Critical Reasoning — Implicit Assumptions Institute director's claim: “It has become a necessity to computerize all the functions of our Institute to maintain the present position.” Assumptions to test: I. Unless computerized, the Institute will fall behind in the race. II. The Institute’s functions are too complex to be handled manually.

Difficulty: Medium

Correct Answer: Only assumption I is implicit

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
The director asserts that full computerization is necessary to maintain status. We must uncover which assumptions are indispensable to this necessity claim.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Goal: maintain present competitive position.
  • Assumption I: without computerization, the Institute will fall behind competitors.
  • Assumption II: functions are too complex to do manually.


Concept / Approach:
“Necessity to maintain position” implies a competitive or efficiency gap if not computerized. It does not require complexity beyond manual management; the reason could be speed, integration, scale, or expectations, not intrinsic complexity.


Step-by-Step Solution:

1) If failing to computerize would cause slippage, then computerization is necessary to hold position—this is I.2) II overstates: even simple tasks may need computerization to match competitors’ efficiency or service-level agreements. Thus II is not necessary.


Verification / Alternative check:
Negate I: even without computerization, the Institute maintains position—then “necessity” collapses. Negate II: tasks could be manageable manually yet still noncompetitive in speed—necessity can still stand. Hence only I is implicit.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • II only / Either / Neither / Both—each misreads “necessity” as tied to complexity rather than competitiveness and efficiency.


Common Pitfalls:
Equating “manual impossibility” with “strategic necessity.” Necessity may be strategic, not technical.


Final Answer:
Only assumption I is implicit

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