Practice Test Geeks(CPL) Certified Program Leader Practice Test
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Problem Solving & Decision Making 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 Problem Solving & Decision Making flashcards as text

  1. A program leader notices that two projects within their program are competing for the same scarce resource. What is the BEST first step to resolve this conflict?

    Answer: Analyze the priority and impact of each project's resource need

    Analyzing priority and impact allows the program leader to make an informed, benefits-aligned allocation decision before escalating.

  2. Which decision-making model is BEST suited when a program leader must choose quickly under high uncertainty with incomplete data?

    Answer: Naturalistic decision making (NDM)

    NDM relies on pattern recognition and experience to make rapid decisions when time and data are limited.

  3. During a program benefits review, a key assumption underlying a strategic decision is found to be invalid. What should the program leader do?

    Answer: Re-evaluate the decision in light of the new information

    Decisions must be revisited when foundational assumptions are proven invalid to keep the program aligned with strategic intent.

  4. A program leader uses a fishbone (Ishikawa) diagram. What problem-solving activity does this tool PRIMARILY support?

    Answer: Identifying root causes of a problem

    Fishbone diagrams categorize potential causes of a problem, facilitating root cause identification.

  5. What distinguishes a 'wicked problem' from a 'tame problem' in program management contexts?

    Answer: Wicked problems are complex, with no definitive formulation or solution

    Wicked problems are characterized by ambiguity, interdependencies, and the lack of a clear or final solution.

  6. A program leader wants to generate a broad range of creative solutions before narrowing options. Which technique is MOST appropriate?

    Answer: Brainstorming

    Brainstorming is a divergent thinking technique designed to generate many ideas before evaluation begins.

  7. When applying the PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act) cycle to program problem solving, what happens in the 'Check' phase?

    Answer: Results of the action are evaluated against expected outcomes

    The Check phase compares actual results to planned outcomes to assess whether the intervention was effective.