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Being smart about writing SMART objectives

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  • Bjerke, May Britt
  • Renger, Ralph

Abstract

This article challenges the conventional wisdom in mainstream evaluation regarding the process for developing specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) objectives. The article notes several advantages of mainstreaming the SMART method including program capacity building and being able to independently monitor progress toward process and outcome objectives. It is argued the one size fits all approach for writing SMART objectives is misleading. The context in which the evaluation is conducted is a key deciding factor in how and when the SMART criteria should be applied. Without an appreciation of the evaluation context, mainstream users may be developing objectives that are far from smart. A case example is presented demonstrating a situation where a stepwise, rather than simultaneous application of the SMART criteria was necessary. Learning from this case, recommendations are forwarded for adjusting how SMART criteria should be presented in mainstream evaluation manuals/guides.

Suggested Citation

  • Bjerke, May Britt & Renger, Ralph, 2017. "Being smart about writing SMART objectives," Evaluation and Program Planning, Elsevier, vol. 61(C), pages 125-127.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:epplan:v:61:y:2017:i:c:p:125-127
    DOI: 10.1016/j.evalprogplan.2016.12.009
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Stevenson, John F. & Florin, Paul & Mills, Dana Scott & Andrade, Marco, 2002. "Building evaluation capacity in human service organizations: a case study," Evaluation and Program Planning, Elsevier, vol. 25(3), pages 233-243, August.
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    Cited by:

    1. Desjardins, Christoph, 2021. "Don't be too SMART, but SAVE your goals: Proposal for a renewed goal-setting formula for Generation Y," Journal of Applied Leadership and Management, Hochschule Kempten - University of Applied Sciences, Professional School of Business & Technology, vol. 9, pages 73-87.
    2. Veronica Crescenzo & Angelo Bonfanti & Paola Castellani & Alfonso Vargas-Sánchez, 2022. "Effective entrepreneurial narrative design in reward crowdfunding campaigns for social ventures," International Entrepreneurship and Management Journal, Springer, vol. 18(2), pages 773-800, June.
    3. SERAFIMOVA Desislava & LYEONOV Serhiy & VOLK Iurii & BILAN Svitlana & ARTYUKHOV Artem, 2023. "SPACE-RL Innovation Transfer Model “Science – Business”," European Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies, Bucharest Economic Academy, issue 01, March.
    4. Kristen C. Reilly & Patricia Tucker & Jennifer D. Irwin & Andrew M. Johnson & Erin S. Pearson & Dirk E. Bock & Shauna M. Burke, 2018. "“C.H.A.M.P. Families”: Description and Theoretical Foundations of a Paediatric Overweight and Obesity Intervention Targeting Parents—A Single-Centre Non-Randomised Feasibility Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(12), pages 1-23, December.
    5. Gil, Alejandro & Brennan, Mark & Chaudhary, Anil Kumar & Maximova, Siela N., 2023. "Evaluation of cacao projects in Colombia: The case of the rural Productive Partnerships Project (PAAP)," Evaluation and Program Planning, Elsevier, vol. 97(C).
    6. Manoj Kumar Sharma & R. C. Sharma, 2021. "Innovation Framework for Excellence in Higher Education Institutions," Global Journal of Flexible Systems Management, Springer;Global Institute of Flexible Systems Management, vol. 22(2), pages 141-155, June.

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