Managerial decision levels: Lower-level managers typically make day-to-day ______ decisions to schedule, coordinate, and control specific operational tasks.

Introduction / Context:
Organizations classify decisions by level: strategic (top), tactical (middle), and operational (lower). Matching decision type to managerial level clarifies information needs and the role of MIS and TPS (transaction processing systems) in daily work.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Focus is on lower-level managers (supervisors, line managers).
• Activities include scheduling, controlling, and coordinating routine tasks.
• We must choose the best single word to describe these decisions.

Concept / Approach:
Operational decisions are short-term, structured, and frequent. They rely on current, detailed data. They differ from tactical decisions (resource allocation over weeks or months) and strategic decisions (long-term direction).

Step-by-Step Solution:
Identify manager level: lower-level.Identify decision characteristics: day-to-day, scheduling, control.Map to decision type: operational.

Verification / Alternative check:
Operations management literature consistently labels short-horizon scheduling and control as operational decisions supported by TPS and MIS dashboards.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Decision: Too generic, does not specify type.
• Success: Not a decision category.
• Simulation: A technique, not a decision level.
• None of the above: Incorrect because “operational” is correct.

Common Pitfalls:
Confusing tactical with operational; tactical is medium-term planning, not daily control.

Final Answer:
operational