ACCA Performance Management (F5) Certification Practice Exam

Which of the following is true about feedforward control?

1. It only looks at past performance

2. It focuses on adjusting actual performance

3. It helps prevent problems before they occur

4. It requires post-implementation reviews

The correct answer is: It helps prevent problems before they occur

Feedforward control is a proactive approach to management that emphasizes anticipating and preventing potential problems before they arise. This type of control system is concerned with ensuring that the necessary inputs and processes are in place to facilitate optimal performance outcomes, rather than simply reacting to issues as they occur or reviewing outcomes after the fact. By addressing potential issues in advance, feedforward control allows organizations to implement strategies and actions that guide performance in the desired direction, thereby enhancing overall efficiency and effectiveness. This kind of control is particularly useful in dynamic environments where changes can quickly lead to challenges if they are not identified and managed early on. In contrast, looking solely at past performance does not allow for the anticipation of future issues. Focusing exclusively on actual performance adjustments deals with problems after they have occurred, rather than preventing them. Lastly, requiring post-implementation reviews is a hallmark of feedback control, which evaluates outcomes after actions have been taken, rather than the anticipatory nature of feedforward control. Thus, the focus on prevention and proactive measures is what makes the statement about feedforward control true.