Strategic Planning & Execution Flashcards
7 cards from real CPL practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Strategic Planning & Execution flashcards as text
A program manager is preparing the strategic plan and must choose between two mutually exclusive investment options. Which framework is MOST appropriate for this decision?
Answer: Cost-benefit analysis with NPV comparison
Net Present Value (NPV) comparison within a cost-benefit analysis quantifies the financial return of each option, supporting strategic investment decisions.
In strategic execution, what does a 'capability gap analysis' reveal?
Answer: The difference between current organizational capabilities and those required to achieve strategic goals
Capability gap analysis compares the organization's existing capabilities with what the strategy demands, guiding program scope definition.
Which governance artifact gives the program board the authority to approve or reject major strategic changes during execution?
Answer: Program governance plan
The program governance plan defines decision-making authority, thresholds, and escalation paths, including approval of strategic changes.
A program's strategic objectives are described as 'increase market share by 15% within 3 years.' This is BEST classified as a:
Answer: SMART strategic outcome
The objective is Specific, Measurable, Achievable (implied), Relevant, and Time-bound, making it a SMART strategic outcome.
During strategic planning, the program manager identifies a dependency between the program and a separate organizational initiative outside the program's control. The BEST action is to:
Answer: Document the dependency and engage the external initiative's owner to coordinate
Documenting and coordinating external dependencies reduces risk and creates shared accountability without overstepping program boundaries.
Which planning horizon is MOST appropriate for a program roadmap intended to align with a 5-year organizational strategy?
Answer: Annual milestones with quarterly reviews
Annual milestones with quarterly reviews balance long-term strategic alignment with the flexibility needed to adapt as conditions change.
A program manager is asked to justify continued investment in a struggling program. Which document provides the STRONGEST strategic justification?
Answer: Revised benefits realization plan showing remaining value
A revised benefits realization plan demonstrating that remaining benefits still justify the investment provides the strongest case for continued funding.