Goals are milestones with a specific duration that help in the development of a project. Objectives are more general than goals, they represent what you want to achieve or the purpose of a project.
In order for a goal to be achieved, in general, related goals are created that lead to that goal. Thus, goals are part of planning an objective.
| Goals | Goals | |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Several stipulated points or milestones that relate to the path along which the project should develop. Goals should be developed and revised throughout the project. | Purpose of a project. It is related to the idea of where you want to go. The objective must be defined in the initial phase of a project. |
| Characteristics | They are simpler and easier targets to be reached, determined from a determined time. These are tasks that guide the path and serve as a diagnosis capable of noticing failures and improving productivity. | Purpose, guiding framework for all actions within a project. |
| Duration | Short term. Setting new goals as they are achieved. | Long term. The project is developed based on the objective to be achieved. |
| Function |
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Thus, the difference between goal and objective is the amplitude of each one. Goals are the means to achieve an end. That purpose is the goal.
What is goal?
Goal means an achievable milestone within a project. The goals are tasks that tend to change according to the success in achieving them, they are strategies for the development of an enterprise.
To achieve the same objective, several goals can be defined, creating a well-defined path to achieve the success of the enterprise.
examples of goals
Take, for example, a person who wants to run a marathon. For this, she will have to draw up a plan. The goal is to participate in the race and complete its 42 km. Goals, on the other hand, will be understood as the planning of milestones that can make your desire possible.
Goals could be thought of as:
- Start fitness and training.
- Start a healthy diet suited to the proposal.
- Find suitable running shoes.
- Enroll in smaller races to gain experience.
- Sign up and run the marathon.
In this way, goals can be thought of as the trajectory to reach the goal. After all, the person in the example needs planning, a strategy, it's not enough to just sign up and think you'll be able to reach the goal.
The same happens if a company is substituted for a person. It is necessary to plan the goals that make it possible to achieve the goal. The planning of a company involves defining an objective and stipulating goals (tasks) that lead to the success of the enterprise.
What is objective?
Objective means the specific and general definition of what you want with a project or enterprise. It has the idea of purpose of the action, be it individual, collective or business. The objective should be the purpose of all decision making within a project.
The focus on the objective is important for the definition of goals and for the development of any project. Therefore, it is of great importance that the objectives are very well defined to avoid ambiguities that could disturb or cause confusion in the person, or people involved.
The goal operates as a finish line for a project and guides all decision-making. The objective is the reason for the developed strategies.
Strategic planning
For those interested in strategic planning and business management, some tools are useful for defining goals and objectives. Over time, management specialists have defined some strategies that will help in the development of a project.
These methods can be very important for anyone who wants to start a personal or corporate project.
Some examples:
1. smart
According to the smart method, objectives and targets are based on five central points:
- Specific(specific) - The objective or goal must be simple, clear and objective, avoiding ambiguities or doubts.
- measurable(measurable) - The success of the goal or objective must be something simple to measure.
- Attainable/achievable(attainable/attainable) - Goals and objectives must be achievable, improbable goals generate frustration and demotivate.
- realistic(realistic) - Goals and objectives must be well thought out, be real, possible success from the organization and strategy.
- time-based (temporal) - It is necessary to have a determined time for the success of the project, it cannot be an "eternal search".
2. 5W2H
Another tool for planning is the so-called 5w2h, a series of questions that must be answered for the development of the project.
- 5W - What? (What?) Define the goal; Why? (Why?) Motivations; Onde? (Where?) Project location; When? (When?) Duration; Who? (Who?) Responsible/staff.
- 2H - How?(How?) In what way?; How much? (How much?) Definition of expenses.
3. PDCA
PDCA is a tool that represents an action cycle within a project.
- plan (Planning) - Drawing up a plan of action, setting goals and objectives.
- Of (Do) - Put into practice what was planned.
- check (Check/Verify) - Check the results of actions.
- Act (Act) - Reproduce successes, correct failures and start a new cycle.
4. SWOT
The swot matrix can also be an important tool for planning and managing a project.
It is a diagnosis based on the definition of positive and negative points:
- Strengths (Strong points)
- weaknesses (Weaknesses)
- Opportunities (Opportunities)
- Threats (Threats)
See also the difference between:
- General objectives and specific objectives
- profit and billing
- CAPEX and OPEX