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Goals and Objectives

Wed, Jul 7, 2010

FAQs

We thought it would be useful to share our answers to some commonly asked management terms about goals and objectives, such as “What is the difference between a goal and an objective?” Below is our list of general management faq’s.

1. What is a goal?
2. What is an objective?
3. What is the difference between a goal and an objective?
4. What is the similarity between dreams, goals and objectives?
5. Why should I write objectives?
6. How is an activity-based objective different from an outcome-based objective?
7. What is the Performance Tree?
8. What are the commonly used perspectives in setting business goals or dreams?
9. What is a S.M.A.R.T. objective?
10. How can I write measurable objectives?
11. What is the S.M.A.R.T. objective test?
12. How can I make my objectives S.M.A.R.T.?

1. What is a goal?

A goal is a dream or an aspiration. It is something we wish to do or achieve. It is an intention, which is not specific.

2. What is an objective?

An objective is an extension of a goal or dream. Objectives give details of goals or dreams. Objectives are precise and measurable.

3. What is the difference between a goal and an objective?

  • Goals are broad; objectives are narrow.
  • Goals are general intentions; objectives are precise.
  • Goals are intangible; objectives are tangible.
  • Goals are abstract; objectives are concrete.
  • Goals can’t be validated as is; objectives can be validated.

4. What is the similarity between dreams, goals and objectives?

Dreams and goals are synonymous to each other. Objectives are extensions of goals or dreams giving details in measurable terms.

5. Why should I write objectives?

Objectives guide us to achieve our goals or dreams. In other words, objectives state the purpose and direction of our goals or dreams in measurable terms. Hence, we should write objectives to achieve our goals or dreams.

6. How is an activity-based objective different from an outcome-based objective?

Activities are inputs required to achieve a certain result or output. Outcome is the product of an activity. Outcome cannot be achieved without activity.

Outcome-based objectives state the end result we will achieve to realize our goal or dream. They state the impact we should create in order to fulfill our goal or dream. Hence, we should write outcome-based objectives.

7. What is the Performance Tree?

The Performance Tree is a three-part framework for writing outcome-based objectives in order to fulfill our goals or dreams. The framework consists of three parts, namely ‘“ broad goals, objectives and sub-objectives. This framework is used to break down complex, broad goals into simpler and smaller objectives.

8. What are the commonly used perspectives in setting business goals or dreams?

A common framework for setting business goals is provided by Balanced Scorecard. It divides a business in four perspectives: financial, customer, process, and people. It suggests that businesses exist to make money (financial), that customers are required to make the money (customers), that companies will satisfy customers through good internal process, and the people at the company drive the process.

9. What is a S.M.A.R.T. objective?

S.M.A.R.T. is an acronym, which stands for specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time bound. A S.M.A.R.T. objective is one, which is clear and well defined; is quantifiable; is achievable within the scope of available resources; is relevant and defines the time frame.

10. How can I write measurable objectives?

Objectives, which are measurable, can be defined with the help of 5 WHYs. It means you ask yourself WHY you are writing the objective and repeat until you find your answer.

11. What is the S.M.A.R.T. objective test?

S.M.A.R.T. objective test is a tool, which is used for making objectives S.M.A.R.T.

12. How can I make my objectives S.M.A.R.T.?

You can make Objectives S.M.A.R.T. by taking the S.M.A.R.T. objective test.

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