PAC PAC Strategic Planning & Policy Development

Question 1

Which tool helps policy analysts identify internal organizational strengths and weaknesses alongside external opportunities and threats when developing a strategic plan?

Accepted Answer

SWOT analysis

Answer

SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) is a foundational strategic planning tool that assesses internal capabilities alongside the external environment.

Question 2

In strategic planning, 'SMART' goals are defined as goals that are:

Accepted Answer

Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound

Answer

SMART goals are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound, providing a clear framework for setting actionable policy objectives.

Question 3

The Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA) Modernization Act of 2010 primarily requires federal agencies to:

Accepted Answer

Develop strategic plans, set performance goals, and report publicly on progress toward those goals

Answer

The GPRA Modernization Act requires agencies to publish four-year strategic plans, set annual performance goals, and report publicly on achievement through performance plans and reports.

Question 4

A policy analyst is helping an agency develop its first strategic plan. Which step should logically come first?

Accepted Answer

Defining the agency's mission and conducting an environmental scan

Answer

Strategic planning begins with clarifying the mission (why the agency exists) and scanning the internal and external environment to understand challenges and opportunities.

Question 5

Which type of policy analysis focuses on developing options and recommendations before a policy decision is made?

Accepted Answer

Prospective (prescriptive) policy analysis

Answer

Prospective or prescriptive analysis is forward-looking, generating alternatives and recommending courses of action to inform upcoming decisions.

(PAC) Policy Analyst Certification Practice Test

(PAC) Policy Analyst Certification Practice Test

PAC PAC Strategic Planning & Policy Development