What does PPBS stand for?

• A. Planning, Programming, Budgeting System
• B. Policy and Program Budgeting Schedule
• C. Public Program Budgeting System
• D. Planning, Policy, Budget Strategy

Answer: (A)

PPBS stands for Planning, Programming, Budgeting System. It’s an integrated approach that links strategic planning with budgeting by first defining clear program objectives, then outlining the work and sequence (programming) needed to achieve them, and finally allocating resources (budgeting) to those programs while evaluating trade-offs among alternatives. This framework emerged in the 1960s to move beyond traditional line‑item budgeting and to justify funding in terms of expected outcomes and costs. The other phrases mix terms differently or omit key elements, so they don’t reflect the established naming and purpose of PPBS.