CPM Managing Work 5

Question 1

A team's output quality has declined despite no change in staffing. A manager applying systems thinking would FIRST examine:

Accepted Answer

Inputs, processes, and environmental factors that may have changed

Answer

Individual employee attitudes

Answer

Whether the team's pay is competitive

Answer

Only the final output metrics

Question 2

Which scenario represents appropriate use of a 'pilot program' in public management?

Accepted Answer

Testing a new scheduling system in one division before agency-wide implementation

Answer

Rolling out a new policy to all departments simultaneously to save time

Answer

Using a pilot to bypass competitive bidding requirements

Answer

Piloting a program for two weeks then canceling without evaluation

Question 3

An employee consistently completes assigned tasks ahead of schedule with capacity to spare. A good manager's BEST response is to:

Accepted Answer

Recognize the performance and assign stretch goals or additional developmental tasks

Answer

Warn the employee not to finish too early to avoid setting unrealistic expectations

Answer

Redistribute some of the employee's tasks to slower colleagues without discussion

Answer

Document the behavior as a potential policy violation

Question 4

A public manager uses Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) primarily to:

Accepted Answer

Monitor progress toward organizational goals and identify where adjustments are needed

Answer

Determine employee bonus amounts

Answer

Satisfy audit requirements only

Answer

Compare the unit's budget to neighboring jurisdictions

Question 5

Which statement BEST describes the principle of 'unity of command' in work management?

Accepted Answer

Each employee should report to only one supervisor to avoid conflicting directives

Answer

All commands must come from the highest organizational level

Answer

Managers must reach consensus before issuing any work directive

Answer

Work orders must be issued in writing to be valid

Question 6

A manager is preparing for an unexpected budget freeze mid-fiscal year. The MOST effective preparatory action would have been to:

Accepted Answer

Prioritize expenditures throughout the year and maintain a reserve for high-priority needs

Answer

Spend all budgeted funds as quickly as possible at fiscal year start

Answer

Avoid submitting a budget to retain flexibility

Answer

Request budget increases every quarter regardless of actual need

Question 7

In a CPM framework, 'managing work' is ultimately oriented toward:

Accepted Answer

Achieving organizational mission and public value through effective resource use and performance

Answer

Maximizing the number of tasks completed per employee

Answer

Minimizing employee overtime at all costs

Answer

Ensuring compliance with internal procedures as the primary measure of success