In: Operations Management
What does it mean to "be smart"?
The characteristics of a good objective can be expressed with the acronym SMART which is
Specific
Measurable
Achievable
Realistic
Time-Bound
During the determination of the various objectives, while preparing the project design or proposal, one can use SMART as a checklist to find out the suitability of the objectives and make sure that objectives are good objectives.
For the objectives to be termed as better objectives, they must be following qualities:-
Specific: Objectives of a project should have a clear information about what, where, when, and how there will be a change in the situation. The objectives must be specific about what to accomplish from the project. They should be determined precisely.
Measurable: A good project will always have the objectives which are easy to quantify the benefits and target of the project
Achievable: Once the objectives are determined, they must be achievable i.e. they objectives must be such that the users can really accomplish them.T his will be further boosted if the information about the resources and capacities which are available to the society are known.
Realistic: Whatever the objectives are decided, they must be realistic i.e. based on real facts. These objectives must be able to accomplish the extent of change which is reflected in the objectives.
Time-bound: All the objectives must be time bound i.e. there must be a specific time duration within which these objectives must be accomplished.