- 2076 Asoj · 2+6 marks
Goal vs objective; goal setting criteria
Short answer
A goal is broad and directional; an objective is specific and measurable. Goal setting involves identifying the need, stating the broad goal, breaking it into objectives, and testing each against SMART criteria: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic/Relevant and Time-bound. Example SMART objective: construct a 12 km black-topped road within 24 months at a cost not exceeding NRs 40 crore.
Differentiate between the goal and objective of a project. Explain the goal setting criteria of a project with a suitable example.
Goal vs objective
| Basis | Goal | Objective |
|---|---|---|
| Nature | Broad, general statement of purpose | Specific, detailed statement of what will be achieved |
| Time | Long term | Short or medium term |
| Measurability | Often qualitative, hard to measure | Quantitative and measurable |
| Number | Usually one or few | Several objectives support a goal |
| Role | Gives direction | Gives targets to be reached |
| Example | Improve rural access and the local economy | Build a 12 km gravel road within 18 months at NRs 25 crore |
Goal setting criteria
Goals and objectives are set by understanding the need or problem, consulting the stakeholders, and stating the end result in clear, measurable terms. The usual sequence is:
- Identify the need or problem and the stakeholders.
- State the broad goal (the long-term purpose).
- Break the goal into specific objectives (short-term, measurable results).
- Test each objective against the SMART criteria.
- Get approval from the client and revise if resources or constraints do not match.
SMART criteria
| Letter | Criterion | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| S | Specific | Clear and unambiguous; says what, where and for whom |
| M | Measurable | Quantity, quality or cost can be checked |
| A | Achievable | Possible with available resources and technology |
| R | Realistic / Relevant | Matches the need and the organisation's capacity |
| T | Time-bound | Has a deadline or time frame |
Example
Poor objective: "Improve the road to the village."
SMART objective: "Construct a 12 km, 5.5 m wide black-topped road from X to Y, within 24 months, at a cost not exceeding NRs 40 crore, meeting Department of Roads standards."
- Specific: 12 km black-topped road from X to Y.
- Measurable: length, width, cost and standard are given.
- Achievable: the equipment, contractor and budget are available.
- Realistic: the village needs year-round access.
- Time-bound: 24 months.
✓ Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort)
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