SMART Goals and Objectives

Abstract

SMART Goals is a method for effective setting of goals and objectives, first presented by George T. Doran in 1985, addressing the lack of ability by managers to set goals and objectives. SMART is an acronym for Specific Measurable Assignable Realistic and Time-related. The object is to avoid that goal- or objective setting such as KPI’s are inadequate or indecisive, and therefore impossible to fulfill, but to set goals that can be a framework for an actionplan.

SMART Goals can be used for professionals in a wide range of areas of Project Management, along with also personal goal setting.

The SMART acronym is covering other word-combinations (Active, Achievable, Relevant, Timebound, Timely), but usually the meaning stays the same. Further additions such as SMARTER-acronyms also exists. The SMART Goal setting technique is widely known as a management tool, but is also criticized for its banality and the absence of wisdom behind the goals. Also, used in the wrong way it may lead to setting base-line goals, instead of setting higher goals.