CAPM Business Analysis Frameworks Practice Question
After solution implementation, the business analyst discovers that a key performance indicator (KPI) has not improved as expected. What is the most appropriate next step?
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
✓
Conduct a root cause analysis to identify why the solution is underperforming.
Conducting root cause analysis helps identify why the solution is underperforming. Option B is wrong because requesting additional budget without analysis is premature. Option C is wrong because escalation without analysis is premature. Option D is wrong because documenting in lessons learned without action is inadequate.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Conduct a root cause analysis to identify why the solution is underperforming.
Why this is correct
When a KPI fails to improve after implementation, the underlying cause must be diagnosed before any further action. Root cause analysis examines whether the solution, data, process or assumptions are at fault, directing corrective effort rather than guessing at remedies.
- ✗
Request additional budget for a new solution.
Why it's wrong here
Requesting budget for a new solution skips root-cause analysis of why the KPI failed, which may lie in adoption, measurement or requirements. It is tempting when the implemented solution appears fundamentally inadequate, but that conclusion requires assessment first, not funding as the immediate step.
- ✗
Immediately escalate to the project sponsor.
Why it's wrong here
Escalating immediately bypasses the analyst's own assessment of the KPI shortfall, its causes and supporting data. Sponsors are the right audience once analysis is complete and a decision or resource is genuinely needed, which is why escalation feels decisive but is premature here.
- ✗
Document the discrepancy in the lessons learned.
Why it's wrong here
Recording the discrepancy in lessons learned documents the outcome without investigating why the KPI fell short or what corrective action is warranted. Lessons learned capture retrospective knowledge at closure, so it is tempting as a low-risk action, yet it defers the required analysis.
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