Question 1

Outcome analyses concern immediate and direct results of program activities.

Accepted Answer

Outcome analyses typically focus on the longer-term effects or results of program activities, rather than the immediate and direct results, which are usually referred to as outputs.

Question 2

Outputs can be used to measure the performance of a program.

Accepted Answer

Outputs provide a way to evaluate the correctness and effectiveness of a program and can, therefore, be used to measure its performance.

Question 3

Outcomes are related to the program goals.

Accepted Answer

Outcomes are specific, measurable changes or results that are directly related to the program goals. The achievement of outcomes is how programs demonstrate their effectiveness in achieving their intended purpose.

Question 4

An efficiency analysis assesses a level of outcome by output.

Accepted Answer

An efficiency analysis assesses a level of output by input, not outcome by output. It measures how effectively resources (inputs) are converted into goods or services (outputs).

Question 5

An effectiveness measure concerns a level of output by input.

Accepted Answer

An effectiveness measure concerns achieving desired outcomes or goals, while a level of output by input is a measure of efficiency.

Question 6

A larger standard deviation indicates a consistent and reliable performance.

Accepted Answer

A larger standard deviation indicates more variability and inconsistency in performance, not consistency and reliability.

Question 7

Only measures of efficiency and effectiveness, not equity, should be included in a performance measurement system.

Accepted Answer

Equity measures are important to include in a performance measurement system, as they ensure fairness and equal treatment of individuals or groups. Ignoring equity measures can lead to discrimination and bias in decision making.

Question 8

Equity can be defined as the provision of equal access to resources for all social groups.

Accepted Answer

Equity is about ensuring that every individual has what they need to thrive, regardless of social group or identity. This means providing fair and just access to resources such as education, healthcare, housing, and employment opportunities.

Question 9

Quality-of-life measurement consists of multiple measures.

Accepted Answer

Quality-of-life measurement typically involves measuring different aspects of individuals' lives, such as physical health, emotional well-being, social connections, and economic status. Therefore, it consists of multiple measures.

Question 10

Performance in an organization is often unidimensional, so it can be measured well by one measure.

Accepted Answer

Performance in an organization is often multidimensional, and measuring it well requires a combination of different measures that capture different aspects of performance such as productivity, quality, customer satisfaction, and employee engagement.

Question 11

When managers are asked to make forecasts on the basis of few previous observations, they should consider non-regression-based forecasting methods.

Accepted Answer

When few previous observations are available, non-regression-based forecasting methods like qualitative or judgmental techniques may be more appropriate. Regression-based methods require a larger sample size and assume a linear relationship between variables, which may not hold true in some cases.

Question 12

Forecasting based on prior moving averages is more conservative than that based on prior moving changes.

Accepted Answer

Forecasting based on prior moving averages takes into account the overall trend and is less sensitive to sudden changes or fluctuations in the data. On the other hand, forecasting based on prior moving changes is more responsive to recent changes in the data and may not reflect the long-term trend. Therefore, forecasting based on prior moving averages is generally considered to be more conservative.

Question 13

When forecasting, it is best to first deflate current expenditures.

Accepted Answer

Deflating current expenditures adjusts for inflation and provides a more accurate baseline for forecasting future expenditures.

Question 14

(Optional, Appendix) Forecasting can include periodic effects.

Accepted Answer

Periodic effects refer to patterns that repeat at regular intervals, such as daily, weekly, or seasonally. Forecasting models can account for these effects and incorporate them into their predictions. Therefore, it is true that forecasting can include periodic effects.

Quiz 9: Getting Results