Strategy Maps highlight gaps in strategy implementation.

• A. They highlight gaps in strategy implementation.
• B. They optimize day-to-day server configurations.
• C. They replace the need for executive sponsorship.
• D. They determine personnel payroll schedules.

Answer: (A)

Strategy maps visualize how a strategy is supposed to be carried out, linking high-level aims to the specific initiatives, processes, and measures that make them real. They reveal gaps by showing where objectives lack owners, metrics, or connected initiatives, or where the dependencies between goals across perspectives aren’t coherent. In that way, the map highlights where execution may be lagging behind intent, signaling gaps in strategy implementation.

The other options describe activities outside the purpose of a strategy map: optimizing day-to-day server configurations is an IT operation task, not a strategic alignment artifact; replacing executive sponsorship isn’t something a strategy map does; and determining payroll schedules is an HR/administrative task, not part of strategy linkage.