PAST PAPER Assistant Director (HR & ADMIN) PPSC [SOLVED]

1. Which of the following is a primary function of management? A) Marketing B) Planning C) Accounting D) Research Answer: B) Planning 2. What does SWOT analysis stand for? A) Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats B) Strategies, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Tactics C) Strengths, Workforce, Operations, Threats D) Strategies, Workforce, Objectives, Tactics Answer: A) Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats 3. Which management style is characterized by making decisions independently with little input from others? A) Democratic B) Laissez-faire C) Autocratic D) Participative Answer: C) Autocratic 4. What is the primary goal of strategic management? A) Minimize costs B) Maximize profits C) Align resources with organizational goals D) Ensure employee satisfaction Answer: C) Align resources with organizational goals 5. Which of the following is a method of performance appraisal? A) 360-Degree Feedback B) SWOT Analysis C) Balanced Scorecard D) Business Model Canvas Answer: A) 360-Degree Feedback 6. In organizational behavior, ‘motivation’ refers to: A) The process of setting objectives B) The process of influencing people C) The inner drive to perform D) The structure of the organization Answer: C) The inner drive to perform 7. Which of the following is NOT a type of organizational structure? A) Functional B) Matrix C) Divisional D) Coordinative Answer: D) Coordinative 8. Which leadership style encourages team participation and input? A) Autocratic B) Laissez-faire C) Transformational D) Transactional Answer: C) Transformational 9. What is the purpose of a business plan? A) To outline the marketing strategy B) To define the company’s mission and objectives C) To evaluate employee performance D) To manage cash flow Answer: B) To define the company’s mission and objectives 10. Which term refers to the systematic study of the nature of work and the workplace? A) Human Resource Management B) Operations Management C) Organizational Behavior D) Industrial Engineering Answer: D) Industrial Engineering 11. Which of the following is a key component of a good team? A) Diversity B) Homogeneity C) Isolation D) Lack of communication Answer: A) Diversity 12. What is the primary purpose of financial management? A) Maximizing profit B) Ensuring employee satisfaction C) Managing financial resources D) Reducing costs Answer: C) Managing financial resources 13. In project management, what does the term ‘scope creep’ refer to? A) Completing a project on time B) Increasing project scope without control C) Reducing project costs D) Meeting project deadlines Answer: B) Increasing project scope without control 14. Which financial statement shows a company’s revenue and expenses over a specific period? A) Balance Sheet B) Income Statement C) Cash Flow Statement D) Statement of Retained Earnings Answer: B) Income Statement 15. What does the term ‘market segmentation’ mean? A) Dividing a market into distinct groups of buyers B) Analyzing market trends C) Setting product prices D) Identifying competitors Answer: A) Dividing a market into distinct groups of buyers 16. Which of the following is a characteristic of a successful leader? A) Autocracy B) Inflexibility C) Vision D) Indifference Answer: C) Vision 17. What is the purpose of a feasibility study? A) To create a business model B) To evaluate the potential success of a project C) To assess employee performance D) To design marketing strategies Answer: B) To evaluate the potential success of a project 18. Which of the following is an example of a qualitative measure of performance? A) Sales figures B) Customer satisfaction surveys C) Market share D) Profit margins Answer: B) Customer satisfaction surveys 19. In which type of market structure do many firms compete, and products are similar but not identical? A) Monopoly B) Oligopoly C) Perfect competition D) Monopolistic competition Answer: D) Monopolistic competition 20. Which of the following is a primary role of human resource management? A) Overseeing production B) Managing finances C) Recruiting and training employees D) Developing marketing strategies Answer: C) Recruiting and training employees 21. What is the primary focus of operations management? A) Financial planning B) Product development C) Process efficiency D) Market research Answer: C) Process efficiency 22. Which management theory emphasizes the importance of understanding human behavior in the workplace? A) Scientific Management B) Human Relations Theory C) Systems Theory D) Contingency Theory Answer: B) Human Relations Theory 23. Which of the following terms refers to a company’s ability to meet its short-term obligations? A) Solvency B) Liquidity C) Profitability D) Equity Answer: B) Liquidity 24. What is the primary purpose of a marketing strategy? A) To minimize costs B) To increase market share C) To improve employee morale D) To manage cash flow Answer: B) To increase market share 25. Which document outlines an employee’s job responsibilities? A) Employment contract B) Job description C) Performance appraisal D) Training manual Answer: B) Job description 26. Which term describes a method of increasing employee performance through feedback? A) Autocratic leadership B) Performance appraisal C) Job rotation D) Task delegation Answer: B) Performance appraisal 27. What does ‘Corporate Social Responsibility’ (CSR) refer to? A) Maximizing shareholder profits B) Ensuring compliance with laws C) Ethical behavior towards society and the environment D) Increasing production efficiency Answer: C) Ethical behavior towards society and the environment 28. Which of the following is a common method of conflict resolution in organizations? A) Avoidance B) Compromise C) Aggression D) Manipulation Answer: B) Compromise 29. What is a key advantage of teamwork? A) Reduced communication B) Increased creativity C) Slower decision-making D) Limited perspectives Answer: B) Increased creativity 30. In which type of organizational structure do employees report to multiple managers? A) Functional B) Matrix C) Divisional D) Hierarchical Answer: B) Matrix 31. Which of the following is a measure of a company’s profitability? A) Gross Profit Margin B) Current Ratio C) Debt-to-Equity Ratio D) Inventory Turnover Answer: A) Gross Profit Margin 32. What is the purpose of a contingency plan? A) To establish routine operations B) To prepare for unexpected events C) To increase employee productivity D) To improve financial performance Answer: B) To prepare for unexpected events 33. Which term refers to the process of identifying and developing new markets? A) Market Penetration B) Market Development C) Market Segmentation D) Market Diversification Answer: B) Market Development 34. Which leadership style is characterized by a hands-off approach? A) Autocratic B) Democratic C) Laissez-faire D) Transformational Answer: C) Laissez-faire 35. What is the term for the tendency to favor information that confirms existing beliefs? A) Cognitive Dissonance B) Confirmation Bias C) Anchoring Effect D) Groupthink Answer: B) Confirmation Bias 36. Which of the following is a disadvantage of a sole proprietorship? A) Limited control B) Unlimited liability C) Shared profits D) Limited resources Answer: B) Unlimited liability 37. What is the purpose of market research? A) To analyze financial performance B) To understand consumer needs and preferences C) To evaluate employee satisfaction D) To manage production processes Answer: B) To understand consumer needs and preferences 38. Which financial ratio is used to assess a company’s debt levels? A) Current Ratio B) Quick Ratio C) Debt Ratio D) Return on Equity Answer: C) Debt Ratio 39. Which type of decision-making involves evaluating alternatives before reaching a conclusion? A) Programmed Decision B) Non-programmed Decision C) Rational Decision D) Intuitive Decision Answer: C) Rational Decision 40. Which of the following is NOT a step in the decision-making process? A) Identifying the problem B) Generating alternatives C) Implementing the decision D) Finalizing the budget Answer: D) Finalizing the budget 41. What does the term ‘organizational culture’ refer to? A) The formal structure of an organization B) The shared values and beliefs within an organization C) The external environment affecting an organization D) The financial performance of an organization Answer: B) The shared values and beliefs within an organization 42. Which of the following is a characteristic of effective communication? A) Ambiguity B) Clarity C) Complexity D) Noise Answer: B) Clarity 43. Which strategy focuses on reducing costs to gain a competitive advantage? A) Differentiation Strategy B) Cost Leadership Strategy C) Focus Strategy D) Growth Strategy Answer: B) Cost Leadership Strategy 44. What is the primary role of a project manager? A) To oversee daily operations B) To develop marketing strategies C) To plan and execute projects D) To manage financial resources Answer: C) To plan and execute projects 45. Which concept refers to the systematic approach to improving processes and reducing waste? A) Total Quality Management B) Lean Management C) Six Sigma D) Business Process Reengineering Answer: B) Lean Management 46. What does the acronym ‘KPI’ stand for? A) Key Performance Indicator B) Key Project Implementation C) Knowledge Performance Index D) Key Profit Indicator Answer: A) Key Performance Indicator 47. Which term describes the process of assessing an employee’s performance over a specific period? A) Job Analysis B) Performance Evaluation C) Training Needs Assessment D) Employee Feedback Answer: B) Performance Evaluation 48. What is the purpose of financial forecasting? A) To analyze past performance B) To predict future financial performance C) To assess employee productivity D) To evaluate market trends Answer: B) To predict future financial performance 49. Which of the following is an example of a quantitative research method? A) Focus Groups B) Surveys C) Case Studies D) Interviews Answer: B) Surveys 50. What does the term ’emotional intelligence’ refer to? A) The ability to understand financial data B) The ability to manage one’s own emotions and understand others’ emotions C) The ability to make rational decisions D) The ability to influence others Answer: B) The ability to manage one’s own emotions and understand others’ emotions 51. Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of effective teams? A) Clear goals B) Strong leadership C) Limited communication D) Mutual accountability Answer: C) Limited communication 52. What is the primary focus of marketing management? A) Financial performance B) Customer satisfaction C) Employee training D) Production efficiency Answer: B) Customer satisfaction 53. In project management, the term ‘Gantt chart’ is used for: A) Budgeting B) Scheduling C) Risk assessment D) Performance evaluation Answer: B) Scheduling 54. Which term refers to the distribution of authority and responsibility within an organization? A) Organizational Structure B) Chain of Command C) Delegation D) Accountability Answer: A) Organizational Structure 55. Which financial statement provides a snapshot of a company’s financial position at a specific point in time? A) Cash Flow Statement B) Income Statement C) Balance Sheet D) Statement of Retained Earnings Answer: C) Balance Sheet 56. What is the role of a human resources manager in an organization? A) To manage financial resources B) To oversee production processes C) To recruit, train, and develop employees D) To create marketing strategies Answer: C) To recruit, train, and develop employees 57. Which of the following is an example of intrinsic motivation? A) A financial bonus B) Recognition from peers C) A sense of personal achievement D) Job security Answer: C) A sense of personal achievement 58. What does the term ‘benchmarking’ refer to in business? A) Setting goals based on past performance B) Comparing performance metrics with best practices in the industry C) Measuring employee satisfaction D) Analyzing financial statements Answer: B) Comparing performance metrics with best practices in the industry 59. Which of the following is a disadvantage of a partnership? A) Shared decision-making B) Limited resources C) Unlimited liability D) Diverse expertise Answer: C) Unlimited liability 60. What is the primary goal of quality management? A) To reduce costs B) To ensure customer satisfaction C) To increase market share D) To enhance employee productivity Answer: B) To ensure customer satisfaction 61. Which leadership style focuses on establishing clear goals and monitoring performance? A) Laissez-faire B) Transactional C) Transformational D) Servant Leadership Answer: B) Transactional 62. What is the main purpose of organizational change management? A) To maintain the status quo B) To ensure smooth transitions during change initiatives C) To increase employee turnover D) To reduce costs Answer: B) To ensure smooth transitions during change initiatives 63. Which of the following is a primary responsibility of a marketing manager? A) Managing financial resources B) Developing marketing strategies C) Overseeing production processes D) Conducting performance appraisals Answer: B) Developing marketing strategies 64. What is the purpose of a training needs assessment? A) To evaluate employee performance B) To identify skill gaps and training requirements C) To develop marketing strategies D) To assess customer satisfaction Answer: B) To identify skill gaps and training requirements 65. Which term refers to the ability of an organization to adapt to changes in the external environment? A) Flexibility B) Efficiency C) Effectiveness D) Stability Answer: A) Flexibility 66. What is the role of a change agent in an organization? A) To resist changes B) To facilitate and implement change C) To analyze financial performance D) To manage day-to-day operations Answer: B) To facilitate and implement change 67. Which type of leadership focuses on empowering employees and fostering a collaborative environment? A) Authoritarian B) Transformational C) Transactional D) Bureaucratic Answer: B) Transformational 68. What does the term ‘organizational development’ refer to? A) The study of financial performance B) The process of improving organizational effectiveness and health C) The analysis of market trends D) The development of employee skills Answer: B) The process of improving organizational effectiveness and health 69. Which of the following is NOT a common barrier to effective communication? A) Cultural differences B) Noise C) Clarity D) Physical distance Answer: C) Clarity 70. Which term refers to the potential for an organization to grow and expand its market presence? A) Scalability B) Sustainability C) Profitability D) Liquidity Answer: A) Scalability 71. What is the primary focus of change management? A) To maintain the current organizational structure B) To ensure smooth transitions during change initiatives C) To minimize employee turnover D) To maximize profit Answer: B) To ensure smooth transitions during change initiatives 72. Which financial metric measures the profitability of a company relative to its total assets? A) Return on Assets (ROA) B) Debt-to-Equity Ratio C) Gross Profit Margin D) Current Ratio Answer: A) Return on Assets (ROA) 73. What is the primary purpose of employee training and development? A) To reduce turnover B) To improve employee skills and performance C) To minimize costs D) To ensure compliance with regulations Answer: B) To improve employee skills and performance 74. Which of the following is a characteristic of transformational leadership? A) Focus on tasks B) Emphasis on change and innovation C) Strict adherence to rules D) Limited interaction with employees Answer: B) Emphasis on change and innovation 75. What does the term ‘organizational behavior’ study? A) Financial performance of organizations B) Employee behavior within organizations C) Market trends D) Legal issues in business Answer: B) Employee behavior within organizations 76. Which of the following is NOT a function of management? A) Planning B) Organizing C) Forecasting D) Controlling Answer: C) Forecasting 77. What is the main objective of financial management? A) To maximize profit B) To ensure liquidity C) To optimize the use of resources D) To minimize costs Answer: C) To optimize the use of resources 78. Which of the following is an example of a qualitative research method? A) Surveys B) Experiments C) Interviews D) Observations Answer: C) Interviews 79. What is the primary goal of operations management? A) To enhance customer satisfaction B) To minimize costs C) To improve efficiency and effectiveness in production D) To maximize profit Answer: C) To improve efficiency and effectiveness in production 80. Which of the following best describes strategic planning? A) Short-term decision-making B) Development of specific tasks C) Long-term organizational goals and strategies D) Daily operational management Answer: C) Long-term organizational goals and strategies 81. Which country is known as the Land of the Rising Sun? A) China B) Japan C) South Korea D) Thailand Answer: B) Japan 82. What is the capital of Pakistan? A) Karachi B) Lahore C) Islamabad D) Quetta Answer: C) Islamabad 83. In which year did Pakistan gain independence? A) 1945 B) 1947 C) 1950 D) 1952 Answer: B) 1947 84. Who was the first Prime Minister of Pakistan? A) Liaquat Ali Khan B) Muhammad Ali Jinnah C) Zulfikar Ali Bhutto D) Benazir Bhutto Answer: A) Liaquat Ali Khan 85. Which of the following is the smallest continent in the world? A) Africa B) Asia C) Australia D) Europe Answer: C) Australia 86. What is the chemical symbol for water? A) O2 B) H2O C) CO2 D) NaCl Answer: B) H2O 87. Which of the following is a mammal? A) Crocodile B) Eagle C) Dolphin D) Lizard Answer: C) Dolphin 88. Who is known as the “Father of the Nation” in Pakistan? A) Liaquat Ali Khan B) Allama Iqbal C) Muhammad Ali Jinnah D) Zulfikar Ali Bhutto Answer: C) Muhammad Ali Jinnah 89. Which organ of the human body is primarily responsible for pumping blood? A) Brain B) Liver C) Heart D) Lungs Answer: C) Heart 90. What is the square root of 64? A) 6 B) 7 C) 8 D) 9 Answer: C) 8 91. Which of the following is a programming language? A) HTML B) CSS C) Java D) All of the above Answer: D) All of the above 92. What does the abbreviation ‘CPU’ stand for in computer terminology? A) Central Processing Unit B) Computer Personal Unit C) Central Programming Unit D) Computer Processing Unit Answer: A) Central Processing Unit 93. Which city is known as the “City of Lights”? A) Islamabad B) Karachi C) Lahore D) Peshawar Answer: B) Karachi 94. What is the primary language spoken in Pakistan? A) Urdu B) Punjabi C) Sindhi D) Pashto Answer: A) Urdu 95. In which of the following states is the Thar Desert located? A) Sindh B) Punjab C) Balochistan D) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Answer: A) Sindh 96. Which of the following is a famous mountain range in Pakistan? A) Rocky Mountains B) Himalayas C) Andes D) Alps Answer: B) Himalayas 97. What is the boiling point of water in Celsius? A) 50°C B) 75°C C) 100°C D) 120°C Answer: C) 100°C 98. Which of the following is a famous festival in Pakistan? A) Diwali B) Eid-ul-Fitr C) Christmas D) Halloween Answer: B) Eid-ul-Fitr 99. What is 15% of 200? A) 25 B) 30 C) 35 D) 40 Answer: B) 30 100. Which type of energy is derived from the sun? A) Nuclear Energy B) Solar Energy C) Geothermal Energy D) Wind Energy Answer: B) Solar Energy