Which of the following outcomes would be classified as a lag measure?

Lag measures are metrics that reflect outcomes achieved after certain actions or processes have taken place. These indicators signify results that are generally not immediately actionable because they report on the effectiveness of past strategies and decisions.

Sales volume fits this definition perfectly, as it quantifies the total amount of product sold within a specific timeframe. Since it reflects completed sales and outcomes from prior efforts in marketing, operations, and sales strategies, it is a true lag measure. This type of metric is often used to assess how well a business has performed in the past based on various initiatives implemented earlier.

In contrast, employee engagement scores, training completion rates, and market research findings all represent different types of metrics. Employee engagement scores and training completion rates are more indicative of present conditions or readiness for future tasks, reflecting ongoing processes rather than outcomes. Market research findings provide insights and predictions that guide future actions, making them more of a leading measure rather than a reflection of past performance.