SPP Performance Measurement & Evaluation 3

Question 1

Which of the following BEST describes 'benchmarking' as a performance evaluation technique?

Accepted Answer

Comparing organizational performance against external peers or best practices

Answer

Benchmarking involves systematically comparing an organization's processes and outcomes against external peers, industry leaders, or best-practice standards to identify performance gaps.

Question 2

In an OKR (Objectives and Key Results) framework, key results should be:

Accepted Answer

Specific, measurable outcomes that signal objective achievement

Answer

Key Results are quantifiable outcomes that serve as evidence that an Objective has been achieved, distinguishing results from activities or aspirational statements.

Question 3

A nonprofit conducting a strategic plan review finds its mission impact metrics are improving but financial sustainability metrics are declining. This situation is best described as:

Accepted Answer

A strategic tension between mission effectiveness and organizational viability

Answer

When mission outcomes improve while financial health declines, the organization faces a fundamental strategic tension that requires trade-off decisions at the leadership level.

Question 4

The 'control chart' technique in performance measurement is primarily used to:

Accepted Answer

Distinguish normal process variation from statistically significant shifts

Answer

Control charts display process performance over time with upper and lower control limits, allowing planners to distinguish common-cause variation from special-cause signals requiring intervention.

Question 5

Which performance evaluation approach evaluates a program by comparing its outcomes to a pre-defined set of expected results or standards?

Accepted Answer

Standards-based evaluation

Answer

Standards-based evaluation assesses program outcomes against predetermined criteria or benchmarks, making it straightforward to determine whether expectations were met.

(SPP) Strategic Planning Professional Practice Test

(SPP) Strategic Planning Professional Practice Test

SPP Performance Measurement & Evaluation 3