S.M.A.R.T. is a

mnemonic A mnemonic ( ) device, or memory device, is any learning technique that aids information retention or retrieval (remembering) in the human memory for better understanding. Mnemonics make use of elaborative encoding, retrieval cues, and image ...

acronym An acronym is a word or name formed from the initial components of a longer name or phrase. Acronyms are usually formed from the initial letters of words, as in ''NATO'' (''North Atlantic Treaty Organization''), but sometimes use syllables, as ...

, giving criteria to guide in the setting of goals and objectives that are assumed to give better results, for example in

project management Project management is the process of leading the work of a team to achieve all project goals within the given constraints. This information is usually described in project documentation, created at the beginning of the development process. T ...

, employee-

performance management Performance management (PM) is the process of ensuring that a set of activities and outputs meets an organization's goals in an effective and efficient manner. Performance management can focus on the performance of a whole organization, a ...

and

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. The term was first proposed by George T. Doran in the November 1981 issue of ''Management Review''. He suggested that goals should be SMART (specific, measurable, assignable, realistic and time-related). Since then, other variations of the acronym have been used, a commonly used version includes the alternative words: attainable, relevant, and timely. Additional letters have been added by some authors. Those who support the use of SMART objectives suggest they provide a clear road map for both the person setting the goal and the person evaluating their progress (e.g. employee and employer, or athlete and coach). The person setting the goal is said to gain a clear understanding of what needs to be delivered and the person evaluating can then assess the outcome based on defined criteria. SMART criteria are commonly associated with

Peter Drucker Peter Ferdinand Drucker (; ; November 19, 1909 – November 11, 2005) was an Austrian-American management consultant, educator, and author, whose writings contributed to the philosophical and practical foundations of the modern business co ...

's management by objectives concept. Often, the term ''S.M.A.R.T. Goals'' and ''S.M.A.R.T. Objectives'' are used. Although the acronym SMART generally stays the same, objectives and goals can differ. Goals are the distinct purpose that is to be anticipated from the assignment or project, while objectives, on the other hand, are the determined steps that will direct full completion of the project goals.

History

The November 1981 issue of ''Management Review'' contained a paper by George T. Doran called ''There's a S.M.A.R.T. way to write management's goals and objectives''.Why SMART objectives don't work
It discussed the importance of objectives and the difficulty of setting them.

Common usage

Each letter in SMART refers to a different criterion for judging objectives. There is some variation in usage, but perhaps the most commonly used criteria today are:

Effectiveness

Although SMART goals are widely used and often recommended, their effectiveness is widely debated.

Physical Activity

A review of the evidence on the SMART acronym to increase physical activity found that its use is not based on scientific theory, is not supported by evidence, and has potentially harmful effects. In contrast, a growing body of evidence suggests that non-specific and open-ended goals (e.g. "see how fast I can run 5km" or "see how far I can walk in 3 hours") may be more effective to increase physical activity.

Additional criteria

Some authors have added additional letters giving additional criteria. Examples are given below. *SMARTER **Evaluated and reviewed **Evaluate consistently and recognize mastery **Exciting and Recorded **Exciting and Reach – A goal should excite and motivate an athlete, and make them "reach" by stretching their abilities and pushing them past their comfort zone. **Ethical & Resourced, as mentioned in "Project Management Lite" *SMARTTA **Trackable and agreed *SMARRT **Realistic and relevance – 'Realistic' refers to something that can be done given the available resources. 'Relevance' ensures the goal is in line with the bigger picture and vision. *I-SMART **A social goal or objective which demonstrates "Impact"

Alternative acronyms

Other mnemonic acronyms (or contractions) also give criteria to guide in the setting of objectives. *CLEAR **Collaborative **Limited **Emotional **Appreciable **Refinable *PURE **Positively stated **Understood **Relevant **Ethical *CPQQRT ** Context ** Purpose ** Quantity ** Quality ** Resources ** Timing *ABC **Achievable **Believable **Committed

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Smart Criteria Project management Acronyms Mnemonics Goal