What are the goals and objectives? How to identify them when starting a new project? These issues concern not only modern entrepreneurs, but also modern schoolchildren. According to the new federal educational standards of the second generation, all students in secondary schools must engage in project or research activities.

Setting a goal

How to correctly define goals, objectives, methods in a project? It is quite difficult for a child to do this on his own, so it is important to have his project activities supported by an experienced teacher. It is the teacher who helps the student set goals and objectives for the work and choose methods for conducting the experiment. In order to develop an algorithm for the entire subsequent project, it is important to set the goal correctly. It should be clear, specific, and understandable for the student. In addition, it is important that the goals and objectives set are realistic and relevant for a specific area or educational institution.

Examples of goal setting

Energy saving in the modern educational process is given attention special attention. The topic is so relevant and timely that children often choose it to conduct their own research and develop projects. What purpose can be defined for such work? For example, analyze the relationship between measures to insulate an apartment (house) and saving electrical energy. A project concerning the analysis of the psychological mood of children in the educational process can be offered to high school students. The goals and objectives of this work are related to the study of the psychological characteristics of each school age, conducting a sociological anonymous survey, and analyzing the results obtained. Based on the results obtained, subsequent work is built, methods and technologies for working on the research are selected.

Selecting tasks

In order to correctly select and formulate the main goals and objectives, the topic being analyzed must be relevant. What is meant by this term? Of interest are those studies and projects whose results are of practical value for a specific field of activity, a particular region, school, or class. For example, determining the level of compliance of homework with the physiological characteristics of schoolchildren is relevant for a separate class. Identification of anthropogenic sources of air pollution is relevant for a specific area.

Examples of projects

Let's consider several specific projects in which the concept in question is implemented. Goals and objectives are set based on the chosen topic of work. For example, in the work “Naval Valor of Russia” the following goal can be set: preserving the memory of Pakhtusov Pyotr Kuzmich, who contributed to the development of the territories of the North and their annexation to Russian Empire through public information.

The main tasks for such a project can be formulated as follows:

The following idea can be made as a hypothesis for the work: the activities of Pyotr Kuzmich Pakhtusov determined an important role in the development of the vastness of the North.

To select an algorithm of action, certain methods will be required: collecting information on the research problem, conducting a sociological study, statistical processing of the results obtained.

For the project “Do-it-yourself landscape design of a garden plot using waste natural materials,” the main goal will be to develop an individual landscape on a personal plot at minimal cost. The following tasks can be set for the project:

• review of landscape design magazines;
• selection of materials for work;
• analysis of the environmental and economic components of the work;
• development of a design project for a personal plot;
• conclusions and suggestions on the research problem.

Conclusion

Question related to the right choice goals and task setting, relevant for all areas of activity modern man. The final result of all work directly depends on the correctness of their setting.

We hear it almost from the cradle. You must always achieve your goals; you need to go towards your goal, regardless of the circumstances; the goal is above all - this is a small part of what mentors, teachers, coaches, etc. tell us every day.

What are the goals?

It seems to us that in adult life, when the goal and purpose of the project in which we are interested require formulation, there will be no problems with this process. But for some reason, investors will refuse financing, or the idea will fail without being revealed to potential consumers, or there will not be enough time. Let's talk about the importance of planning.

In management, there are several different types of goals: strategic, tactical and operational. If you gradually move from formulating some to setting others, then planning will not seem tedious, and efficiency will increase. Confidence will automatically grow... and now a successful person is looking at you from the mirror.

What is the difference - clearly about the ephemeral

If you imagine a traveler getting ready to travel and planning a route, then direction is a strategic goal. A person decides whether he will go north or east.

There are many roads in the chosen direction - modern highways or dirt roads, railways or flights. The choice of one of the roads is a tactical goal that limits and specifies the methods and resources necessary to solve the problem.

And even in the case when it is known for sure that the final destination can be reached only by one road, there is always the opportunity to choose a specific means of transportation - legs, a bicycle, a small car or a sports car. This is the level at which the speed and required resources are precisely determined.

The main goals of the project can be formulated in one word: educate, provide, sell (buy), inform, etc. This is just the answer to the question “Why do I need this?” When done correctly, solutions are usually found very quickly and easily.

Clarity of formulation is a guarantee of success of any business

The more specifically the condition of the problem is formulated, the greater the chances of solving it. This statement is also suitable when the goal and objective of the project are determined. You cannot simply say “I want to increase the profit of the enterprise” or “I want to win a tender”, “hold an exhibition of my works” or “publish a book”. For the examples given, it is necessary to clarify:

• how much and over what period you want to increase profits;
• what resources are you going to use to win the tender;
• exactly when, where and to whom you want to demonstrate your work;
• when, at whose expense and in what edition do you want to publish the book.

Such specification, first of all, helps the author himself psychologically tune in to success. And secondly, the more clearly the words are chosen for the goal, the easier it will be to determine the tasks that need to be solved to achieve it.

Goals and objectives - is there a difference?

Very often there is a confusion of concepts: the purpose and task of the project. Is there really a difference? Perhaps such extensive terminology is in vain?

We have already figured out that a goal is a specific result of the project, while a task is a small intermediate goal that allows us to find the optimal ones. So, for our example with our own exhibition, for example, we can set the following main project goals:

• Select the works that will be exhibited.
• Determine what kind of space is needed for the exhibition.
• Define your audience.
• Calculate the duration of the exhibition.

Why are tasks needed?

Setting goals prevents you from getting confused and allows you to gradually move towards ultimate goal. In addition, if you divide the goal into small tasks, you can find the shortest and “safest” path.

If you are going to show the paintings only to a couple of your friends, then both the duration of the exhibition and the premises for it should be minimal. Roughly speaking, it’s enough to clean the apartment, place the pictures and call your friends. That's it, the goal has been achieved.

But if your ego wants to truly become famous, then you will have to look for an exhibition hall, clarify the specifics of its rental, print advertising posters, leaflets, etc. And all this already requires financial resources. It’s good if you are the heir of a rich parent... But what if not? Then the goal and objectives also require searching for an investor.

SMART Method

To effectively plan and manage your projects, management uses the SMART methodology. Its peculiarity is to be able to set goals that are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound. It is in this case that the goal and task of the project will not absorb the author, but will serve to quickly translate good intentions into reality.

Introduction.

Project management can be complex and multifaceted. As a project manager, you have to ensure that all project components work as planned and contribute to the overall project objectives, while minimizing risks, improving processes, and solving problems. Delegation is essential here, but many functions cannot be completely delegated to project team members. To stay on top, you need to see the project from different angles at the same time, not only from the position of customers and project sponsors, but also from the point of view of the team, because without this it is impossible to gain their respect and loyalty.

But if your responsibilities include managing multiple projects, the complexity increases exponentially. But the good news is that difficult does not mean impossible. In my work, I will look at methods of managing multiple projects, and the effective use of these methods, as well as defining specific goals and objectives necessary for the implementation of these projects, which will likely help make managing multiple projects more effective.

Introduction

1. Determining the goals and objectives of projects.

2. Project management methods.

3. Ways to effectively use project management methods.

List of used literature

Defining the goals and objectives of the project.

The very first step in all projects - commercial, home or educational - is to define goals and objectives. This step defines the outcome of the project and the steps required to achieve that outcome. Most, including project managers, do not spend enough time on this step or do it incorrectly, thereby ensuring the project ends unsuccessfully.

Poorly defined goals and objectives, or goals without objectives, plunge a project into overruns, turf battles, personality conflicts, missed milestones, and customer dissatisfaction.

Goals and objectives should be clearly defined objectives, each with its own purpose that defines the end result of the project. Goals and objectives must be measurable.

Goals - "what"

Objectives are general statements that apply to the project. Goals are the “what” of the process. In other words, “what” will the project achieve? Projects can have more than one goal, but many tasks per goal. Don't confuse goals with tasks.

Examples:

1. Goal of website development: Visitors will be convinced that global warming exists.

2. Insurance Company: The health insurance department will increase provider options by 10%.

3. Clinic: Patients will wait in line to see a doctor for no longer than 1 hour.

Tasks - "how"

Objectives are precise statements that support the goal. Each goal will have one or more tasks associated with it. Essentially, the task is the “how” of the process.

Always start a task with an action verb. This ensures that the task is measurable and that the end result of the project is viewed through the action of the task. Each task also becomes a measurable milestone.

Examples:

1. Objective: Visitors will be convinced that global warming exists.

• Create a table comparing the cost of eliminating global warming today with the same cost 100 years from now.
• Show the effects of global warming in a photo gallery.
• Identify and review the “myths” of global warming.

2. Goal: Health Insurance Department will increase provider options by 10%.

• Identify supplier options and costs.
• Interview the customer to determine the value of each option.
• Compare options with competitors.

3. Goal: Patients will wait in line to see a doctor no longer than 1 hour.

• Assess staffing needs.
• Buy new software that schedules doctor appointments.
• Establish a schedule for confirming entries.

Keeping goals and objectives at the forefront of each project ensures that the project and the team are on the same page throughout the duration of the project.

Regardless of what area the project is in - education, a company or a family - clearly defined goals and objectives will contribute to the successful outcome of the project.

2. Project management methods.
If you are just taking your first steps into project management, the number of different methodologies (and acronyms) that exist can seem overwhelming and confusing.
We have divided 16 well-known project management methodologies into small blocks to help you choose the most appropriate project management methods.

1. Using adaptive/adjustable project frameworks APF (Adaptive Project Framework)
Allows you to improve the project at each stage, based on the experience gained from previous results. By defining the project's goals and constantly monitoring the project's work, the manager can ensure the success of the maximum possible business value and create business value for the potential customer.

2. Benefit Realization (BF) Goal: Benefit from the project implementation
Success is defined as achieving the desired/expected benefit. If clients want to increase sales of CRM (customer relationship management software), the project will not be completed until sales increase by 15% - even if you installed and adjusted the CRM on time and in compliance. in accordance with the budget.

3.AGILE
In the process of project management, it is important to be able to quickly adapt to changes, monitor the latest development trends and be able to benefit from them. Human resources are no less important. Therefore, it is necessary to be able to create a dynamic project team based on cooperation and flexibility, and the ability to find a compromise. Stakeholders play an important role. They monitor and check the project at every stage, and team members, in turn, correct the project correctly and in a timely manner, creating high-quality products/services that meet the needs and demands of consumers.

4.Critical Chain Project Management (CCPM) Project management using the critical chain method
Helps to avoid lags/delays in the project by determining the critical path/chain of work, as well as resource reserves (spare time) for these works.
Because schedules are built based on resource availability, the project duration may be longer, but the likelihood of missing key events may be reduced. The basis of the critical chain methodology is the formation of the main works that are critical for the project and maintaining the deadlines for the work, and, accordingly, the final date of completion of the project. Critical work of the project is connected by logical connections, taking into account resource and administrative restrictions; If the project has unlimited resources, the calculated indicators will be similar to PERT.
If the project still has limited resources, then it is necessary:
- Identify near-critical work in the schedule; such work very often runs parallel to the main “red” chain, but with reduced deadlines; they can quite easily become critical if attention is not paid to them.
- Determine the critical chain of the project using resource links

5. Critical Path Method (Cpm)
The critical path method is quite often used in construction and is characterized by the presence of a clearly defined project path; this path is formed by the longest work of the project. The critical path itself determines the duration of the entire project. By defining/identifying the most important tasks, you can estimate completion dates, dependencies, key milestones and deliverables.

Any delays in dates for those jobs that lie on the critical path lead to an increase in the duration of subsequent jobs. If it is necessary to reduce the duration of the project, it is necessary to reduce the time of work on the “critique”. The project management methodology using the critical path allows you to compare planned and actual indicators (how the situation should develop and what actually happens) every day.

6.Event Chain Methodology (ECM)
This project management methodology helps identify and predict potential risks. Project analysis using the Monte Carlo method and Event Chain Diagram helps determine the likelihood of certain risks and their possible impact on the project as a whole. Visualizing the connections between external events and project activities helps create a plan that is as close to reality as possible.

7. Extreme Programming (XP)
This project management methodology has the features (opportunities) of short development cycles, frequent releases and open interaction with stakeholders. Teams focus on collaboration and efficiency/productivity, writing the simplest code possible to achieve the desired quality while avoiding burnout and low-quality end results.

8.Kanban/KANBAN
The main goal is to produce a slow and continuous flow of results through a long-term work/production process to visualize progress and uncover process/production problems. By understanding where downtime occurs and time is lost, team members can improve productivity much more quickly.

9.LEAN or lean manufacturing
The challenge is to create high-level value and deliver the highest quality work with less manpower, money and time.
Lean reduces waste by eliminating bottlenecks, focusing on customer values, and continuously improving the production process. Using Lean helps reduce costs, quickly complete work on time, achieve significant results as part of small teams, involving a minimum amount of human resources in completing the task.

10.Lean manufacturing and 6 Sigma
By combining the effectiveness of Lean with Six Sigma, it is possible to improve the manufacturing process. By determining how the production process actually works, project team members eliminate waste and focus on creating the highest possible quality end result for the customer (creating ultimate customer value).

11.Prince (projects in a controlled environment) Projects in Controlled Environments (PRINCE2)

Ensures that every project has a business case and contributes to value creation. Planning begins with a clear definition of: the needs requested by the consumer, the real benefits and an accurate estimate of costs.

12.PRISM (projects with built-in sustainable/resilient practices)
Combining project planning with environmental sustainability measures. Want to go in a green direction? In this case, PRISM is definitely for you! Reduce energy consumption and handling costs (cost sharing), all while reducing your environmental impact.

13.Process-Based Project Management PBPM (Process-Based Project Management)
Ensuring that every project is aimed at continuing to achieve the company's mission. Before the start (initiation) of a project, the project plan is analyzed to determine its compliance with the approved/established mission. If the result of the analysis is negative, then all strategies and goals are adjusted. Every action adds value to the organization's strategic vision. These project management methods are also suitable for administrative projects in companies.

14.SCRUM
Giving special meaning productivity, focus and collaboration, project participants can achieve high-quality end results in a short time and at the same time easily adapt to change. Team work is carried out in short “spurts/races” for maximum efficiency; the plus of all this is the ability to test new iterations quickly and with immediate fixing of errors.

15.SIX SIGMA
Improving processes and product quality by reducing defects or errors. The “6 Sigma” rating/gradation means that 99.99966% of what is produced is defect-free. By checking production processes as a whole, you can find possible improvements/reworks even before defects appear.

16.Waterfall (flow method) Waterfall
This project management methodology involves dividing a project into a number of sequential tasks. With clearly defined goals and a timeline (deadlines), project members complete tasks in a set order, completing each task before moving on to the next. Detailed planning means a thorough schedule (definite deadlines) and budget.

All project management methods are good in their own way and each has its own pros and cons; the application of project management methodology very much depends on the goals, type and context of the project.

At the initiation stage, the curator and project manager develop a charter. They need to identify the goal of the project and coordinate it with the strategic goals of the enterprise in the section “Rationale for initiating the project.” Managers also draw up a list of work, which is presented in task form. Gradually, step by step, the subject and context of the contractual relationship between the customer and the PM is built. In these conditions, the parties must determine the composition of the responsibilities that the manager will have to assume, and the customer forms a vision of the composition of the results necessary for the success of the project.

Criteria for correct problem formulation

A task as a special category of management should be understood as an object that meets five criteria, the presence of which or the absence of at least one of them indicates whether it actually exists or not. The key parameter is the precise formulation of the result. It is assumed that each task is singular point in the future, some specific result.

Formulating a task is the most subtle and difficult moment in the process of setting it. The literal prescribing determines the success or failure of the solution. When it was not possible to correctly formulate the result, the likelihood of disputes increases, which may be beneficial to each of the parties: the director and the performer. Often the formulation is performed as a description of an action. Is this smart?

Let’s say they write: “dig, saw, deliver...” or closer to modern project management: “conducting marketing research,” “staff training,” “purchasing equipment.” There is a feeling of vagueness and uncertainty in the expression. What parameters must the entry meet? The criteria for the correctness of the formulation are the following theses:

• the formulation must be specific about achieving the result;
• purely qualitative formulations are not considered, only the designated quantitative data are considered task-oriented;
• from the point of view of formulation, a task is a point in the future, adequate in the understanding of “achieved - not achieved”;
• it’s a kind of “black box” – it doesn’t matter what’s inside.

To formulate a problem correctly means to solve it halfway. The four conditions given indicate to us that the results, including intermediate ones, are the design task. How should it be prepared?

Five Key Parameters

Let us introduce the concept of a responsible resource for a project task. By a responsible resource we mean a person (a company employee or an external contractor) who has the right to take over the work and is obliged to complete it without citing any difficulties that arise. Thus, the responsible resource implies the last name and first name, as well as the assigned budget for the decision.

A task is a special microcontract to achieve its result. Therefore, in addition to the responsible resource being a party to this agreement, it must also have a second party, namely the director. There is also a need to fix the deadline – an exact calendar date.

Not only in project management, but also in general management, one has to observe situations of disputes and conflicts caused by differences in understanding of the task at hand. It is not difficult to guess the reasons for the parties’ dissatisfaction with each other - there were no formalized agreements. Therefore, it is very important to correctly formulate the problem statement. To summarize, we can summarize and propose five criteria for having a task.

1. Exact formulation of the result.
2. Deadline – the exact calendar date of delivery and acceptance.
3. Stage director - first and last name.
4. Responsible resource – last name, first name and budget.
5. Documented form of production.

The concept of goal and its difference from tasks

By goals we understand the set of desired results for the sake of which the project is started and started. In other words, this is a changed state of business that we want to achieve and formulate in qualitative (acceptable) and quantitative (desirable) forms. Can we say that the key task is the project goal? Yes, ideally this is possible. In business, however, goals differ from objectives by the difference in the questions they answer.

The former, in their formulation, answer the question of what state should be achieved as a result of the project. At the same time, the latter must answer the question of what intermediate and final results should be ensured. Project objectives can and should be considered as a kind of decomposition of a top-level control object. We present to your attention a typical example of such a decomposition - “Task Tree”.

Typical example of a “Task Tree” of a project

Project Goals Pyramid

The pyramid of project goals is also of interest. It is necessary to characterize the levels of this pyramid and determine the place that our management objects occupy on it. The goals consist of two levels. At the top are the strategic goals of the organization level, and below are the goals of the project itself.

The strategic goals of the project are goals achieved in the long term, aimed at achieving the mission and fulfilling the company's strategy. It is not advisable to tie PM to them. They serve to link the project's goals with the company's strategic goals in order to have a long-term reference point.

Project Goals Pyramid

The product of the project is the watershed line in the pyramid model. Above the product are the goals of the project - why we created the product and what effects we want to get from it. Below the project product on the pyramid diagram are the tasks. They represent a sequence of actions that, when completed, create a product.

This article briefly discusses the design objectives and goals. Definitions are given by this important categories, which together with the product collectively provide the object of project management. Key parameters are substantiated that allow one to judge the quality of the problem formulation. A project manager, accepting responsibility to the customer, will only be satisfied with his work when he is able to assess the risks of not achieving results. Thanks to this, problems are solved and goals are achieved.

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