Question

5-27.  Stingy Upstate University (Process Maps, Decision Tables, and Decision Trees)

The approval rules for reimbursing those faculty members at Upstate University who attend professional conferences are somewhat complicated, and in the opinion of most, “hardly generous.” For example, the maximum allowed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner is $8, $10, and $12, respectively. In addition, no reimbursements are made for breakfast if the traveler leaves home after 10 a.m., for lunch if the traveler leaves home after 2 p.m., or for dinner if the traveler leaves home after 8 p.m. Finally, no reimbursements are made for “business lunches” or similar meals if their costs are included as part of the conference registration fee.

When Upstate University faculty file for travel reimbursements, they must file a form that requests the time they left home and the time they left the hotel to return home. They must also provide a copy of their conference registration receipt, showing what meals were included in the program.

Requirements

Develop a process map that displays the logic for deciding whether or not a given meal should be reimbursed.

Develop a decision table for these same reimbursement rules.

Develop a decision tree for these same reimbursement rules.

Which documentation method do you most prefer and why?

Marsha Tightfist (“the travel Nazi”) approves or denies travel reimbursements at Upstate University. She gets paid $50,000 a year, reviews all requests for travel reimbursements, and denies those that violate these rules. What calculations would you make to determine whether or not her salary is money well spent?

Answer 1

1)Process map

2)Decision Table

3)Decision Tree

4)Process Map is preferrable . This is due to the fact that all of the different areas of the building that are included within the process have also been highlighted meaning that it is clear where each decision with made. This is different to the others who focus entirely on the process and the decision-making process which is in place. Knowing the different areas of the company means you can track the decision-making process and if you were part of the process you can see where the decision is coming from in the end

5)The university’s travel office rules might be justifiable if the institution saves more than the cost of Marsha Tightfist’s salary of $50,000 per year (ignoring additional benefits). If university professors were frequently changing their expense reports by claiming for meals that they did not eat, or that were provided to them at conferences, for example, then Marsha might pay for herself in travel cost savings.