CMM Strategic Planning & Performance Management

Question 1

Which document typically serves as the foundational long-range guide for a municipality's physical development, land use, and growth patterns?

Accepted Answer

Comprehensive plan

Answer

A comprehensive plan (also called a general or master plan) is the long-range policy document guiding a municipality's land use, physical development, and growth over a 20–25 year horizon.

Question 2

In the SWOT analysis framework used in municipal strategic planning, what does the 'T' represent?

Accepted Answer

Threats

Answer

SWOT stands for Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats — with Threats representing external factors that could negatively impact the organization.

Question 3

A city council adopts a resolution directing the city manager to develop a five-year strategic plan. Which step should occur FIRST in the planning process?

Accepted Answer

Conduct an environmental scan

Answer

An environmental scan (assessing internal and external conditions) must precede goal-setting so that plans are grounded in current realities and trends.

Question 4

Which performance measurement framework organizes metrics into four perspectives: financial, customer, internal processes, and learning & growth?

Accepted Answer

Balanced scorecard

Answer

The Balanced Scorecard, developed by Kaplan and Norton, organizes performance measures across financial, customer, internal process, and learning & growth perspectives.

Question 5

A municipality wants to compare its service costs and quality against similar-sized cities. This practice is best described as:

Accepted Answer

Benchmarking

Answer

Benchmarking is the practice of comparing an organization's performance metrics against peer organizations or best-practice standards to identify improvement opportunities.

(CMM) Certified Municipal Manager Practice Test

(CMM) Certified Municipal Manager Practice Test

CMM Strategic Planning & Performance Management