SMART planning principles
Objectives need to conform to SMART planning principles.
They need to be
Specific
Well defined
Clear to anyone who has a basic knowledge of the project
Measurable
We must be able to know how far away completion is and when it has been achieved
Achievable
Have the potential to be achieved under the current circumstances
Realistic
Within the availability of resources, knowledge and time
Timely
Enough time to achieve the goal
Reference
Doran, G. T. (1981). There’s a S.M.A.R.T. way to write management’s goals and objectives. Management Review (AMA FORUM), 70(11), 35–36.