Performance Management & Metrics Flashcards
7 cards from real CPL practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Performance Management & Metrics flashcards as text
A program leader is selecting KPIs for a new program. Which characteristic is MOST critical for a useful KPI?
Answer: It must be directly actionable and linked to program objectives
Effective KPIs must be directly tied to program objectives and actionable—meaning stakeholders can respond to them to improve performance.
When should a program leader escalate a performance issue to the Program Steering Committee?
Answer: When the issue exceeds defined thresholds and cannot be resolved within program authority
Escalation is warranted when issues exceed predefined thresholds or the program leader's authority to resolve, per the program's governance framework.
Which Earned Value metric provides the best forecast of future cost performance based on past performance?
Answer: Cost Performance Index (CPI)
CPI is the most reliable predictor of final cost performance because it reflects the program's historical cost efficiency, which tends to remain consistent.
A program leader wants to compare their program's performance against industry standards. Which technique should they use?
Answer: Benchmarking
Benchmarking compares a program's performance against external industry standards or best-in-class organizations to identify gaps and improvement opportunities.
What is the purpose of a 'benefits register' in program performance management?
Answer: To track expected benefits, their owners, and realization status over time
The benefits register tracks each planned benefit, its target value, responsible owner, measurement method, and current realization status throughout the program lifecycle.
A program's performance data shows consistent schedule slippage in one component project but no impact on overall program milestones. How should the program leader respond?
Answer: Monitor the component closely and assess risk to future program milestones
Even if current milestones are unaffected, persistent slippage is a leading risk indicator that should be monitored and addressed before it impacts the program.
Which of the following is an example of a 'leading indicator' in program performance management?
Answer: Team morale and engagement scores during execution
Team morale and engagement scores are leading indicators because declining engagement predicts future performance issues before they manifest in output metrics.