Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) Practice Exam

Which of the following is NOT a key function of a business plan?

1. Marketing

2. Finance

3. Human Resources

4. Operations

The correct answer is: Human Resources

A business plan is a comprehensive document that outlines the strategic direction of a business and serves several key functions. Among these functions, marketing is critical for identifying target markets and strategies for reaching customers. Finance is essential for detailing how funds will be secured and managed, ensuring the business remains viable and profitable. Operations provide insights into the day-to-day activities required to deliver products or services. While human resources is certainly a vital aspect of any business operation, it does not represent a discrete function typically emphasized in a business plan to the same extent as marketing, finance, and operations. Human resources pertain to the management of employees and organizational culture, which, although important, is often integrated into the operational strategies rather than treated as a standalone key function in the overall framework of a business plan. This leads to the conclusion that human resources, while significant, is less frequently articulated as a primary function within the core components of a business plan compared to the other areas.