proposed above
A. The major causes of delays in the nation's busiest regions are bad weather and antiquated sorting equipment.
B. Since privatization began, the number of employees has increased by 25 percent.
C. Over 60 percent of the postal budget goes to pay salaries.
D. After a small post sorting facility doubled its staff, the number of delays that were reported decreased by 50 percent.
E. Since privatization, the average length of delay in the nation's busiest regions has doubled. 5. Employees
The best answer is A. The conclusion that postal service must add to their staff is based on an assumption that the problem lies in that area. Choice A indicates that the delay were due to two other factors bad weather and old equipment, therefore hiring additional staff is unlikely to be an effective solution.