How should major activities be identified?

• A. Identify the minor activities first and ignore objectives.
• B. Identify major activities based on which objectives and indicators would be set.
• C. Choose activities purely from historical precedent.
• D. Rely on external consultants to decide the major activities.

Answer: (B)

Identify major activities by anchoring them to the objectives you want to achieve and the indicators you will use to measure success. Start with clear objectives and decide how you’ll know you’ve met them, then determine which activities will drive those outcomes. This keeps planning focused on delivering value and makes it possible to track progress.

Why this matters: choosing activities based on objectives and measurable indicators ensures every action contributes to the desired result and provides a basis for evaluation. Starting with minor tasks or ignoring objectives leads to work that may look productive but doesn’t advance goals. Relying solely on historical precedent can lock you into past approaches that may no longer fit current needs. Leaving the decision to external consultants without internal alignment can produce actions that don’t reflect your priorities or gain buy-in.