CPIM Practice Exam

What is the purpose of rough-cut capacity planning in master scheduling?

1. To establish new product lines

2. To assess preliminary capacity requirements against planned production

3. To finalize the sales forecasts for upcoming quarters

4. To determine staffing needs for the production team

The correct answer is: To assess preliminary capacity requirements against planned production

Rough-cut capacity planning is an essential step in the master scheduling process that focuses on evaluating whether a company's capacity (in terms of resources such as labor, machinery, and materials) aligns with anticipated production needs. The primary objective is to gain a preliminary understanding of capacity requirements based on the planned production levels derived from the master schedule. By assessing these capacity requirements early in the planning process, organizations can identify potential shortfalls or overcapacity situations before they become critical problems. This proactive approach allows planners to make necessary adjustments—such as reallocating resources, scheduling maintenance, or modifying production plans—ensuring that the organization can meet demand without overcommitting resources. The other options do not accurately reflect the specific purpose of rough-cut capacity planning. Establishing new product lines and finalizing sales forecasts involve different aspects of strategic planning and decision-making, while determining staffing needs pertains more closely to personnel management rather than capacity planning itself.