Chapter 6 Managing Learning Programs

Question 1

Strategic business drivers are defined as______________. (Choose the option that completes the sentence accurately.)

Internal and external forces that affect the organization’s culture and values and the need to facilitate change within an organization

Internal and external forces that affect the knowledge, skills, and information in the organization and determine learning needs of individuals

Internal and external forces that affect an organization’s revenue, expenses, and expected profitability

Internal and external forces that affect an organization’s strategy, goals, business needs, and performance needs

Answer 1

Internal and external forces that affect an organization’s strategy, goals, business needs, and performance needs

Response D is correct because strategic business drivers are factors that affect how the organization does business. An example of an external business driver is government regulations, while an example of an internal business driver is technology.

Question 2

Which of the following environmental factors includes technology, new products, and changes in systems processes or policies? (Choose the best response.)

Contractual

External

Employees

Internal

Answer 2

Internal

Response D is correct because internal factors encompass forces within the organization that can affect its strategy and goals. Examples include changes in systems, processes, or policies that may require changes in employee skills and behavior.

Question 3

Which of the following environmental factors includes economic changes and human resource and skill shortages? (Choose the best response.)

Contractual

External

Employees

Internal

Answer 3

External

Response B is correct because external factors encompass forces outside the organization that affect its strategy and goals and include economic changes, human resource and skill shortages, governmental decisions, public perception, and market or customer requirements.

Question 4

You have just started your job as a TD director in a new company. You spend most of your first few weeks learning about the company’s history, mission, goals, strategy, tactics, vision, and plans. This information will help you understand which of the following? (Choose the best response.)

Company’s culture

Department’s budget

TD group’s strengths and weaknesses

Who the organization’s informal leaders are

Answer 4

Company’s culture

Response A is correct because the company’s culture encompasses all the ways that things are done in an organization. Therefore, the company’s history, mission, goals, strategy, tactics, vision, and plans are good places to learn about how things get done in the organization.

Question 5

You are a director of a Talent Development department. Your manager is meeting with you to express her disapproval that you signed off on poor training supplier agreements. Which of the following environmental factors does your manager think you managed inadequately? (Choose the best response.)

Contractual

External

Employees

Internal

Answer 5

Contractual

Response A is correct because contractual factors include stipulations laid out in supplier agreements for services and raw materials.

Question 6

You own a small consulting firm. You are very busy. Although you have tried to hire additional consultants, qualified candidates do not seem to be available. Which of the following environmental factors is negatively affecting your company? (Choose the best response.)

Contractual

External

Employees

Internal

Answer 6

Employees

Response C is correct because employee factors include shortages in the number of employees or in the number of employees with a certain skill set.

Question 7

An organization’s dynamic capabilities include things such as ______________. (Choose the option that completes the sentence accurately.)

Number of computers

An organization’s ability to efficiently distribute and apply organizational learning

Availability of tablets

An organization’s mobile devices

Answer 7

An organization’s ability to efficiently distribute and apply organizational learning

Response B is the correct response because dynamic capabilities concern the organization’s technological capabilities versus hard technology capabilities, such as number of computers, mobile devices, and availability of tablets.

Question 8

Which of the following delivery methods is best for learners with a low level of motivation? (Choose the best response.)

Expand All

VR

EPSS

Online asynchronous

Classroom instruction

Answer 8

Classroom instruction

Response D is the correct response because classroom learning requires that learners be present. In addition, it is the job of the training facilitator to ensure that all attendees engage with the material being presented.

Question 9

Which delivery method has the primary advantages of being excellent for teaching rote skills and prerequisite materials, offering flexibility in scheduling, and being capable of quick delivery? (Choose the best response.)

Job aids

EPSS

Asynchronous online learning

Classroom instruction

Answer 9

Asynchronous online learning

Response C is correct because asynchronous online learning can be repeated as many times as it takes to learn rote skills without the learner having to feel embarrassed if he or she does not succeed at first. Similarly, the learner can prepare for classroom training sessions by using online learning on his or her own time to brush up on prerequisite materials.

Question 10

Which of the following is NOT an advantage of a job aid? (Choose the best response.)

Excellent for infrequent tasks

Excellent for tasks with short reaction time

Excellent for tasks with high consequence of error

Excellent for tasks that may change in the future

Answer 10

Excellent for tasks with short reaction time

Response B is correct because tasks with short reaction time require that the performer be able to do what he or she needs to do without taking the time to find a job aid and look up what to do. In other words, the performer needs to know what to do at a moment’s notice; this is true in the case of, for example, a pilot reacting to an emergency on a plane.

Question 11

One of the biggest barriers to implementing technology-based learning is _____________. (Choose the option that completes the sentence accurately.)

Organizational culture

Learner skills

Mission and vision of the organization

Cost

Answer 11

Organizational culture

Response A is correct because no matter how great and streamlined the technologies, if the organizational culture and perceptions of the learners do not accept technology-based learning or perceive that it is inferior to traditional classroom instruction, then nothing will make the learning program a success.

Question 12

Which of the following was created to minimize or remove technical roadblocks and fosters creation of reusable learning content as “instructional objects”? (Choose the best response.)

SCORM

Section 508

Blended learning

Wikis

Answer 12

SCORM

Response A is correct because SCORM stands for Sharable Content Object Reference Model. SCORM was designed by the Department of Defense to foster creation of reusable learning content as “instructional objects” within a common technical framework consisting of guidelines, specifications, and standards.

Question 13

The most important consideration in the process of selecting a learning technology is ______________. (Choose the best response.)

Identifying the learning objectives and desired outcomes and selecting the technology to support those goals

Identifying the target learners and geographical location(s)

Determining which activities and interactivity are needed

Constructing a rationale for the technology choice

Answer 13

Constructing a rationale for the technology choice

Response D is correct because the organizational culture plays the most significant role if online learning is supported and if technology-based learning will be sustained for future efforts. If sponsors and learners do not believe that technology-based learning solutions are beneficial and preferable to traditional instructional approaches, then the learning programs will likely fail.

Question 14

Which of the following is best defined as a wide set of applications and processes, such as virtual classrooms, digital collaboration, and so on? Delivery of content may be via the Internet or intranet, satellite broadcast, mobile devices, and more. (Choose the best response.)

Podcasts

Online learning

Vodcasts

Teleconferencing

Answer 14

Online learning

Response B is correct because online learning is an umbrella term that refers to anything delivered, enabled, or mediated by electronic technology for the purpose of learning, and it can be delivered through a wide variety of methods.

Question 15

Which of the following is best described as an exercise with a simplified form of a real-life situation so that participants can practice making decisions and analyzing results of those decisions? (Choose the best response.)

Simulation

EPSS

VR

Social network

Answer 15

Simulation

Response A is correct because a simulation is a representation of a piece of equipment or a system that enables users to provide inputs and see the system’s typical responses. This enables learners to practice doing certain tasks and see the results of what they have done in a safe environment.

Question 16

Which of the following gives learners a realistic, three-dimensional, interactive experience? (Choose the best response.)

Simulation

Online learning

VR

Psychomotor skills

Answer 16

VR

Response C is correct because VR allows learners to perform skills in a realistic, engaging simulation of a real-life environment.

Question 17

What is the most challenging aspect of evaluating the impact of new technology? (Choose the best response.)

Beta testing

Usability testing

Integration into program design

Transfer of learning to the workplace

Answer 17

Transfer of learning to the workplace

Response D is correct because while beta testing, usability testing and integration into program design are all essential elements to consider, transfer of learning to the workplace is the most challenging.

Question 18

You need to select a training delivery method. Your goals include (a) cost-effectiveness, (b) low amount of trainer travel, and (c) low amount of learner time away from work. Immediate learner feedback in real time is not required. Which delivery method would best address this situation? (Choose the best response.)

Blended online learning event

Synchronous online learning event

Facilitator-led classroom event

Asynchronous online event

Answer 18

Asynchronous online event

Response D is correct because reducing trainer and learner time away indicates a technologically-driven solution. An asynchronous solution further reduces the need for schedule management.

Question 19

A manager of a small company has asked for your advice. He is trying to decide if high-end simulations are an appropriate training option to deliver new product training to salespeople. Which of the following factors makes simulations inappropriate for this company? (Choose the best response.)

The company has five regional offices

The company needs to monitor post-assessment scores

The training will be updated quarterly

The training must include product demonstration videos

Answer 19

The training will be updated quarterly

Response C is correct because simulations or other high-end online learning content typically require lengthy development times and have high development costs. Quarterly updates would be expensive and could probably not be achieved quickly enough.

Question 20

You are a manager who needs to provide a rationale to senior leadership to invest in EPSS as a job aid. Considering the following scenarios, which one is the best reason for using an EPSS? (Choose the best response.)

Access to computers is limited

Employees require just-in-time performance assistance

Information and processes are changing constantly

The tasks are highly technical and fairly complicated

Answer 20

Employees require just-in-time performance assistance

Response B is correct because for employees who need just-in-time performance assistance, EPSS provides on-demand information, guidance, examples, and step-by-step dialog boxes without the need for training or coaching.

Question 21

You are a TD professional working in a federal agency. Your manager tells you to search for vendors who provide online learning content that is accessible by federal employees with disabilities. The standard that your manager is referencing is______________. (Choose the option that completes the sentence accurately.)

SCORM

Section 508

Mobile learning standards

Collaboration tool standards

Answer 21

Section 508

Response B is correct because Section 508 refers to a standard in the Americans with Disabilities Act that requires that when federal agencies develop, procure, maintain, or use EIT, federal employees with disabilities must have comparable access to and use of information and data as federal employees who have no disabilities, unless an undue burden would be imposed on the agency.

Question 22

You are a TD professional who is creating a blended learning program for a large restaurant chain. Your client wants to leverage collaboration tools to facilitate the learning process and provide informal learning experiences outside of formal classroom instruction. You offer all of the following to your client as examples of collaboration software except ______________. (Choose the option that completes the sentence accurately.)

Wikis

Blogs

CoPs

LMSs

Answer 22

LMSs

Response D is correct because LMSs are not collaboration software. An LMS is a software application that automates administering, tracking, and reporting learning events.

Question 23

Which of the following systems manages content, such as components that make up a course? (Choose the best response.)

LMS

LCMS

LSS

Collaboration tools

Answer 23

LCMS

Response B is correct because a LCMS is a system that stores, assembles, and delivers learning content in the form of learning objects, which are self-contained chunks of self-instructional material.

Question 24

Which of the following systems manages learners, including who’s taking which course(s), completion ratios, course progress status, and scheduling? (Choose the best response.)

LMS

LCMS

LSS

Collaboration tools

Answer 24

LMS

Response A is correct because an LMS provides access to learning resources and manages the administrative side of learning.

Question 25

Which of the following is NOT a benefit of an LCMS? (Choose the best response.) Faster development with a WYSIWYG authoring environment Collaboration and storage of learning content with check-in and check-out capabilities The ability to create once and use many times Administration of courses

Answer 25

Administration of courses Response D is correct because a LCMS is not involved with the administrative side of learning (unlike an LMS); a LCMS is used to manage learning content.

Question 26

Which of the following includes email, computer networks, bulletin board systems, chat rooms, and online presentation tools, which can play an important role in the expansion of online learning and in collaborating on projects, sharing information, and communicating? (Choose the best response.) LMS LCMS LSS Collaboration tools

Answer 26

Collaboration tools Response D is correct because collaboration tools provide an environment that enables learners to work together electronically, thereby enabling them to collaborate on projects and assist one another's learning.

Question 27

Which of the following is NOT one of the assessments that should be conducted prior to implementing an LMS? (Choose the best response.) IT infrastructure assessment Cultural readiness assessment Training needs assessment Administrative process analysis

Answer 27

Training needs assessment Response C is correct because implementing an LMS does not require a training needs assessment. An LMS is not used to create course content.

Question 28

A training department is collecting requirements for selecting a LCMS. Which of the following is a typical LCMS function? (Choose the best response.) Manage traditional forms of training Provide learner profile management Create test questions Provide skills gap analysis functions

Answer 28

Create test questions Response C is correct because a LCMS combines the most essential pieces of the learning puzzle, including creating and administering tests.

Question 29

As your organization's director of talent, you must develop a learning information system to support the learning function. The system must support training delivered asynchronously to employees' work stations. The learning results and data must be readily available to the organization's human resources system. Which system would best satisfy these requirements? (Choose the best response.) LMS LCMS Collaborative learning software LSS

Answer 29

LMS Response A is correct because an LMS is designed to manage multiple delivery venues, track results, and interface with HR and other systems.

Question 30

Your organization's TD department is deciding whether it should purchase a learning support system. Which of the following reasons would you NOT tell your manager is a benefit for implementing a learning support system? (Choose the best response.) Better able to align learning initiatives with strategic goals A need to provide LMS recommendations based on organizational needs A need to adjust to a faster speed of response Better able to deal with technology compatibility issues

Answer 30

Better able to deal with technology compatibility issues Response D is correct because integrating a learning support system with existing systems may cause compatibility issues rather than solve them.

Question 31

Of the following, who developed a decision-making model for comparing potential suppliers by dividing criteria into musts and wants and assigning weight to those items? (Choose the best response.) Kepner and Tregoe Gardner Herrmann Knowles

Answer 31

Kepner and Tregoe Response A is correct because Charles H. Kepner and Benjamin B. Tregoe identified a practical, straightforward decision-making process that splits criteria into wants and musts and then weights those items.

Question 32

Which of the following best describes a firm fixed-price contract? (Choose the best response.) The product or service can be clearly defined (for example, a presentation, video, or generic program) Analysis and development are involved, and a negotiated percentage of the overall cost is identified as profit. Government procurement offices often use this procedure When time is critical, the resource gets a bonus if the contract is completed early. The reverse is also possible, in which the contract imposes a penalty for missed deadlines A certain percentage of the fixed fee is added based on employees' successful performance on the job. This works only when desired performance can be described and measured specifically

Answer 32

The product or service can be clearly defined (for example, a presentation, video, or generic program) Response A is correct because a firm fixed-price contract is used when a product or service has a fixed cost and a clear definition; this is much like purchasing a software program directly off a store shelf.

Question 33

All of the following are standard elements of an RFP except\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_. (Choose the option that completes the sentence accurately.) Development process and timeline Deliverables References Financial statements

Answer 33

Financial statements Response D is correct because financial statements are not typically included in RFPs.

Question 34

Which of the following is NOT a main step in the outsourcing process? (Choose the best response.) Determining needs, scope, and budget Creating the RFP Contract negotiation Conducting trainer interviews

Answer 34

Conducting trainer interviews Response D is correct because the steps in the outsourcing process are determining needs, defining the scope and budget, creating and sending the RFP, evaluating proposals and selecting a supplier, notifying the supplier and negotiating the contract, implementing the project, monitoring the schedule, and completing and evaluating the project. Interviewing trainers is not part of the supplier evaluation process.

Question 35

Which of the following types of contracts requires analysis and development and also has a negotiated percentage of the overall cost identified as profit? (Choose the option that completes the sentence accurately.) Firm fixed price Cost plus fixed price Cost plus incentive fee Performance based

Answer 35

Cost plus fixed price Response B is correct because a cost plus fixed price contract is often used by government procurement offices. With this type of contract, the supplier needs to do some analysis and development, but the total percentage of the supplier's profit is determined by the contract.

Question 36

The key to efficiently selecting supplier offerings is first to define the organization's\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_. (Choose the option that completes the sentence accurately. ) Competencies Requirements Strategies Contract clauses

Answer 36

Requirements Response B is correct because it is important to first define the organization's requirements before selecting a supplier.

Question 37

Your organization needs to develop a learning program to support a new product launch and sales-force training. Which of the following is the best benefit of developing materials and learning programs in-house? (Choose the best response.) The end product may have a lower cost because in-house expertise is used Designers and developers have firsthand knowledge of the company, culture, mission, and goals Development time is shorter All resources are available immediately

Answer 37

Designers and developers have firsthand knowledge of the company, culture, mission, and goals Response B is correct because in-house designers and developers understand the culture of the organization, which enables them to create learning that fits the culture and which appeals to the organization's learners.

Question 38

You are the TD manager for a small medical practice. After they return from the annual medical conference and retreat in Hawaii, the doctors in your firm have determined that they want you to create a high-quality, customized customer service training for the practice. They provide you with several names of vendors whom they spoke with at the conference who offer off-the-shelf customer service courseware and received high praise from other doctors. Your doctors believe that their practice is special and want a special training approach that emulates the practice. What may be wrong with this scenario? (Choose the best response.) The credentials of the vendors may be exaggerated because they attended the medical conference You are concerned about the degree of cohesion between the vendor's philosophies and the medical practice You need a budget for this project before you proceed You are concerned about the ability to customize the customer service training to meet the "special" needs of the medical practice based on the doctors' comments to you

Answer 38

You are concerned about the ability to customize the customer service training to meet the "special" needs of the medical practice based on the doctors' comments to you Response D is correct because it is often difficult or impossible to customize off-the-shelf products, making it difficult to meet all the training needs.

Question 39

You provide training services to a small Fixed Base Operation (FBO) pilot shop. They are operated by a dedicated but harried staff. They have asked you to gather proposals from vendors that can teach time management skills to the 25-member staff. The budget is small, but you have found a man that can offer the training under the budget you were given. He is a professor at a junior college who is just starting his consulting practice, so he doesn't have any previous customers. He says he can put the training together within the month and would not need to waste anyone's time with a needs assessment, objectives, scope of the effort or timeline; he is sure you will be satisfied with the deliverable. He has asked for half of the fee upfront to pay expenses. The FBO manager and one of the flight instructors have concerns. What is their greatest concern? (Choose the best response.) Professors are rarely a good choice because they don't have real-life experience If the price is so low, it can't be good training The lack of desire to conduct a needs assessment or present a scope of work or deliverables is worrisome Asking for half the cost upfront is unsettling

Answer 39

The lack of desire to conduct a needs assessment or present a scope of work or deliverables is worrisome Response C is the best. While each of these could signal a problem, it is imperative to have a potential vendor always provide a detailed description of the plan, objectives, scope of effort, a timeline, deliverables, and references. An unwillingness to conduct at least a cursory needs assessment will most likely result in training that does not meet the needs of the FBO staff.

Question 40

Which of the following activities is most important to being a successful TD manager? (Choose the best response.) Developing learning programs Aligning people with departmental and business goals Double-checking to ensure everything is prepared for a training class Acting as the lead instructor for all mission-critical learning programs

Answer 40

Aligning people with departmental and business goals Response B is correct because the role of the TD manager is to enable the department to provide training that supports and furthers the organization's business goals. To do this, the training manager needs to ensure that his or her people work toward the goals of the department and of the business.

Question 41

Which leadership function is concerned with setting goals and objectives, developing strategies, and establishing priorities? (Choose the best response.) Organizing Planning Coordinating Directing

Answer 41

Planning Response B is correct because planning involves establishing objectives and setting a course or direction for achieving them.

Question 42

Which leadership function is best described as ensuring that everything is performed according to plan? (Choose the best response.) Organizing Planning Coordinating Controlling

Answer 42

Controlling Response D is correct because controlling involves evaluating or assessing situations to ensure that everything happens according to plan.

Question 43

A TD manager has received feedback that she needs to improve her planning skills. Which of the following activities should she focus on to better demonstrate her planning ability? (Choose the best response.) Dividing work into jobs and assigning those jobs to people Comparing actual performance with ideal or expected performance Enabling employees to do their jobs Establishing objectives and a direction to achieve them

Answer 43

Establishing objectives and a direction to achieve them Response D is correct because planning involves being able to set goals and objectives; develop strategies; establish priorities; and create timelines, work sequences, and budgets. Establishing objectives and a direction to achieve them is one way to demonstrate good planning abilities.

Question 44

Your organization recently experienced a restructuring and several rounds of downsizing. Despite budget cuts, in your role as the TD manager, you are still expected to deliver training to meet the needs of the current client base. Which of the following activities should be most important in this situation? (Choose the best response.) Providing vision, direction, values, and purpose to employees Motivating, inspiring, and aligning people with departmental and business goals Supervising the operations and staffing of the training department Controlling issues and solving problems

Answer 44

Motivating, inspiring, and aligning people with departmental and business goals Response B is correct because ensuring that the TD department's activities support the organization's goals by motivating, inspiring, and aligning the department's people to achieve those goals is the most productive way the training manager can meet expectations.

Question 45

You are a TD manager who has just finished your performance review with your director. You are upset and cannot understand what the problem is. You are thinking about your behaviors that you believe display dedication and loyalty. You regularly work long hours six days a week doing everything from instructional design to setting up training rooms. The director indicated the poor review was a result of numerous complaints from your direct reports. Which of the following tasks are you likely not adequately focusing on? (Choose the best response.) Assessing training needs Budgeting and forecasting Providing vision, direction, values, and purpose to employees Delivering training

Answer 45

Providing vision, direction, values, and purpose to employees Response C is correct because providing employees with vision, direction, values, and purpose is the part of a TD manager's job that enables employees to understand what they are doing and why. Without this understanding, employees feel lost and feel as though their work is not appreciated.

Question 46

You are excited. You are a new TD manager, and your director has just agreed to have you attend a Kouzes and Posner learning program. What do you expect to learn? (Choose the best response.) Planning, organizing, coordinating, and directing Challenge the process, inspire a shared vision, enable others to act, and model the way Interpersonal skills, communication skills, employee development skills, and project leadership Self-awareness, resiliency, working with others, and directing your team.

Answer 46

Challenge the process, inspire a shared vision, enable others to act, and model the way Response B is correct because these are four of the key leadership skills identified by Kouzes and Posner .

Question 47

Performance management is primarily concerned with which of the following processes? (Choose the best response.) Developing, motivating, deploying, and aligning people to increase business performance Continually monitoring employees and providing feedback to increase their performance Attracting and retaining the right talent to increase business performance Retaining the right people through pay grades and compensation systems to increase performance

Answer 47

Developing, motivating, deploying, and aligning people to increase business performance Response A is correct because performance management involves enabling employees to meet business goals by helping them to learn needed skills, motivating them appropriately, and measuring their achievement against desired outcomes and metrics.

Question 48

Which of the following is a computer-based system that HR professionals use to understand which employees need to develop required skills and experience? (Choose the best response.) Performance management Reward management Succession management Job management

Answer 48

Performance management Response A is correct because a performance management system is used to determine what skills and knowledge employees need to work toward organizational goals.

Question 49

TD can have a broad effect when integrated with talent management. In which of the following areas would TD be LEAST effective? (Choose the best response.) Onboarding Talent acquisition/recruiting Benefit planning Career development

Answer 49

Benefit planning Response C is correct because TD professionals are not typically involved in benefit planning or decision making; however, TD professionals can have significant influence in the areas of onboarding, talent acquisition/recruiting, and career development.

Question 50

Integrating talent management systems requires core strategies for improving the chances of success. Which is the best strategy? (Choose the best response.) Ensure that the HR leader is responsible and accountable for the effort Measure talent management, and ensure these measurements are aligned with business goals Ensure that new employees feel welcome through an integrated onboarding process Implement technology solutions first to ensure efficiencies

Answer 50

Measure talent management, and ensure these measurements are aligned with business goals Response B is correct because it is one of the core strategies to ensure success.

Question 51

You are in TD and have been asked by the HR department to be a member of the team that will design several new jobs. One of the goals of the design team is to develop jobs that employees will find interesting and motivating. Altering which of the following job factors is LEAST likely to affect employee motivation? (Choose the best response.) Skill variety Compensation Task identity Autonomy

Answer 51

Compensation Response B is correct because compensation is not related to job design.

Question 52

You are an internal consultant working with a department head. She has a staff retention problem, and does not know why she gives raises whenever she can and gives employees monetary on-the-spot awards regularly, but people are still leaving to go to work elsewhere. What do you tell her? (Choose the best response.) She needs to determine how to provide effective intrinsic motivation People perform better when they feel their personal values are aligned with the organization She needs to help them feel connected to others and the mission All of the above

Answer 52

All of the above Response D is correct because based on Daniel Pink's research these three are more important motivators than compensation.

Question 53

You just left a meeting in which the CEO was talking about "building organizational capacity." You are not sure what he meant, but you think your role as a TD professional is involved. You ask your manager, and she explains it as \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_. (Choose the option that completes the sentence accurately.) The way that the training function integrates with HR Identifying an effective onboarding strategy Developing a talented workforce to meet business and customer needs Creating a sales and marketing team that maximizes profits

Answer 53

Developing a talented workforce to meet business and customer needs Response C is correct because the organization must hire, train, and retain the right talent to achieve business goals.

Question 54

New legislation and a partisan climate are examples of which of the following external environmental factors that may influence an organization? (Choose the best response.) Global Political Sociological Economic

Answer 54

Political Response B is correct because political factors include level of privatization in government services, political trends affecting suppliers and customers, and level of partisanship in governmental bodies.

Question 55

Which of the following analyses can help TD professionals scan the environment and analyze current and future trends and forces? (Choose the best response.) SWOT Gantt Performance Force field analysis

Answer 55

SWOT Response A is correct because a TD professional can use an environmental scan and a SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats) analysis to take an inventory of external factors and trends and to gain insight into corporate plans.

Question 56

Worker skills, corporate responsibilities and ethics, population shifts, immigration, migration, age, and gender are examples of which of the following external environmental factors that may influence an organization? (Choose the best response.) Cultural Political Sociological Economic

Answer 56

Sociological Response C is correct because sociological factors encompass broad forces that affect a population, including generational differences, minority groups, and nontraditional labor.

Question 57

Which of the following is an example of an external relationship that affects an organization? (Choose the best response.) Customers Political Sociological Economic

Answer 57

Customers Response A is correct because customers are one type of external relationship that affects how an organization does business. Others include suppliers, competitors, community, and charities.

Question 58

As a result of the last United States presidential election, you anticipate the need to increase the amount of Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) compliance training. To which external environmental factor are you adjusting? (Choose the best response.) Economic Political Employment Sociological

Answer 58

Political Response B is correct because, in the example, political changes have affected the level of compliance training required of the organization. This is an example of a political factor that has influenced the way the organization does business.

Question 59

With the advent of automated project management software, clients are starting to expect weekly PERT and Gantt chart updates. Because of these new expectations, your consulting firm needs to change its project management process. Which external environmental factor is this company adjusting to? (Choose the best response.) Economic Technological Global Sociological

Answer 59

Technological Response B is correct because the example illustrates a change in technology—in this case the more frequent use of project management software—changing clients' expectations.

Question 60

Important legal issues for HR and the TD function involving lawful selection of people to participate in TD programs include all the following EXCEPT\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_. (Choose the option that completes the sentence accurately.) Requiring training before job entry Using measures in training as measures of job performance and retention Selecting employees to attend internal and external programs Assigning jobs based on performance in previous job roles

Answer 60

Assigning jobs based on performance in previous job roles Response D is correct because performance in previous job roles is an appropriate and nondiscriminatory criterion that can be used to determine whether a person can participate in a TD program. Performance in previous job roles is an example of a criterion that is job-related.

Question 61

Which of the following is NOT an example of a reasonable accommodation that the TD function must provide for people with disabilities? (Choose the best response.) Magnifying glasses Larger text in materials Customized one-on-one training Interpreters

Answer 61

Customized one-on-one training Response C is correct because providing customized one-on-one training is an unreasonable accommodation for a disabled person.

Question 62

An instructional designer needs to include in her training class information on current legislation regarding forklift safety. Which of the following is the official source charged with providing specific safety standards? (Choose the best response.) National Safety Council OSHA Small Business Administration National Labor Relations Board

Answer 62

OSHA Response B is correct because OSHA (the Occupational Safety and Health Administration) provides guidelines for workplace safety.

Question 63

The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 affects which of the following types of legislation? (Choose the best response.) EEOC OSHA Civil rights Securities and financial reporting

Answer 63

Securities and financial reporting Response D is correct because the Sarbanes-Oxley Act was passed to protect investors from fraudulent accounting activities by improving the accuracy and reliability of corporate financial disclosures.

Question 64

Which of the following is NOT one of the exclusive rights of copyright holders? (Choose the best response.) To reproduce the copyrighted work To perform the copyrighted work publicly To copyright the initial idea that the copyrighted work was derived from To prepare derivative works based on the copyrighted work

Answer 64

To copyright the initial idea that the copyrighted work was derived from Response C is correct because copyright protection does not cover ideas, concepts, or facts; copyright covers the expression of ideas, concepts, and facts. Therefore, it is not possible to copyright the idea upon which the work was based.

Question 65

Which of the following is NOT an example of corporate policy and procedure documentation? (Choose the best response.) HR strategy whitepapers Status reports and compliance with completion of mandatory courses Intellectual property laws ROI data

Answer 65

Intellectual property laws Response C is correct because intellectual property laws are not an example of corporate policy and procedure documentation. Intellectual property laws encompass a body of law related to copyright protection, patent law, and so forth.

Question 66

Which is NOT relevant to the fair use rules of copyright? (Choose the best response.) Purpose and character of the use Nature of the copyrighted work Amount or substantiality of the portion used The ideas expressed in the work

Answer 66

The ideas expressed in the work Response D is correct because copyright law protects the expression of the idea (but not the idea itself) in some tangible form. Some exceptions are permitted and TD professionals should be aware of them.

Question 67

Plagiarism explicitly violates which of the following? (Choose the best response.) ATD Competency Model Federal regulations TD code of ethics Intellectual property laws

Answer 67

Intellectual property laws Response D is correct because international copyright laws and other regulations prohibit the use of another person's intellectual property without their express permission.

Question 68

You are developing learning materials for an international not-for-profit organization. While conducting research, you find a job aid on the Internet that is exactly what is needed. The job aid is located on an individual's website, not a corporate or a government website, and there is no copyright marking on the job aid. What should you do? (Choose the best response.) Use the job aid as it currently exists; there are no restrictions on its use Add the organization's logo on the job aid and use it Put the individual's website on the job aid and use it; not-for-profit use is allowed under the fair use doctrine Seek the copyright holder's permission to use the job aid for your organization; it is most likely copyright-protected

Answer 68

Seek the copyright holder's permission to use the job aid for your organization; it is most likely copyright-protected Response D is correct because the best practice is to obtain written consent from the copyright holder to use the materials, even for an educational program.

Question 69

You are a TD professional who has designed an outdoor, experiential, team building program for one of the departments in your company. This outdoor event includes rigorous activities such as whitewater rafting. One employee has told the department head that she will not attend because the program happens on a Saturday, which she observes as a religious holiday. The department head is telling you that he believes she must attend or face termination. What advice do you give the department head? (Choose the best response.) He is correct in expecting her to attend He needs to emphasize his statement to show his authority and control He is violating civil rights laws He is violating OSHA laws

Answer 69

He is violating civil rights laws Response C is correct because civil rights law guarantees against discrimination in employment based on certain civil rights, including the right to privacy and the right of equal protection.

Question 70

Your talent development department is responsible for training many unionized employees. You are concerned about how the unions will most likely affect the training provided to employees. Your manager tells you to expect unions to \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_. (Choose the option that completes the sentence accurately.) Approve the content of the training Set the number of required training hours Help define the skill levels associated with job titles Select which employees will participate in the training

Answer 70

Help define the skill levels associated with job titles Response C is correct because labor reforms of the 1930s reorganized many unions on an industry-wide basis, mixing skills and unskilled workers in the same union. Distinctions regarding mastery of skills were dealt with through contract language, thereby leaving unions with a leading role in defining skill levels associated with job titles or craft titles.

Question 71

A TD manager's responsibilities include all of the following EXCEPT\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_. (Choose the option that completes the sentence accurately.) Staffing programs Planning and budgeting for learning programs Ensuring that instructional programs support the organization's goals and objectives Developing multimedia content to include in the instruction

Answer 71

Developing multimedia content to include in the instruction Response D is correct because it is not one of the TD manager's responsibilities. That is part of the role of the training designer.

Question 72

You are the manager of a TD function and have just been informed that budget cuts of 50 percent are being instituted across the organization. What programs will you consider cutting first? (Choose the best response.) The programs currently conducted by an external supplier The most expensive programs to administer and maintain All instructor-led training because distance learning is less expensive The programs that aren't strategically aligned with the organization's goals and vision

Answer 72

The programs that aren't strategically aligned with the organization's goals and vision Response D is correct because for the learning function to both be and appear valuable to the organization and, therefore, not a function that can be cut, the TD professional needs to ensure that programs that support the organization's goals remain in place, while those that aren't directly tied to those goals are cut.

Question 73

One of your roles as a TD director is to develop a big-picture perspective of the types of courses and content the organization offers. Which TD director role are you fulfilling? (Choose the best response.) Developing course outline Identifying learning objectives Developing a program curriculum Listing needs assessment topics

Answer 73

Developing a program curriculum Response C is correct because a program curriculum encompasses all of the types of training that an organization offers.

Question 74

As a TD director for a Navy Command, you are developing a job description for a program administrator. Which of these tasks best represents a program administrator's role? (Choose the best response.) Managing program elements to support training delivery Identifying learning and performance needs Designing training Developing a strategy to meet learners' needs

Answer 74

Managing program elements to support training delivery Response A is correct because administrating the program involves ensuring that the logistics are in place to ensure that the program takes place. In other words, the program administrator secures equipment and resources; identifies and trains instructors; manages course registration, scheduling, and locations; and works with SMEs as needed.

Question 75

As a TD director for a Navy Command, you are developing a job description for a program administrator. Which of these tasks best represents a program administrator's role? (Choose the best response.) Managing program elements to support training delivery Response A is correct because administrating the program involves ensuring that the logistics are in place to ensure that the program takes place. In other words, the program administrator secures equipment and resources; identifies and trains instructors; manages course registration, scheduling, and locations; and works with SMEs as needed. Identifying learning and performance needs X Incorrect Designing training X Incorrect Developing a strategy to meet learners' needs

Answer 75

Managing program elements to support training delivery Response A is correct because administrating the program involves ensuring that the logistics are in place to ensure that the program takes place. In other words, the program administrator secures equipment and resources; identifies and trains instructors; manages course registration, scheduling, and locations; and works with SMEs as needed.s

Question 76

In which phase of creating a strategic plan should a TD professional conduct a SWOT analysis? (Choose the best response.) Formulation Development Implementation Evaluation

Answer 76

Development Response B is correct because the first task in the development phase is to gather data, and this is done through a SWOT analysis, which gathers information about the department's strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. This information forms the basis upon which to develop the plan.

Question 77

How often should strategic planning occur? (Choose the best response.) Once per year Once per quarter Monthly Continually and as-needed

Answer 77

Continually and as-needed Response D is correct because the purpose of a strategic plan is to enable TD managers to accomplish things that are critical to the TD function and to the overall business strategy. For that reason, TD managers need to continually revisit the strategic planning process as business needs evolve.

Question 78

Objectives are designed to help TD professionals identify how to accomplish which of the following? (Choose the best response.) Mission Vision Strategic goals Action plans

Answer 78

Strategic goals Response C is correct because objectives are the component parts of strategic goals and specify tasks that will help to achieve the objectives.

Question 79

During which of the following phases of strategic plan development does feedback and corrective action happen? (Choose the best response.) Formulation Development Implementation Evaluation

Answer 79

Evaluation Response D is correct because the evaluation phase is where a feedback system is set up to provide information about the strategic plan's results.

Question 80

Which of the following best describes a chart of accounts? (Choose the best response.) A listing of account lines in the general ledger An organization's economic resources expressed in monetary terms An expense account that relates directly to business operations One of the four primary financial statements filed annually by organizations

Answer 80

A listing of account lines in the general ledger Response A is correct because a chart of accounts is a list of all accounts tracked by an accounting system; each account in the list has a unique identifier known as an account number.

Question 81

Which of the following best describes an economic resource that may be expressed in monetary terms? (Choose the best response.) Asset Liability Equity Balance sheet

Answer 81

Asset Response A is correct because an asset is an economic resource that gives rise to future economic benefit and can be expressed in monetary terms.

Question 82

Which of the following is NOT a source of prework research when forecasting a budget? (Choose the best response.) Historical records Participant demographics Baseline funds Benchmarking data

Answer 82

Participant demographics Response B is correct because participant demographics do not provide the basis for forecasting a budget. Sources of prework research for a budget include the TD plan, historical records of previous years' budgets, baseline funds, budget accuracy, benchmark data, and postmortems.

Question 83

Which of the following is a comparison that weighs the cost of a training activity against the outcomes achieved? (Choose the best response.) Cost-benefit analysis Chart of accounts SWOT analysis Income statement

Answer 83

Cost-benefit analysis Response A is correct because a cost-benefit analysis compares the costs of training against the benefits gained from it to identify whether the investment in training paid off.

Question 84

An example of a budget expense includes all of the following EXCEPT\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_. (Choose the option that completes the sentence accurately.) Salaries for full-time and temporary employees Office supplies and equipment Annual maintenance renewals or service contracts Owner equity

Answer 84

Owner equity Response D is correct because owner equity refers to the value of the owners' or shareholders' portion of the business after all claims against it have been subtracted and is not an expense item that would appear in a budget.

Question 85

Strategic planning is the process of\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_. (Choose the option that completes the sentence accurately.) Creating a budget and allocating adequate resources Developing a vision and mission Systematically organizing the future of the organization Establishing short-term objectives for the organization

Answer 85

Systematically organizing the future of the organization Response C is correct because strategic planning focuses attention on the future of the organization and the desired outcomes of the training initiative.

Question 86

You are the manager of a TD department with a large in-house staff and numerous supplier partners. You are developing a strategic plan. Given the size of the TD department, what is the role you will have in the strategic planning process? (Choose the best response.) Creating the training that supports the strategic plan Delivering the training that supports the strategic plan Evaluating the training that supports the strategic plan Overseeing and focusing on future strategies for training

Answer 86

Overseeing and focusing on future strategies for training Response D is correct because in a large TD department, in-house staff and suppliers help meet the organization's needs, leaving the TD manager to focus on the future vision and the strategies that will help the TD function to reach that vision.

Question 87

You are the TD director of a large chemical lab. Your company has always been generous with the training budget. You have reached the end of the year and find that you have a $310,000 budget surplus. Which of the following is the best option for using this surplus? (Choose the best response.) Your staff has worked hard all year and even though they are some of the best paid in the industry, you could give them all a bonus You could have a great party to celebrate all that your department has accomplished; it would be well deserved You could meet with the CFO and the VP of Talent to explore options You could divide the money among each of the first three options

Answer 87

You could meet with the CFO and the VP of Talent to explore options Response C is correct because TD is a support function. Organizational priorities should be the department's focus. TD directors must demonstrate fiscal responsibility. This step gains credibility with business leaders in the organization and will most likely garner more respect for the department. This is the best decision in the long run.

Question 88

You have just been hired by a fast-growing community bank to be the director of a 20-person TD department. The CEO has called you into his office to tell you that the last director was fired for lack of productivity. You have asked him what his goals for TD are, and he says, "That's what I hired you for," and dismisses you. What do you do when you return to your office? (Choose the best response.) Locate the former director's strategic plan and budget Begin to write your letter of resignation; who wants to work for this jerk? Start interviewing all of your staff to determine what led to the firing of the last director Locate the SWOT analysis to determine what you can do to be more productive

Answer 88

Locate the former director's strategic plan and budget The best response is A. Both of these documents will give you the best clues about what was accomplished and how the budget was expended. You will want to find other documents as well, such as evaluations and ROI analysis, but starting with the strategic plan and budget will help you see the bigger picture of how well the department functioned.

Question 89

A fundamental technique of project management is planning projects in phases. All of the phases that represent the project from beginning to end are collectively called\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_. (Choose the option that completes the sentence accurately.) Project scope Critical path Life cycle Conception

Answer 89

Life cycle Response C is correct because the project life cycle includes everything that happens in a project from beginning to end.

Question 90

Which of the following is NOT a standard phase name in the project life cycle? (Choose the best response.) Communicating Planning Execution Evaluation

Answer 90

Communicating Response A is correct because communicating is not a standard phase name, although it is an important element in a successful project.

Question 91

Which project phase is concerned with assigning resources to specific tasks and initiating the work? (Choose the best response.) Communicating Planning Executing Evaluating

Answer 91

Planning Response B is correct because the planning phase is where the project manager and the team develop the project plan, the project manager plans the work and assigns resources to tasks, and the work is begun.

Question 92

Which of the following involves ensuring that all of the project work—and only the approved project work—is completed? (Choose the best response.) Scope Time Resource use Quality

Answer 92

Scope Response A is correct because the project scope encompasses the work that was approved while defining the goals and objectives of the project. Controlling the project scope so that additional work that wasn't part of the approved plan doesn't creep in—also known as scope creep—is an important part of the project manager's role.

Question 93

Which of the following project team stakeholders is the person who controls the money and whose signature is needed to authorize purchases over a certain amount? (Choose the best response.) Expand All Sponsor Champion Budget client Business client

Answer 93

Budget client Response C is correct because the budget client is the person who is accountable for the project's costs and how it will provide a return for the business. As such, he or she pays for the project and has the power to cancel the project at any time.

Question 94

Project time management includes processes required to ensure timely completion of the project. Which of the following is NOT a typical process used to support project time management? (Choose the best response.) Activity validation Activity definition Activity sequencing Activity duration estimating

Answer 94

Activity validation Response A is correct because there is no process regarding validating the project's activities related to project time management.

Question 95

Which project management tool is used in planning and integrating the project and represents a graphical hierarchy of the project, deliverables, tasks, and subtasks? (Choose the best response.) WBS (work breakdown structure) Gantt chart PERT chart Milestone chart

Answer 95

WBS (work breakdown structure) Response A is correct because the WBS is the primary tool to begin planning and documenting project deliverables. Project managers use it to identify tasks, subtasks, and units of work to be performed and create a hierarchy of those elements.

Question 96

Which of the following represents the shortest schedule for completing all tasks in a project and drives the project's end date? (Choose the best response.) Deliverables Milestone Critical path Gantt chart

Answer 96

Critical path Response C is correct because the critical path represents the shortest period of time that it takes to complete all of the tasks in the project given task interdependencies.

Question 97

Which of the following is best defined as work or deliverables that are added to a project but were not part of the initial approved plan nor added through a formal change? (Choose the best response.) Scope Milestones Deliverables Scope creep

Answer 97

Scope creep Response D is correct because scope creep occurs when in the course of the project more work is added that wasn't part of the original project scope.

Question 98

You work for a not-for-profit organization and have been assigned as the project manager to a new project. You have finished collecting information and are now developing several planning worksheets. Which of the following are you most likely creating? (Choose the best response.) Process map SWOT analysis Strategic plan Gantt chart

Answer 98

Gantt chart Response D is correct because Gantt charts are one of several planning worksheets that project managers use to plan the work of a project. Creating a Gantt chart involves creating a sequence of the tasks and subtasks of the work to create a milestone chart and mapping timeframe data onto it.

Question 99

You continue as the manager of the project in question number 1. You know that you need to make a presentation to the sponsor within the first two weeks. Which of the following will be most helpful in your meeting? (Choose the best response.) Expand All WBS chart to show everyone's responsibilities PERT chart to demonstrate the sequence of events Gantt chart to define the timeline, a charter, and informal data gathering CPM chart and a point paper that cautions against scope creep

Answer 99

Gantt chart to define the timeline, a charter, and informal data gathering Response C is correct because all of these will be critical for a meeting with the sponsor. The sponsor is often a member of senior management and will not want all the details, but needs to feel comfortable that you have a good understanding of the project (charter); have figured out the timeframe and key milestones (Gantt Chart); and are prepared with responses that demonstrate a reasonable amount of research before getting too far into the project.

Question 100

You work for a government agency that is slow in creating contracts. It has gotten so bad that some of the best vendors will no longer submit proposals. You know that you need to establish an agency-wide acquisition strategy. You present your idea in a point paper to the senior civilian who agrees with you. He suggests that you begin to plan for how you would approach the project. What do you do next? (Choose the best response.) Define the goals and objectives, and then recommend a project team and project manager Plan the work, and monitor the project schedule Develop a project plan, and assign resources to specific tasks Create the evaluation plan because you need to plan, focusing on the end

Answer 100

# Define the goals and objectives, and then recommend a project team and project manager Response A is correct. Once the idea is formulated, the next steps address the conception and selection activities.

Question 101

You are a project manager who is addressing new IT requirements for your organization. You are feeling pretty cocky about your successes thus far when you receive a call from one of the field offices that states that you are not representing the needs of the field. How will you address this problem? (Choose the best response.) Contact all the field offices to identify their issues and concerns Invite employees in the field to be members of the project team Revise the communication plan with a renewed focus on the field All of the above

Answer 101

Response D is correct. These setbacks can occur when you do not think through the entire process and the many roles in an organization that may influence a project. Project stakeholders include anyone with a vested interest in the project. All of the above