Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB) Practice Test

Which attribute is missing from a plan that describes objectives without specifying who is responsible?

1. Realistic

2. Assignable

3. Measurable

4. Time-related

The correct answer is: Assignable

The correct answer is assignable because an effective plan not only outlines objectives but also clarifies who is responsible for achieving those objectives. When a plan lacks the assignable attribute, it becomes ambiguous, as there is no clear accountability for the tasks at hand. This can lead to confusion and a lack of progress, as team members may not know who should take action or lead specific initiatives. In the context of planning and management, having defined roles and responsibilities fosters teamwork and ensures that each objective has an owner capable of driving it forward. Without this clarity, objectives may not be pursued as diligently or effectively, resulting in stalled efforts and unmet goals. This highlights the importance of clearly identifying who is tasked with what, ensuring accountability and responsibility in both public and private sector projects. While other attributes like realistic, measurable, and time-related are important for various dimensions of a plan, they do not directly address the necessity of assigning responsibility for the accomplishments related to the objectives.