Final test & certificate

Pick the best answer for each question. 8/10 to earn the certificate.

To pass: at least 8 of 10 correct.

1. Question 1. Why do executives usually turn down HR proposals?

   AThey present activity and output, while leaders decide on impact to revenue, cost and riskBLeaders do not value people issuesCTraining budgets are always cut first

2. Question 2. What question does the cash flow statement answer?

   AHow actual cash moves in and outBWhether the business made a profit last periodCWhat the business owns and owes at a point in time

3. Question 3. Where do most people costs appear in the income statement?

   ASelling and administrative expenses, partly in cost of sales for direct labourBOnly in cost of goods soldCNowhere, because people are an asset rather than a cost

4. Question 4. Of the four cost groups when someone leaves, which is usually largest but hardest to quantify?

   ALost knowledge and relationshipsBReplacement hiringCVacancy cost

5. Question 5. Why not attach a number to the lost-knowledge component?

   ABecause being asked 'where does that come from' with no answer costs you the whole presentationBBecause that component is actually negligibleCBecause accounting rules forbid recognising it

6. Question 6. Which way of presenting an estimate keeps your credibility?

   AState assumptions first, give a range, and say what is excludedBGive one precise figure so it sounds more convincingCAvoid numbers, since every estimate can be wrong

7. Question 7. What are the five parts of a business case?

   ABusiness problem, cause, options, cost and benefit, risk and measurementBContext, survey, analysis, conclusion, recommendationCObjective, audience, content, budget, timeline

8. Question 8. Why always include a 'do nothing' option?

   AIt states the cost of not acting and shifts the conversation to 'which option'BBudget submission rules require itCIt gives leadership a polite way out

9. Question 9. In what order should you present to an executive team?

   AConclusion first, reasons second, detail in the appendixBContext first, analysis in the middle, conclusion at the endCCost first, benefit second, problem last

10. Question 10. Which section makes a proposal most credible?

    AThe risk and measurement sectionBA detailed description of the programme contentCCitations from international research