Goal Setting: The Difference Between a Project Goal and a Project Manager’s Goal

Goal Setting: The Difference between a Project Goal and a Project Manager’s Goal

Michael Sasser

PRM501 (Fall 2014-1)/ Module 1 Case Study

Trident University International

Goal Setting: The Difference between a Project Goal and a Project Manager’s Goal

        One of the most common problems in Project Management is the loss of Program focus.  There are times when the focus is never set in the beginning, but more often this happens during the process of completion.  When this focus slips, it is destructive to the successful completion, but when achievable and realistic goals are never set properly in the beginning, then the program has no chance of success.  Also I find it important to have goals for myself.  It is my Project Manager role to enforce the project long goals, but how will I measure my own performance?  In this essay we will discuss these problems and the best ways, as a program manager, to avoid falling into to these project killing traps, and then how to meet the personal goals you should hold yourself to.

Goal Attributes

        When it comes down to the end of a project, the only true way to evaluate its success is to compare the end product to the stated goal of the project.  Was the desired output met?  Where the most important attributes of the project adhered to?  These can only be examined by looking at the stated goal and then at the finished product.  These goals can only really be examined if they were built with thought in the beginning. There are many ways to set goals, but they all basically agree.  I am going to frame this on the “S.M.A.R.T.” (lehigh.edu, 2007) Principle, but will expound on each of the five attributes.

Specific

        Each goal needs to be specific in nature.  It must be able to address the basic questions anyone would have for a goal. “Goal objectives should address the five Ws… who, what, when, where, and why. Make sure the goal specifies what needs to be done with a timeframe for completion.” (lehigh.edu, 2007)  They also state that action verbs are the key to a specific goal.  Define what you want accomplished.  “It is important to set goals that are manageable to avoid negatively impacting the financial and schedule. Setting up goals that are not manageable can lead to frustrations during the life cycle of the project.” (Krishna, 2006)

Measurable

        Setting a goal is easy, but making sure it is achievable helps everyone.  A measureable helps the Stakeholders by crystalizing their desired outcome, and clarifying their needs in the goal setting process.  It also helps the Project Manager by making the progress measurable, and simplifying the phase of completion. Most agree that this is one of the most important qualities of a goal. “Measurement is more a quantitative analysis, whereas monitoring refers to the control aspect. On the software project, one would measure the lines of code actually completed and monitor to see if this meets the quality standard.” (Krishna, 2006)