Final answer:
The operation that does NOT use the ExecuteNonQuery method is 'Select the maximum value from a column,' since ExecuteNonQuery is used for operations that change data but do not return data.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question relates to the use of the ExecuteNonQuery method in database operations. The ExecuteNonQuery method is used for performing a command that will change the data in the database but will not return any data, such as inserting, updating, or deleting records.
Among the choices provided:
Insert a column - uses ExecuteNonQuery as it modifies the database schema.
Delete a column - also uses ExecuteNonQuery because it alters the structure of the database.
Select the maximum value from a column - does not use ExecuteNonQuery as it is a query that returns data.
Update a column - uses ExecuteNonQuery since it changes existing data without returning any.
Therefore, the operation that does NOT use the ExecuteNonQuery method is c. Select the maximum value from a column.