Strategic Planning & Implementation Flashcards

Which statement best describes the difference between strategic and operational training plans?

Answer: Strategic plans set long-term direction; operational plans detail short-term actions to achieve it

Strategic plans set long-range direction, while operational plans translate it into specific near-term activities.

A training manager identifies that 40% of the sales team will retire within five years. Which strategic initiative best addresses this?

Answer: Succession planning and knowledge transfer programs

Succession planning and knowledge transfer prepare successors and preserve critical expertise.

In the RACI matrix used for training projects, the 'A' stands for the person who:

Answer: Is ultimately accountable for the outcome

Accountable means the single person who owns the final decision and outcome.

Which approach helps ensure a training initiative is sustained after initial rollout?

Answer: Building reinforcement, follow-up, and accountability into the plan

Reinforcement activities and accountability mechanisms prevent skill decay and sustain change.

A training manager's key performance indicators (KPIs) should be:

Answer: Linked to strategic objectives and regularly tracked

Effective KPIs measure progress toward strategic objectives and are monitored over time.

When a stakeholder strongly resists a new training initiative, the training manager's best first step is to:

Answer: Understand the reasons for the resistance and address concerns

Understanding the root of resistance enables targeted responses that can convert opponents into supporters.

Which budgeting approach requires every training expense to be justified from scratch each cycle?

Answer: Zero-based budgeting

Zero-based budgeting starts at zero and requires justification for every expense, rather than adjusting the prior year's budget.