Administration and Management Flashcards
7 cards from real AICP practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Administration and Management flashcards as text
A planning director is evaluating staff performance. Which management approach emphasizes setting measurable goals collaboratively with employees?
Answer: Management by Objectives (MBO)
Management by Objectives (MBO) involves managers and employees jointly setting specific, measurable goals and reviewing performance against them.
Which budget format allows a planning department to justify every expenditure from zero each fiscal year rather than building on the prior year's budget?
Answer: Zero-based budgeting
Zero-based budgeting requires each budget unit to justify all expenditures anew each year rather than starting from the previous year's baseline.
A city planning department wants to improve service delivery by measuring outputs against predetermined benchmarks. This best describes:
Answer: Performance management
Performance management is the ongoing process of setting benchmarks, measuring outputs, and using data to improve service delivery.
Under the AICP Code of Ethics, a planner who is also an elected official faces what type of conflict?
Answer: A conflict of interest
Holding dual roles as planner and elected official creates a conflict of interest that must be disclosed and managed according to the AICP Code of Ethics.
Which of the following best describes the role of a Request for Proposals (RFP) in planning administration?
Answer: A procurement tool to solicit competitive bids from consultants
An RFP is a procurement document that invites qualified consultants or firms to submit proposals to complete a defined scope of work.
A planning manager notices persistent low morale among staff. According to Herzberg's Two-Factor Theory, which action is most likely to improve true job satisfaction?
Answer: Assigning challenging and meaningful projects
Herzberg identified 'motivators' like achievement and meaningful work as true job satisfiers, while salary and working conditions are 'hygiene factors' that only prevent dissatisfaction.
When a planning department prepares a Capital Improvement Program (CIP), what is the typical planning horizon?
Answer: 3–6 years
Capital Improvement Programs typically cover a 3–6 year planning horizon, scheduling and prioritizing major public investments.