Supervision in the Hospitality Industry- AHLEI Practice Test

What is typically the last activity in the sequence of operational planning?

1. An operations budget

2. A market planning

3. A long-range plan

4. A business plan

The correct answer is: An operations budget

The completion of an operations budget represents the final activity in the sequence of operational planning. An operations budget encompasses the financial roadmap for the operational aspects of a business, detailing expected revenues and expenses over a specific period. This budget is crucial because it translates the strategic objectives outlined in earlier planning stages — such as market planning and long-range planning — into actionable financial terms, ensuring resources are allocated effectively. An operations budget takes into account various elements from the previously established long-term and business plans, integrating data on labor costs, supplies, and anticipated income. Without the operations budget, it would be challenging to implement the plans effectively, as there would be no clear financial framework to guide daily operations and expenditures. In contrast, market planning, long-range plans, and business plans focus on broader objectives and strategies, setting the stage for operational activities but not addressing the specifics of how those activities will be funded and managed. Thus, the operations budget serves as a critical and final step that solidifies operational plans into a practical financial structure for execution.