Certified Dietary Manager (CDM) Practice Exam

What is the main purpose of an agenda in a meeting?

1. To summarize the meeting after it concludes

2. To outline the planned topics and timetable

3. To allocate time for breaks during discussions

4. To establish rules for participant behavior

The correct answer is: To outline the planned topics and timetable

The main purpose of an agenda in a meeting is to outline the planned topics and timetable. An agenda serves as a guiding document that helps participants understand the structure of the meeting, including what will be discussed and when each topic will be addressed. This promotes efficiency by keeping the meeting focused on specific objectives and ensures that all important issues are covered within the allotted time. While summarizing the meeting after it concludes, allocating time for breaks, and establishing rules for participant behavior can be important aspects of meeting management, they are not the primary purpose of the agenda itself. The agenda's primary function is to provide a clear framework for discussion and help organize the flow of the meeting, contributing to a more productive and effective gathering.