Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) Business Management Practice Test

Which example best fits preliminary control?

1. A monthly sales summary

2. A rule for surgical hygiene

3. A thermostat in an ice cream factory

4. A financial audit

The correct answer is: A rule for surgical hygiene

Preliminary control refers to measures that are implemented to prevent problems before they occur. This type of control is proactive and focuses on setting standards or rules that guide processes effectively. The option concerning a rule for surgical hygiene epitomizes preliminary control because it establishes mandatory guidelines to ensure that proper hygiene practices are followed before any surgical procedure takes place. This not only helps to prevent infections and complications but also ensures that the surgical environment is safe and sterile from the outset. This proactive approach to standards in a medical context is essential for maintaining quality and safety. In contrast, the other options pertain to different types of controls. The monthly sales summary reflects a type of feedback control, where past performance is analyzed to inform future actions. The thermostat in an ice cream factory represents a concurrent control, regulating the environment in real time to maintain the desired temperature. Lastly, a financial audit is an example of feedback control since it assesses compliance and accuracy in financial records after they have already been produced. Therefore, the emphasis on setting preventative standards makes the rule for surgical hygiene the best example of preliminary control.