Writing objectives and measures
Some questions to help you ensure objectives are SMART
- What exactly is going to be achieved?
- What actions or first steps need to be taken to achieve the objectives?
- What will be the specific outcomes, when the objective is achieved? What will be the difference?
- How will you know when the objective is achieved?
- What are the benefits or outcomes?
- What might get in the way of achieving the objectives?
Examples:
- To co-ordinate and manage a teaching team and course to high standards as demonstrated by student evaluations indicating levels of satisfaction with the unit of study;
- To design a curriculum which engages students in research-based activities demonstrated by evidence of recent research being integrated into teaching materials;
- To develop a program of research, scholarly or creative work demonstrated through evidence of a program of research, scholarly, creative or professional work that is original in concept and has made a contribution to the discipline;
- To apply successfully for a research grant demonstrated through approval by the relevant grant funding body;
- To provide high quality advice and information to students on faculty services as demonstrated by student evaluations indicating levels of satisfaction;
- To provide high quality service to authorise payments, and undertake other financial administration tasks for community activities as demonstrated by a low incidence of error.
When adding measures you should be asking:
- What will show that I have achieved the objectives?
- What evidence will explain how the objectives have been met?
- What results do I expect when I have achieved the objectives?
Examples:
- % students satisfied with the faculty’s enrolment processes;
- Number of publications in the top five journals in the field;
- % of projects on track;
- Student satisfaction surveys show a score of at least X for the Faculty;
- Increase the number of Research Active Academic Staff and their output as evidenced by grant income, completions and publications;
- All staff development plans developed and signed off by Feb.
