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The objective is defined as a goal to be achieved for which certain means and resources are available. Generally, the achievement of an objective implies the overcoming of obstacles of greater or lesser magnitude.
When we talk about the objectives of a project, we refer to the ends to which the activities that must be fulfilled are oriented. They are written statements through which the results we want to achieve are reflected.
The establishment of objectives is one of the most important tasks that are carried out in the initial phase of any project, it must involve all the members of the work team in order to promote their commitment in the execution of tasks.
Defining the objectives of a project correctly can be a complicated task; however, it is necessary to dedicate time and care since it is the most precious guide for the achievement of the goal.
3 types of objectives of a project must be established: General objectives, specific objectives and operational objectives.
General objectives of a project
The general objectives of a project represent the purpose or purpose for which we began to develop the project, they generally describe what we want to achieve at the end of the work. They do not provide measurable data within the project strategy.
The general objective expresses the central purpose of the project and must be consistent with the mission of the company, as well as its values and strategies. All tasks and activities will be planned around it.
The general objectives of a project must be adjusted during the diagnostic process. At first, vague and imprecise ideas of what is to be achieved may appear, later, it will be clearly defined, always avoiding that the general objective is impossible or very difficult to achieve.
How to formulate the general objectives of a project?
The function of the general objective is to formulate the purpose of the project and must establish what is going to be done in the course of the project. It must be feasible, concrete, precise, feasible and unambiguous.
With the general objective, you must define, without going into details, what you want to achieve at the end of the project. It must be feasible to achieve with the available resources, the strategy adopted and the foreseen deadlines.
There are some basic elements or components that can help us to establish the general objectives of a project:
- Situation to change: includes the problem or situation to be changed or improved. What to change?
- Target population: it is the subject to whom it is directed. For whom?
- The measure to be implemented: it is the solution or type of intervention that will modify the problem or the situation to change. How?
- The scope of application: it is the geographic area or scope of life in which the measure will be applied. Where?
- Application time: defines the time in which the objective should be achieved. When?
Examples of general objectives
Some examples of general objectives of a project will help you better understand its characteristics.
Problem: Deterioration of the facilities of the municipal school in the town of San Vicente due to lack of maintenance.
Elements or components of the general objective:
- What to change? Improve facilities
- For whom? the municipal school
- How? implementing and executing a maintenance plan
- When? in a period of 6 months
General objective of the project: To improve the facilities of the municipal school of the San Vicente town, implementing and executing a maintenance plan in a period of 6 months.