DPI Direction And Planning Practice Question
An organization is defining performance metrics to support its new strategic direction. Leadership wants to avoid unintended negative behaviors caused by poor metric design. Which practice should they follow?
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Use balanced metrics that measure both velocity and quality across the value stream.
Metrics must be balanced across multiple dimensions (e.g., quality, speed, cost, customer satisfaction) to prevent gaming and unintended negative behaviors.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Rely on a single metric, such as lines of code written, to maximize simplicity.
Why it's wrong here
A single metric leads to gaming the system and poor overall outcomes.
- ✗
Change metrics every week to keep employees guessing.
Why it's wrong here
Frequent metric changes create confusion and instability.
- ✓
Use balanced metrics that measure both velocity and quality across the value stream.
Why this is correct
Balanced metrics prevent teams from sacrificing quality for speed.
- ✗
Keep all metrics strictly confidential from the operational teams.
Why it's wrong here
Confidential metrics prevent teams from understanding performance targets and aligning work.
About these practice questions
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JA
Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed August 2026 · checked against the official AXELOS / PeopleCert exam blueprint
This DPI practice question is part of Courseiva's free AXELOS / PeopleCert certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the DPI exam.