---
title: "Goal versus objective of a project"
subject: "Project Engineering"
chapter: 1
key: "semester_7/project_engineering:goal-vs-objective-example"
source: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_7/project_engineering/goal-vs-objective-example
site: BCT Engineering
---

# Goal versus objective of a project

Project Engineering · Chapter 1: Introduction of Project and Project Management

- Asked in: 2081 Baisakh, 4 marks
- Video: [What Are Project Goals And Objectives With Examples](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6SWc-hzNZoY) — The Project Management Guide
- Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort) on 2026-10-14
- Page: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_7/project_engineering/goal-vs-objective-example
- Whole chapter: https://www.bctengineer.com/md/semester_7/project_engineering/chapter-1

## Question

Differentiate between goal and objective of any project, giving a suitable example.

## Short answer

A goal is broad, long-term, qualitative and gives direction, while an objective is specific, short or medium term, measurable and gives targets. For example, the goal is to improve rural access and the local economy, and the objective is to build a 12 km gravel road within 18 months at NRs 25 crore.

## Answer

| 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 |

The goal gives direction; the objectives, when achieved, together achieve the goal.

## Check yourself

The answer's key points as multiple-choice questions, with the correct option and why.

1. Which is correct about a goal compared with an objective?
   A. A goal is broad and general; an objective is specific and detailed
   B. A goal is specific; an objective is broad
   C. A goal is always numeric
   D. Both are identical
   Answer: A. Goals give broad direction while objectives state specifically what will be achieved. (Key point: Nature)

2. Which pair is correct?
   A. Goal: short term, measurable; Objective: long term, qualitative
   B. Goal: long term, often qualitative; Objective: short/medium term, quantitative and measurable
   C. Both long term
   D. Both unmeasurable
   Answer: B. Goals are long term and hard to measure; objectives are short or medium term and measurable. (Key point: Time and measurability)

3. How are goals and objectives related in number?
   A. Objectives replace the goal
   B. Many goals support one objective
   C. Usually one or few goals, with several objectives supporting a goal
   D. Equal numbers always
   Answer: C. Several objectives support a goal. (Key point: Number)

4. Which is an OBJECTIVE rather than a goal?
   A. Make people happy
   B. Improve rural access and the local economy
   C. Build a 12 km gravel road within 18 months at NRs 25 crore
   D. Develop the nation
   Answer: C. It has quantity, time and cost, so it is an objective. (Key point: Example)

## Related in Project Engineering

- [Goal vs objective; goal setting criteria](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_7%2Fproject_engineering%3Agoal-objective-difference-criteria) — Project Engineering, chapter 1
- [Project goal setting and criteria (SMART)](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_7%2Fproject_engineering%3Agoal-setting-criteria) — Project Engineering, chapter 1, asked 5×
- [Project, characteristics and SMART goal setting](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_7%2Fproject_engineering%3Aproject-explain-goal-setting-smart) — Project Engineering, chapter 1
- [Project family tree and goal criteria](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_7%2Fproject_engineering%3Aproject-family-tree-goal-criteria) — Project Engineering, chapter 1
- [Life cycle phases and goal setting example](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_7%2Fproject_engineering%3Alife-cycle-phase-goal-example) — Project Engineering, chapter 1
- [Project characteristics versus permanent systems](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_7%2Fproject_engineering%3Acharacteristics-vs-permanent-systems) — Project Engineering, chapter 1

## Related in other subjects

- [Effective versus ineffective project managers](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_7%2Fict_project_management%3Aeffective-ineffective-managers) — ICT Project Management, chapter 2
- [Project versus operational work](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_7%2Fict_project_management%3Aproject-vs-operations) — ICT Project Management, chapter 1
- [Product versus project life cycle](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_7%2Fict_project_management%3Aproduct-vs-project-life-cycle) — ICT Project Management, chapter 4
- [Project scope versus product scope](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_7%2Fict_project_management%3Aproject-vs-product-scope) — ICT Project Management, chapter 7