Question 1 Chapter 1, The Environment in which Technical People Work 1.1 Select the correct answer to the following multiple questions. The initial stage in the life cycle of an organization is the ... [1] inception stage [2] high-growth stage [3] maturity stage [4] decline stage (2) 1.2 Read the following three statements: a) South African exporters usually benefit from a weakening rand while local consumers will struggle to maintain their standard of living. b) Fast increasing interest rates are likely to have a bigger negative impact on companies and households with high levels of debt. c) The political and regulatory environment in which companies operate can pose a risk to them in the form of higher taxes and tougher legislation. Which of the above statements is/are correct? ( (2) [1] a [2] a and b [3] a, b and c [4] a and c () (2) 1.3 Which one of the following is a not factor that an engineer or engineering team has to consider when designing a product? [1] Ease of maintenance [2] Aesthetics [3] Quality [4] Production method [5] The sales tax that consumers will pay when purchasing the product 1.4 The successful engineer of today needs more than merely technical skills and knowledge. List four of the non-technical skills and knowledge areas that an engineer should acquire. (4)