United Investments’ management has decided to upgrade its mainframe co

United Investments’ management has decided to upgrade its mainframe computer servers to the newly developed flash-memory processors (FMPs) instead of purchasing new models of its existing technology, in order to significantly reduce its maintenance costs. FMP computers have simpler, more reliable processors, and their average operational span is substantially longer.

Which of the following would be most useful in assessing whether the bank management’s decision will reduce the company’s maintenance costs?

(A) Whether FMP processors’ operational span is significantly longer than that of new models of existing technology. ---- we are already told about this in the argument itself, and this tells us nothing about maintenance costs.
(B) Whether FMP computers have higher energy efficiency than that of new models of the existing processors. ---- This option says that FMP computers have higher energy efficiency, and it means that they will consume less energy and thus will reduce maintenance cost.
(C) Whether mainframe computer manufacturers still produce and market servers that are based on the older technology as well. ----- That's great, but what about maintenance costs of new processors?
(D) Whether the bank's management intends to purchase more mainframe servers next year, in order to expand its capabilities. ---- Again, this option tells us nothing about maintenance costs
(E) Whether other banks in its market recently upgraded their computing systems. ---- This is completely irrelevant to the maintenance costs

IMO B

Management of a company decided to invest money into servers upgrade with newly developed processors to reduce future maintenance costs. New computers are simpler and longer operational span. We need to find out which of the options is the most useful to understand whether the new computers will reduce the maintenance costs.

(A) Whether FMP processors’ operational span is significantly longer than that of new models of existing technology. - The last statement in the text actually states that FMP computers have substantially longer operational span. Thus, this statement suggests to check the information that we already have and gives no additional use. Incorrect
(B) Whether FMP computers have higher energy efficiency than that of new models of the existing processors. - If energy efficiency of new processors is significantly lower than that of the existing technology, then the maintenance cost will be higher. Hence, knowing information about energy efficiency will help to asses whether it was a right decision or not. Correct
(C) Whether mainframe computer manufacturers still produce and market servers that are based on the older technology as well. - Even if they produce older technology, the passage states that the management decided to replace the older technology. It means that the older technology was not cost efficient. Incorrect
(D) Whether the bank's management intends to purchase more mainframe servers next year, in order to expand its capabilities. - This option adds additional information, but this information gives no value in the assessment of their previous decision. Incorrect
(E) Whether other banks in its market recently upgraded their computing systems. - Even if other banks upgraded their computing systems with this or other technology, it does not necessarily mean that their managements decisions were right. Incorrect

United Investments’ management has decided to upgrade its mainframe computer servers to the newly developed flash-memory processors (FMPs) instead of purchasing new models of its existing technology, in order to significantly reduce its maintenance costs


THIS IS THE CONCLUSION ,REMAINING IS PREMISE

THEN WE HAVE

LETS GO TO POE

(B) Whether FMP computers have higher energy efficiency than that of new models of the existing processors.

This looks correct ? as energy efficiency can be factor for Maitaunace cost !!

(C) Whether mainframe computer manufacturers still produce and market servers that are based on the older technology as well.

Irrevelant

(D) Whether the bank's management intends to purchase more mainframe servers next year, in order to expand its capabilities.

Irrevelant

(E) Whether other banks in its market recently upgraded their computing systems.


Irrevelant too.

B it is

A can look close but is wrong.

Operational.span has nothing to.do with maintaimace cost

Posted from my mobile device

United Investments’ management has decided to upgrade its mainframe computer servers to the newly developed flash-memory processors (FMPs) instead of purchasing new models of its existing technology, in order to significantly reduce its maintenance costs. FMP computers have simpler, more reliable processors, and their average operational span is substantially longer.

Let's try to get meaning correctly:

1. UI' management has decided to upgrade its mainframe computer servers to the newly developed FMPs
2. It decided to do so, because it doesn't want to buy new models of its existing technology
3. And by doing so, significantly reduce its maintenance costs
4. FMP computers have simpler, more reliable processors
5. And FPM's average operational span is substantially longer in comparison with old model.


Which of the following would be most useful in assessing whether the bank management’s decision will reduce the company’s maintenance costs?

(A) Whether FMP processors’ operational span is significantly longer than that of new models of existing technology.
length of the operational span cannot affect the reduction in maintenance costs

(B) Whether FMP computers have higher energy efficiency than that of new models of the existing processors.
energy efficiency can help to save electrician expenses, hence reduce maintenance costs

(C) Whether mainframe computer manufacturers still produce and market servers that are based on the older technology as well.
if mainframe based on older technology it cannot help to reduce maintenance costs

(D) Whether the bank's management intends to purchase more mainframe servers next year, in order to expand its capabilities.
it increases costs, hecne incorrect

(E) Whether other banks in its market recently upgraded their computing systems.
it is not related to the maintenance cost reduction subject

B is the answer

IMO B

Conclusion - The argument states that by upgrading to FMP computers instead of purchasing new models of its existing technology, the company can significantly reduce its maintenance costs.
Pre-thinking - Any option that will challenge this savings by adding some kind of overheads will be the winner.

(A) Whether FMP processors’ operational span is significantly longer than that of new models of existing technology. - The argument already mentioned that the operational span of FMP is longer than the new models of existing technology, it does not mention whether the FMP can increase the cost in any other way or not

(B) Whether FMP computers have higher energy efficiency than that of new models of the existing processors. - Correct. This option will help to assess whether FMP computers can increase the cost or not. If they are lower energy efficient, then cost will go up (challenging the savings on maintenance cost)

(C) Whether mainframe computer manufacturers still produce and market servers that are based on the older technology as well. - Out of scope, even if they are the management are least interested to purchase

(D) Whether the bank's management intends to purchase more mainframe servers next year, in order to expand its capabilities. - Out of scope, it doesn’t matter whether they want to expand the capabilities or not, no one cares

(E) Whether other banks in its market recently upgraded their computing systems. - Other banks are out of scope

First of all, I don't like the wording of the last sentence
"FMP computers have simpler, more reliable processors, and their average operational span is substantially longer."
More reliable than what?
longer than what?

But as our beloved Ninja likes to say, who cares about our likes and dislikes : )
I caught the logic here:
Managers decided to by A, not B, because A is more reliable than B. Why compare A to old systems? we anyway intend to replace them with A or B

(A) Whether FMP processors’ operational span is significantly longer than that of new models of existing technology.
This is literally what we have deduced in our reasoning, no new information

(B) Whether FMP computers have higher energy efficiency than that of new models of the existing processors.
I like it, except the benefits listed in the stem, we have another argument to assert that management’s decision will reduce the company’s maintenance costs

(C) Whether mainframe computer manufacturers still produce and market servers that are based on the older technology as well.
Irrelevant. Gives information about older technology, which we are trying to replace anyway.

(D) Whether the bank's management intends to purchase more mainframe servers next year, in order to expand its capabilities.
Quite tempting. but if we dive deeper we can find that we cant compare costs (incurred by increasing servers) and spared costs by FMPs benefits. It is distinct possible that "costs (incurred by increasing servers)" is higher than "spared costs by FMPs benefits", or vise versa

(E) Whether other banks in its market recently upgraded their computing systems.
Thanks for easy elimination. WEho cares about other banks

IMO
Ans: B

Variance Test is probably the most helpful tool to figure out the correct answer choice of the Evaluate Argument questions.

Stimulus: The management decided to buy A instead of B. A has simpler, more reliable processors, and its average operational span is substantially longer.

Goal: To reduce the maintenance costs.

We are looking for a question that – depending on the answer to the question – helps identify whether buying A instead of B will reduce the maintenance costs. Let’s begin with the correct answer choice because analyzing it with the Variance Test will display why the other choices are wrong.

B. Whether A has higher energy efficiency than B has.

Let’s first answer YES, A has higher energy efficiency than B has. Indeed, electricity is one of the important maintenance costs of both A and B. If A consumes less electricity than B, then A surely reduces maintenance costs.

Let’s now say NO, A doesn’t have higher energy efficiency than B has. In this case, A has no advantage over B regarding the maintenance costs. We surely know that A has more reliable processors and longer operational span. However, those are not part of the maintenance costs.

As we can see, opposite answers to B produce different effects on the feasibility goal of the management. Thus B is the correct answer choice.

A. Whether FMP processors’ operational span is significantly longer than that of new models of existing technology.
We already know that information from the stimulus, so it doesn’t help us evaluate the decision of the management.

C. Whether mainframe computer manufacturers still produce and market servers that are based on the older technology as well.
This question doesn’t help us evaluate the decision of the management. The stem already says that there is such a technology.

D. Whether the bank's management intends to purchase more mainframe servers next year, in order to expand its capabilities.
Even if they purchase B for the next year, it doesn’t clarify whether buying A instead of B will reduce the maintenance costs now.

E. Whether other banks in its market recently upgraded their computing systems.
This piece of information is irrelevant to evaluate the feasibility of the management's goal.

Hence B

Here the plan of the bank is to REPLACE the existing mainframe system with FMP's rather than buy more mainframe systems so that they save on maintenance cost.
Advantages FMP's have as per argument:
i) SImple and Reliable
ii) Substantially longer life

So in order to evaluate this plan, we need to EVALUATE any other additional advantage that FMP's might have. If something with FMP's is worse than the mainframe, the plan might fail. This property can be anything, so it's better to evaluate.

A. This information is already available with us. Eliminate.

B. CORRECT. Efficiency means that for a unit of work done, how much energy is required by any machine. If the energy efficiency of FMP's are substantially higher, then it's an added advantage. But if it's comparatively, substantially low then MORE energy might be required by the FMP's to produce the same amount of output. Energy simply converts to Electric costs / Maintenance costs in case of Electronics ( Energy is proportional to cost). So when they are MORE efficient then it will raise my belief to use them and when they are not it will reduce my belief. So it weakens/strengthens at two extremes. -> CORRECT choice

C. We do not want to know what they do specifically. The banker's plan is to have a higher maintenance cost and the specificity is out of scope. ELIMINARE

D. We are given as per fact that they are trying to use FMP's in place of new one and this is the CURRENT plan. So what they do next year is another plan and this is again out of scope of the evaluation of the plan. ELIMINATE.

E. Other bank's replacement would be relevant when we know about the difference in maintenance costs along with whether they used FMP's or not. But none of the things are mentioned. ELIMINATE.

Answer -> B

Regards,
Rishav

Using POE to select the correct answer:

United Investments is replacing its outdated mainframe servers with FMPs to reduce maintenance costs, as they are simpler, more reliable and more durable than their current configuration.

We have been asked to select the option that gives us adequate information to evaluate whether the bank management’s decision will reduce the company’s maintenance costs?

(A) Whether FMP processors’ operational span is significantly longer than that of new models of existing technology. - We have already been told that FMPs last longer than new models of current technology. This is thus not new information, We can eliminate A.
(B) Whether FMP computers have higher energy efficiency than that of new models of the existing processors. - More energy efficient systems will lower energy costs and thus will reduce running costs. This info will help us evaluate whether there are any cost savings to be realized from the change to FMPs.
(C) Whether mainframe computer manufacturers still produce and market servers that are based on the older technology as well. - As United have already decided to switch and the question is about whether this will bring about a reduction in maintenance costs, this information is irrelevant, remove C.
(D) Whether the bank's management intends to purchase more mainframe servers next year, in order to expand its capabilities. - Again, the only information relevant is whether the replacements will lead to a decrease in maintenance costs, D can go.
(E) Whether other banks in its market recently upgraded their computing systems. - This might be marginally relevant, if comparable sized banks with similar IT requirements have done so, maybe there is a reason they are making the change and it would be beneficial to United as well, but we are not told if the benefit is specifically cost reduction. Furthermore, it could be possible that other banks realized cost savings from the switch but United does not due to certain specific aspects of its business, whether other companies in United's industry have switched their systems alone does not help us evaluate whether United realizes any cost savings. We can safely exclude E.

Correct answer is therefore B.

In evaluate the argument, firstly, we need to find an option that will either strengthen or weaken conclusion if given opposite answers (YES/NO). In other words, we need to find an answer that will say "YES, it is good idea to buy FMP as it reduces maintenance costs " and "NO, it is not a good idea to buy FMP because maintenance costs will not be reduced" (strategy called Variance test in CR Bible). Also, we need to note that maintenance costs are those costs that machines incur while running (electricity, softwares, etc)

(A) Whether FMP processors’ operational span is significantly longer than that of new models of existing technology. - we are already given this information. We cannot take opposite of it because we will hurt premise. Out
(B) Whether FMP computers have higher energy efficiency than that of new models of the existing processors. - Yes, we have higher efficiency, which in turn reduces electricity bills, thus maintenance costs will decreased and company will make a saving from switching to FMP. No, FMPs does not generate higher energy efficiency and thus its electricity bills will be either the same OR higher. In any case, company may reevaluate its strategy of saving on maintenance costs (retraining of staff, investment into FMP, other costs). As,we see opposite cases produce opposite results. Answer is B
(C) Whether mainframe computer manufacturers still produce and market servers that are based on the older technology as well. - Stem has already mention that such technology is available. From this information we cannot deduce if maintenance costs will be lower or not if company uses FMP. Out
(D) Whether the bank's management intends to purchase more mainframe servers next year, in order to expand its capabilities. - Here, we do not even have to do variance test because D is about future and we care for NOW. Out
(E) Whether other banks in its market recently upgraded their computing systems. - we do not care for other banks, we care only for our bank

Answer is B, IMO

(A) Whether FMP processors’ operational span is significantly longer than that of new models of existing technology. --> Incorrect. This information is already given in the last line of the passage.

(B) Whether FMP computers have higher energy efficiency than that of new models of the existing processors. --> Correct. Energy efficiency will help reduce costs.

(C) Whether mainframe computer manufacturers still produce and market servers that are based on the older technology as well. --> Wrong. Out of scope. Answer to this question will not help assess the cost reduction aspect in question here.

(D) Whether the bank's management intends to purchase more mainframe servers next year, in order to expand its capabilities. --> Wrong. Out of scope. Answer to this question will not help assess the cost reduction aspect in question here. We do not care about next year's plans to assess the planning for the cost reductions this year.

(E) Whether other banks in its market recently upgraded their computing systems. --> Wrong. Out of scope. Answer to this question will not help assess the cost reduction aspect in question here. We do not care what other banks did here.

Here is my reasoning:

United Investments’ management has decided to upgrade its mainframe computer servers to the newly developed flash-memory processors (FMPs) instead of purchasing new models of its existing technology, in order to significantly reduce its maintenance costs. FMP computers have simpler, more reliable processors, and their average operational span is substantially longer.

Which of the following would be most useful in assessing whether the bank management’s decision will reduce the company’s maintenance costs?

Options prefixed with X are discarded.

X(A) Whether FMP processors’ operational span is significantly longer than that of new models of existing technology.
>>This seems to make sense, but this info is already given in the passage. Also, longer lifespan does not necessarily mean lower costs, maybe they require high maintenance over a long lifespan. B seems to be a better answer.

(B) Whether FMP computers have higher energy efficiency than that of new models of the existing processors.
>> THIS SEEMS CORRECT. Higher energy efficiency would directly result in reduction of maintenance costs. It would cost less money to run FMP if they are energy efficient.

X(C) Whether mainframe computer manufacturers still produce and market servers that are based on the older technology as well.
>>This would have no impact on maintenance costs.

X(D) Whether the bank's management intends to purchase more mainframe servers next year, in order to expand its capabilities.
>>Next years purchase decision does not impact the maintenance costs that will be incurred on current hardware.

X(E) Whether other banks in its market recently upgraded their computing systems.
>>Systems of other banks has no impact on maintenance costs of our bank.

Answer: B

United Investments’ management has decided to upgrade its mainframe computer servers to the newly developed flash-memory processors (FMPs) instead of purchasing new models of its existing technology, in order to significantly reduce its maintenance costs. FMP computers have simpler, more reliable processors, and their average operational span is substantially longer.

UI management decided to upgrade servers instead of purchasing new models.
Objective for the decision is to reduce significant maintenance costs.
Reason to do so is FMP computers have simpler, reliable processors and average operational span is longer.

Which of the following would be most useful in assessing whether the bank management’s decision will reduce the company’s maintenance costs?
This is a evaluate question. We need to search for Option which provides the comparison for the maintenance cost or Option which tells whether maintenance costs can be reduced or not.

(A) Whether FMP processors’ operational span is significantly longer than that of new models of existing technology. --> Already provided in the statement and this is one of the reason to opt for upgrade. Incorrect.
(B) Whether FMP computers have higher energy efficiency than that of new models of the existing processors. --> If FMP computers have higher energy efficiency than that of the new models then this will help in reducing the maintenance costs.
If FMP computers do not have higher energy efficiency that that of new models then there is a possibility that maintenance costs will not be significantly reduced. Correct.
(C) Whether mainframe computer manufacturers still produce and market servers that are based on the older technology as well. --> Production and marketing of older technology servers don't tell us anything about comparison of maintenance costs of upgrading the servers vs purchasing new models. Incorrect.
(D) Whether the bank's management intends to purchase more mainframe servers next year, in order to expand its capabilities. --> This option also doesn't tell us anything about the maintenance costs. Incorrect.
(E) Whether other banks in its market recently upgraded their computing systems. --> Other banks in the market is out of scope. Incorrect.

Answer Choice: B

Updated existing MF comp servers with FMP processors instead of purchasing new models of existing technology processors. this move is to reduce maintenance costs. these are also simpler (meaning simpler installation?), reliable processors and their average operational span is substantially longer.

Which of the following would be most useful in assessing whether the bank management’s decision will reduce the company’s maintenance costs?

(A) Whether FMP processors’ operational span is significantly longer than that of new models of existing technology.
this option suggests to evaluate operational span of FMP models with the new models of existing technology. however, this has already been compared and passage mentions that average operational span is substantially longer

(B) Whether FMP computers have higher energy efficiency than that of new models of the existing processors.
Comparing efficiency between the models. there is no efficiency evaluated in the passage. if not efficient, then it will incur considerable cost in if amount of energy expended is high. keep the answer.

(C) Whether mainframe computer manufacturers still produce and market servers that are based on the older technology as well.
If there are servers available from older technology, it will not help determine the management's decision to reduce maintenance costs with FMP processors

(D) Whether the bank's management intends to purchase more mainframe servers next year, in order to expand its capabilities.
Even if they intend to purchase more servers next year, the question of buying FMP processors is about the current management's decision.

(E) Whether other banks in its market recently upgraded their computing systems.
Even if other banks did upgrade their computing system, it would not impact the buying decision for this bank.

B is the best answer

we have to evaluate
whether the bank management’s decision will reduce the company’s maintenance costs?

let's see the answer choices


(A) Whether FMP processors’ operational span is significantly longer than that of new models of existing technology.
it's already given in stimulus that FMP operational span is substantially longer and evaluating this answer doesn't help explain management decision will reduce maintenance cost or not (OUT)

(B) Whether FMP computers have higher energy efficiency than that of new models of the existing processors.
let's apply the variance test on this answer choice
yes--FMP computers have higher energy efficiency than that of new models of the existing processors
if this is the case then FMP computers will use less energy than that of the new model of the existing processors to perform the same task
and this will reduce the maintenance cost (this STRENGTHEN the management decision)

no--FMP computers have not higher energy efficiency than that of new models of the existing processors
if this is the case then FMP computers will use more energy than that of the new model of the existing processors to perform the same task
and this will increase the maintenance cost (this WEAKEN the management decision)

so evaluating this answer choice help answer our concern (CORRECT)

(C) Whether mainframe computer manufacturers still produce and market servers that are based on the older technology as well.
manufacturers produce and market older technology server or not doesn't help to assess the management decision (OUT)

(D) Whether the bank's management intends to purchase more mainframe servers next year, in order to expand its capabilities.
we are concerned about ...upgrading to FMP computers will reduce maintenance costs or not
this answer choice talks about the intention of bank's management to buy mainframe servers next year.....this doesn't answer our concern whether management decision will help reduce cost (OUT)

(E) Whether other banks in its market recently upgraded their computing systems.
other banks upgraded their computing system or not doesn't help evaluate that management decision will reduce maintenance cost or not
so this option is (OUT)

United Investments’ management has decided to upgrade its mainframe computer servers to the newly developed flash-memory processors (FMPs) instead of purchasing new models of its existing technology, in order to significantly reduce its maintenance costs. FMP computers have simpler, more reliable processors, and their average operational span is substantially longer.

Which of the following would be most useful in assessing whether the bank management’s decision will reduce the company’s maintenance costs?

The main frame i.e the main point here is to determine whether the above decision is actually reducing the maintenance cost. Lets go through the answer choices

(A) Whether FMP processors’ operational span is significantly longer than that of new models of existing technology.- Incorrect, the passage states that the the processor's operational span is considerably higher and they are more reliable hence we don't have to worry about their operational span
(B) Whether FMP computers have higher energy efficiency than that of new models of the existing processors.- Correct. This could really hit the maintainance cost if the energy efficiency is longer than the new models of existing technology. hence this is a factor management must take into consideration.
(C) Whether mainframe computer manufacturers still produce and market servers that are based on the older technology as well.- Irrelevant . We are not concerned about the manufacturers manufacturing the old models, we are concerned whether replacing the old models with newly developed FMPS will reduce the maintenance cost
(D) Whether the bank's management intends to purchase more mainframe servers next year, in order to expand its capabilities.- Irrelevant. This decision is for next year and is not elping in determining the existing decision taken by the management to Upgrade its computers with FMPS than purchasing new models of existing technology.
(E) Whether other banks in its market recently upgraded their computing systems. - Irrelevant. we are not concerned with the other banks here.

United Investments’ management has decided to upgrade its mainframe computer servers to the newly developed flash-memory processors (FMPs) instead of purchasing new models of its existing technology, in order to significantly reduce its maintenance costs. FMP computers have simpler, more reliable processors, and their average operational span is substantially longer.

Which of the following would be most useful in assessing whether the bank management’s decision will reduce the company’s maintenance costs?

(A) Whether FMP processors’ operational span is significantly longer than that of new models of existing technology.Incorrect.its already given in the statement.

(
B) Whether FMP computers have higher energy efficiency than that of new models of the existing processors.Correct.Naturally if FMP computers have higher efficiency than that of new models of existing processors then bank management's decision is correct that it will reduce the mainteance cost.


(C) Whether mainframe computer manufacturers still produce and market servers that are based on the older technology as well.Incorrect.We are nowhere concerned with older technology.


(D) Whether the bank's management intends to purchase more mainframe servers next year, in order to expand its capabilities.Incorrect.Purchasing next year doesn't relate to the management's decision


(E) Whether other banks in its market recently upgraded their computing systems. Incorrect. We are not concerned about what other banks are doing.