CUET UG Business Studies Test 2- Significance of Principles of Management
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QUESTION 1 OF 20
When dealing with a conflict between two departments over budget allocation, the manager uses the principle of "primacy of overall goals". This specific application to understand the situation demonstrates that principles of management are:
QUESTION 2 OF 20
Statement I: Understanding real-world situations through principles enables managers to learn from past mistakes.
Statement II: Managers cannot use management principles to conserve time when solving recurring problems.
QUESTION 3 OF 20
QUESTION 4 OF 20
QUESTION 5 OF 20
Match the elements of resource utilization to their outcomes:
| List 1 | List 2 |
|---|---|
| 1. Optimum use of human and material resources | A. Impersonalisation of managerial conduct |
| 2. Overcoming trial-and-error approach | B. Reduction of material wastages |
| 3. Effective administration | C. Maximum benefit with minimum cost |
| 4. Setting standards for activities | D. Ensuring interchangeability of parts |
QUESTION 6 OF 20
Which of the following is NOT an intended outcome of utilizing resources efficiently through management principles?
QUESTION 7 OF 20
Assertion (A): Management decisions taken on the basis of principles are free from bias and prejudice.
Reason (R): They rely heavily on subjective personal preferences rather than an objective assessment of the situation.
QUESTION 8 OF 20
Sequence the method of scientific inquiry as proposed by F.W. Taylor for objective judgement:
1. Anticipating consequences and measuring progress.
2. Developing alternative solutions.
3. Defining a problem.
4. Drawing conclusions.
QUESTION 9 OF 20
Which principle has been extended in modern times to adapt to the changing environment, leading companies to outsource core processes such as R&D, manufacturing, and marketing?
QUESTION 10 OF 20
Infosys headquarters in Bangalore uses Asia's largest flat screen to interact with employees and customers globally. This demonstrates how management principles are keeping pace with Information and Communications Technology (ICT). This is an example of:
QUESTION 11 OF 20
The interpretation of the principle of "equity" assumes contemporary meanings over time. Today, equity does NOT merely apply to:
QUESTION 12 OF 20
Statement I: Shri Mahila Griha Udyog Lijjat Papad adopted the concept of devotion, treating the institution as a place of worship to benefit all.
Statement II: This synthesis of business and family affection directly targets public welfare and social responsibility.
QUESTION 13 OF 20
Match the elements of management education with their concepts:
| List 1 | List 2 |
|---|---|
| 1. Groundwork for management as a discipline | A. Management aptitude tests |
| 2. Entrance tests for institutes | B. Development of new management techniques |
| 3. Professional courses | C. BBA and MBA |
| 4. Further research | D. Principles of management |
QUESTION 14 OF 20
A university designs its MBA curriculum prioritizing topics like 'Division of Work' and 'Scalar Chain'. The primary goal of embedding these principles is to enhance the students':
QUESTION 15 OF 20
Assertion (A): The technique of Operations Research (OR) is a result of further research on management principles.
Reason (R): It was exclusively developed to eliminate the need for Kaizen and Just In Time systems.
QUESTION 16 OF 20
Arrange the following innovations in manufacturing processes in chronological order of their historical emergence based on classical management evolution:
1. Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma
2. Factory system of mass production (Industrial Revolution)
3. Assembly line concept by F.W. Taylor and Ford
QUESTION 17 OF 20
What ensures that managerial power is used with due discretion, thereby reducing bias and personal prejudice in decision making?
QUESTION 18 OF 20
A rational approach to decision making using management principles does NOT involve:
QUESTION 19 OF 20
Toyota follows a principle to "create and develop advanced technologies and provide outstanding products" to fulfill worldwide customer needs. This clearly drives the company toward:
QUESTION 20 OF 20
Statement I: True prosperity for the employer cannot exist for a long time unless it is accompanied by prosperity for the employees.
Statement II: This principle by Taylor ensures mutual benefits and long-term success of the organization.
Test Complete!
Answer Review
1 When dealing with a conflict between two departments over budget allocation, the manager uses the principle of "primacy of overall goals". This specific application to understand the situation demonstrates that principles of management are:
Principles help managers understand real-world situations. They provide a baseline for handling conflicts (like goal primacy). They transform management from a "rule of thumb" to a professional practice.
�� Management principles are described as General Guidelines that provide useful insights into reality. In the case of departmental conflict, a principle like "Subordination of Individual Interest to General Interest" (primacy of overall goals) doesn't solve the problem automatically, but it gives the manager a logical framework to prioritize the organization's health over department-specific desires. This improves the manager's vision and ability to handle complex circumstances effectively.
- Option B → NCERT explicitly states that principles are not "straitjacket" (one-size-fits-all) solutions; they must be adapted.
- Option C → Principles cover a vast range of human and material interactions, not just fatigue (which is specifically associated with Fatigue Study).
- Option D → While cost reduction is a goal, principles are broader, aiming for coordination, growth, and social responsibility.
Used: Contextual/Tonal Matching Application: The scenario describes "using a principle to understand a situation," which matches the conceptual definition in Option A. Final Logic: Principles are conceptual tools that clarify reality rather than rigid recipes.
Insight = Sight. Principles give managers the "eyes" to see the bigger picture.
2 Statement I: Understanding real-world situations through principles enables managers to learn from past mistakes.
Statement II: Managers cannot use management principles to conserve time when solving recurring problems.
Principles represent collective wisdom that prevents error repetition. They serve as pre-defined solutions for common issues. Statement II contradicts the "efficiency" significance of management theory.
�� Statement I is true because principles allow managers to benefit from the "collective wisdom" of predecessors, avoiding the "trial and error" that leads to mistakes. Statement II is false because the primary reason for having principles for recurring problems is to conserve time. By having a baseline solution (like a standard procedure for discipline), a manager doesn't have to think from scratch every time the issue arises.
- Option A → Incorrect because Statement II describes the exact opposite of managerial efficiency.
- Option C → Reverses the truth; Statement I is a core advantage of management education.
- Option D → Statement I is factually correct as per NCERT Chapter 2.
Used: Elimination Application: Identifying Statement II as false (because principles definitely save time) immediately eliminates options A and C. Final Logic: Principles are time-saving tools derived from historical success.
Past = Fast. Learn from the past (Mistakes) to make the future fast (Save time).
3
Scientific decisions must be "realistic" and "evaluatable." Measurement removes guesswork and bias. The answer is directly cited in the provided NCERT passage.
�� According to the passage, management decisions must be thoughtful, justifiable, and realistic. To ensure they are effective and contribute to efficiency, they must be subject to measurement and evaluation. This means the outcomes are checked against facts to see if they achieved the intended purpose. This moves management away from guesswork and toward an objective, scientific approach.
- Option A → Decisions should be based on facts and logic, not the "arbitrary" whim of a single person.
- Option C → The passage explicitly states that principles emphasize logic rather than blind faith.
- Option D → While decisions should be thoughtful, "perfect knowledge" is impossible; they must be "timely" and "realistic."
Used: Contextual/Tonal Matching Application: The text provided in the prompt explicitly says: "They must be... subject to measurement and evaluation." Final Logic: Data-driven assessment is the hallmark of scientific decision-making.
Fact-Check. If you can't measure it, you can't manage it scientifically.
4
Logic replaces the need for random experimentation. A "framework" provides a path to follow, speeding up the process. This aligns with the "Scientific Decisions" significance.
�� Management principles provide a logical framework for thinking. Instead of wasting time on trial-and-error (Option A) or struggling with personal prejudices (Option B), a manager follows the guidance of proven principles. This leads to thoughtful decision-making that is realistic and timely, thereby saving the time that would be lost to uncoordinated or irrational choices.
- Option A → Trial-and-error is time-consuming and wasteful; principles are meant to replace it.
- Option B → Prejudices lead to poor, biased decisions and are the opposite of scientific management.
- Option D → Relying "entirely" on personal values makes decisions subjective and inconsistent.
Used: Extreme Word Filter Application: Words like "prejudices," "trial-and-error," and "entirely on personal values" are negative or non-scientific. Option C uses "Logic" and "Thoughtful," which are positive. Final Logic: Logic acts as a shortcut to correct actions, thereby saving time.
Logic = Lock. Principles lock in the right logic so you don't have to guess.
5 Match the elements of resource utilization to their outcomes:
| List 1 | List 2 |
|---|---|
| 1. Optimum use of human and material resources | A. Impersonalisation of managerial conduct |
| 2. Overcoming trial-and-error approach | B. Reduction of material wastages |
| 3. Effective administration | C. Maximum benefit with minimum cost |
| 4. Setting standards for activities | D. Ensuring interchangeability of parts |
Optimum use = Max benefit/Min cost. Overcoming trial-and-error = Reducing waste. Administration = Impersonal (rule-based). Standards = Interchangeable parts (Standardization).
�� 1-C: Optimum use is defined by getting the maximum benefit from limited resources. 2-B: Foreseeing cause-and-effect relationships removes the need for trial-and-error, thus reducing wastage. 3-A: Effective administration requires impersonalisation, where decisions are based on principles rather than bias. 4-D: Scientific setting of standards ensures that products and parts are interchangeable, a key goal of standardization.
- Option B → Pairs 1 with Impersonalisation, which is a trait of administration, not resource definition.
- Option C → Pairs 1 with material wastage reduction, which is a sub-part of "Overcoming trial-and-error."
- Option D → Pairs 1 with interchangeability, which is specifically a result of the technique of Standardization.
Used: Option Grouping Application: Match 1-C (the most standard NCERT definition). Only Option A contains 1-C. Final Logic: Pair resource goals with their technical outcomes.
Optimum = Maximum. (1-C). Admin = No person. (3-A).
6 Which of the following is NOT an intended outcome of utilizing resources efficiently through management principles?
Principles aim to decrease waste. Efficiency is about reduction of negatives, not an increase. Trial-and-error is the enemy of scientific resource use.
�� Management principles are intended to reduce or eliminate wastages. By allowing managers to foresee cause and effect relationships, they can choose the correct action immediately rather than experimenting. Therefore, increasing wastages is the exact opposite of what management principles aim to achieve.
- Option B → This is the literal definition of optimum utilization of resources.
- Option C → This is the mechanism through which principles prevent trial-and-error.
- Option D → This is a key goal of managing material resources (machines/tools).
Used: Odd One Out Application: Options B, C, and D describe improvements or positive outcomes. Option A describes a negative outcome (increasing waste). Final Logic: Efficiency cannot mean an increase in waste.
Waste = Haste. Trial-and-error is haste that principles prevent.
7 Assertion (A): Management decisions taken on the basis of principles are free from bias and prejudice.
Reason (R): They rely heavily on subjective personal preferences rather than an objective assessment of the situation.
Assertion (A) is true: Principles promote objectivity. Reason (R) is false: Principles replace subjective preferences with facts. Bias is removed through "impersonalisation."
�� Assertion (A) is correct because management principles promote scientific decisions that are "free from bias and prejudice." Reason (R) is false because management principles are the opposite of subjective personal preferences; they emphasize an objective assessment based on logic and measurable facts.
- Option A → Incorrect because R contradicts the scientific nature of management.
- Option B → Incorrect because A is a primary significance of principles.
- Option D → A is a factually true statement regarding the benefit of principles.
Used: Elimination Application: A decision "free from bias" (A) cannot "rely on subjective preference" (R). They are mutually exclusive. Final Logic: Objectivity (A) and Subjectivity (R) are opposites; since principles are scientific, R must be false.
Facts > Feelings. Principles are facts; preferences are feelings.
8 Sequence the method of scientific inquiry as proposed by F.W. Taylor for objective judgement:
1. Anticipating consequences and measuring progress.
2. Developing alternative solutions.
3. Defining a problem.
4. Drawing conclusions.
Start with the Problem (3). Brainstorm the Alternatives (2). Test/Predict the Outcome (1). Finalize the Decision (4).
�� Scientific inquiry is a systematic process. First, the manager must define the problem (3). Next, they develop alternative solutions (2) to address that problem. They then anticipate the consequences (1) of each alternative (cause and effect) and measure the likely progress. Finally, they draw conclusions (4) to select and implement the best solution.
- Option B → You cannot develop solutions (2) before defining the problem (3).
- Option C → You cannot anticipate consequences (1) before you have solutions (2) to analyze.
- Option D → Reverses the scientific method (starts with conclusions).
Used: Dimensional/Unit Analysis Application: Logic flow: Identification -> Creation -> Prediction -> Conclusion. Final Logic: Problem-solving always starts with "Defining the Problem."
P-A-C-E: Problem -> Alternatives -> Consequences -> End (Conclusions).
9 Which principle has been extended in modern times to adapt to the changing environment, leading companies to outsource core processes such as R&D, manufacturing, and marketing?
Division of work has moved from "inside a factory" to "between companies." Outsourcing is the ultimate form of specialization. It represents the "Adaptability" of classical principles.
�� The principle of Division of Work originally meant dividing tasks among workers. In modern times, this has been extended to the organizational level. Companies now "divide work" by focusing on their core competencies and outsourcing other processes (like manufacturing or R&D) to outside specialists. This allows for a higher degree of specialisation and efficiency in a complex global market.
- Option A → Discipline is about rules and obedience; it doesn't lead to outsourcing.
- Option B → Unity of Command is about having one boss; it is unrelated to divesting non-core activities.
- Option D → Esprit de corps is about team spirit; it doesn't define structural business shifts like outsourcing.
Used: Substitution Application: "Outsourcing" = "Giving work to others who are experts." This is the definition of "Division of Work." Final Logic: Specialization is the driving force behind the outsourcing trend.
Outsource = Divide. Divide the work between you and the outside agency.
10 Infosys headquarters in Bangalore uses Asia's largest flat screen to interact with employees and customers globally. This demonstrates how management principles are keeping pace with Information and Communications Technology (ICT). This is an example of:
Principles remain constant but their medium changes. Technology allows for faster, better communication (Unity of Command/Direction). This is "Flexibility" in action.
�� Management principles are general guidelines, but their application must change as the environment changes. Using advanced ICT (like global flat screens) to manage people is a dynamic response to the modern tech environment. It shows that management is not static (Option A) or rigid (Option B); rather, it adapts to use new tools to achieve old principles (like effective communication and coordination).
- Option A & B → These describe a failure to change; Infosys's use of tech is the opposite of being static or rigid.
- Option D → Subordination of general interest is a principle about ethics/goals; it doesn't describe technological adaptation.
Used: Contextual/Tonal Matching Application: "Keeping pace with technology" matches the tone of "Dynamic response." Final Logic: Modern tools applied to management principles = Dynamic adaptation.
Tech = Trek. Management is always moving/trekking toward new technology.
11 The interpretation of the principle of "equity" assumes contemporary meanings over time. Today, equity does NOT merely apply to:
Equity used to be seen as "Equal pay for equal work." It has expanded to include ethics, environment, and stakeholders. The "Not merely" implies that the scope is now broader than just money.
�� In the past, Equity was often limited to internal fairness regarding wages and treatment of subordinates. However, contemporary management views equity as a broader responsibility. It now includes giving value to customers (A), practicing environmental care (C), and fair dealings with associates (D). Therefore, it is no longer restricted to wages alone.
- Option A, C, D → These are all part of the modern, expanded definition of equity and social responsibility.
Used: Substitution Application: Replace "Equity" with "Fairness." Is fairness only about money? No, it's about customers, earth, and partners too. Final Logic: Broadening of scope from internal (wages) to external (society).
Equity = Everyone. Not just every worker's wallet, but everyone in the ecosystem.
12 Statement I: Shri Mahila Griha Udyog Lijjat Papad adopted the concept of devotion, treating the institution as a place of worship to benefit all.
Statement II: This synthesis of business and family affection directly targets public welfare and social responsibility.
Lijjat Papad is a classic example of "Social Responsibility." They merged professional goals with "Devotion/Family." This model successfully targets collective welfare.
�� Statement I is true; Lijjat Papad is famous for its unique "Sarvodaya" philosophy where the organization is treated with devotion, like a place of worship. Statement II is true because this model creates a synthesis of business and family affection, ensuring that all members (the 'sisters') share in the success, which directly fulfills the goal of social responsibility and public welfare.
- Option B, C, D → These are incorrect because both statements accurately describe the case study of Lijjat Papad as presented in the context of socially responsible management.
Used: Contextual/Tonal Matching Application: Both statements reflect the "Community/Ethical" tone associated with the Lijjat Papad business model. Final Logic: Socially conscious management leads to public welfare.
Lijjat = Love. Business + Love/Devotion = Social Success.
13 Match the elements of management education with their concepts:
| List 1 | List 2 |
|---|---|
| 1. Groundwork for management as a discipline | A. Management aptitude tests |
| 2. Entrance tests for institutes | B. Development of new management techniques |
| 3. Professional courses | C. BBA and MBA |
| 4. Further research | D. Principles of management |
1-D: Principles are the foundation (Groundwork). 2-A: Aptitude tests (CAT/GMAT) are for entrance. 3-C: BBA/MBA are the professional courses. 4-B: Research leads to new techniques (like OR or JIT).
�� 1-D: The Principles of Management provide the groundwork or core theory. 2-A: Institutes use Aptitude tests to check if students can learn these principles. 3-C: BBA and MBA are the professional courses where these principles are taught. 4-B: Further research on these principles leads to the development of new techniques like Operations Research or Lean manufacturing.
- Option A → Pairs 1 with Research techniques; principles come before techniques.
- Option C → Pairs 1 with Aptitude tests; the test measures knowledge of the groundwork, it isn't the groundwork itself.
- Option D → Pairs 1 with MBA courses; the principles are the content of the course, not the course itself.
Used: Option Grouping Application: 3-C is an undeniable match (MBA = Professional course). Looking for 3-C in the options isolates Option B. Final Logic: Follow the professionalization timeline: Theory -> Entry Test -> Course -> Research.
ABC Match: Aptitude = Antrance (2-A). Course = Certificate (MBA) (3-C).
14 A university designs its MBA curriculum prioritizing topics like 'Division of Work' and 'Scalar Chain'. The primary goal of embedding these principles is to enhance the students':
Principles are "Learnable and Teachable." They provide a scientific base for skill-building. Education replaces "Intuition" with "Professionalism."
�� Management principles are at the core of management theory. By teaching these principles in an MBA curriculum, universities ensure that students undergo proper training and skill development. This moves the profession away from being a "matter of birth" and makes it a "matter of requisite qualifications," equipping students with the professional tools needed to manage organizations effectively.
- Option A → Principles are meant to remove bias, not enhance it.
- Option B → Principles replace trial-and-error with scientific decisions.
- Option D → Management principles emphasize group goals and coordination, which is the opposite of pure individualism.
Used: Odd One Out Application: Options A, B, and D are generally considered negative or non-collaborative traits in management. Option C is the only positive, goal-oriented outcome. Final Logic: Curriculum design is always intended for skill acquisition.
Degree = Discipline. You get a degree to learn the discipline (skills).
15 Assertion (A): The technique of Operations Research (OR) is a result of further research on management principles.
Reason (R): It was exclusively developed to eliminate the need for Kaizen and Just In Time systems.
A is true: OR is a scientific extension of management research. R is false: OR works with or precedes JIT/Kaizen; it doesn't "eliminate" them. OR was developed for material optimization (WWII).
�� Assertion (A) is true; Operations Research (OR) is indeed a mathematical, research-based technique developed by extending scientific management principles. Reason (R) is false because OR does not "eliminate" Kaizen (continuous improvement) or Just In Time (inventory management). In fact, these systems often use OR techniques to function. OR was developed during WWII for resource deployment, not to replace other modern efficiency systems.
- Option A → Incorrect because R is factually wrong.
- Option C → Incorrect because A is a true statement about the evolution of management research.
- Option D → Incorrect because A is true; management research is a real phenomenon.
Used: Extreme Word Filter Application: The word "exclusively" in R is usually a sign of a false statement in social science contexts. Final Logic: Scientific techniques complement each other; they don't "eliminate" each other.
OR + JIT. They are teammates, not enemies.
16 Arrange the following innovations in manufacturing processes in chronological order of their historical emergence based on classical management evolution:
1. Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma
2. Factory system of mass production (Industrial Revolution)
3. Assembly line concept by F.W. Taylor and Ford
Start: Industrial Revolution (Mass Production) (2). Middle: Scientific Management (Assembly Line) (3). Modern: Lean/Six Sigma (Continuous refinement) (1).
�� The evolution of management follows this history 1. The Factory System (2): Emerged during the Industrial Revolution to replace cottage industries with mass production. 2. Assembly Line (3): Perfected by Henry Ford using Taylor's Scientific Management principles to increase speed and consistency. 3. Lean/Six Sigma (1): These are modern innovations (post-WWII/modern era) that focus on the extreme reduction of waste and quality control.
- Option B → Reverses history by starting with modern techniques.
- Option C → Places the assembly line before the Industrial Revolution, which is historically impossible.
- Option D → Incorrectly places Lean manufacturing before the assembly line.
Used: Dimensional/Unit Analysis Application: Timeline logic: Crude Mass Production (2) -> Scientific Standardization (3) -> Optimized Quality (1). Final Logic: Management moves from "Doing it big" to "Doing it fast" to "Doing it perfectly."
F-A-L: Factory -> Assembly -> Lean.
17 What ensures that managerial power is used with due discretion, thereby reducing bias and personal prejudice in decision making?
Decisions should be based on "Principles," not "People." Impersonalization = Objectivity. This is a requirement for effective administration.
�� Impersonalisation of managerial conduct means that a manager makes decisions based on the requirements of the organization and the principles of management, rather than their own personal feelings. This ensures that managerial power is not abused and that choices are free from personal prejudice or bias. It is a key element of scientific and professional administration.
- Option A → Decentralization is about delegating power, but even a decentralized manager could be biased.
- Option B → Rule of thumb is the source of bias and prejudice.
- Option D → Budgets are tools for objective control; discarding them would increase bias.
Used: Contextual/Tonal Matching Application: "Reducing bias" is synonymous with "Impersonalization" in administrative theory. Final Logic: Removing the "Person" from the process removes the "Prejudice."
Impersonal = Impartial. If it's not personal, it's fair.
18 A rational approach to decision making using management principles does NOT involve:
Rationality = Data and Goals. Preferences = Subjectivity and Bias. Scientific management rejects "Preference-based" budgeting.
�� A rational approach is based on logic and organizational needs. Management principles require managers to make decisions that are thoughtful (C) and objective (A). Outcomes must be measured (D) to ensure they work. Prioritizing personal preferences (B) is the opposite of rationality; it is a subjective, biased way of managing that principles are designed to eliminate.
- Option A, C, D → These are all foundational requirements for scientific/rational decision-making as per NCERT.
Used: Odd One Out Application: Options A, C, and D describe objective, scientific processes. Option B describes subjective, personal behavior. Final Logic: Rationality and Personal Preference are opposing forces in management.
Facts > Favorites. Use facts, not your favorites.
19 Toyota follows a principle to "create and develop advanced technologies and provide outstanding products" to fulfill worldwide customer needs. This clearly drives the company toward:
High-tech and Quality products lead to customer satisfaction. Customer satisfaction leads to global market share. This is a path to long-term "Growth."
�� Toyota's focus on advanced technology and outstanding products is a strategic application of management principles. By fulfilling global customer needs, the company ensures improved performance and organisational growth. This is a direct result of using principles to provide value to the society while maintaining industrial leadership.
- Option A → This was the old way of "Soldiering" that Taylor's principles aimed to stop.
- Option B → Toyota's principle specifically mentions "worldwide," which contradicts "local" or "short-term."
- Option D → Following scientific principles reduces bias; it doesn't increase it.
Used: Contextual/Tonal Matching Application: A "Worldwide" focus on "Advanced Tech" is a positive, high-growth strategy. Final Logic: Innovation + Customer Focus = Success/Growth.
Global = Grow. If you think worldwide, you will grow.
20 Statement I: True prosperity for the employer cannot exist for a long time unless it is accompanied by prosperity for the employees.
Statement II: This principle by Taylor ensures mutual benefits and long-term success of the organization.
This is the essence of "Maximum Prosperity." Employees and Employers must share the same goals. This "Mental Revolution" leads to organizational stability.
�� Statement I is true; it is a famous quote from F.W. Taylor. He argued that if an employer exploits workers, the business will eventually fail due to low morale and inefficiency. Statement II is true because the primary goal of scientific management was to align the interests of both parties (Mutual Benefits), leading to high productivity for the employer and high wages for the employee, which ensures long-term success.
- Option B, C, D → These are incorrect as both statements accurately capture the core philosophy of scientific management and the "Harmony, not Discord" principle.
Used: Dimensional/Unit Analysis Application: The "Prosperity" of the firm is linked to the "Prosperity" of the worker. It's a win-win logic. Final Logic: Shared success is the only sustainable success in management.
Happy Boss = Happy Worker. Prosperity must be shared to last.
