What does SMART stand for in project management?

In project management, SMART is an acronym widely used to guide the setting of objectives. The correct interpretation of SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Timely.

• Specific means that the goal should be clear and specific, allowing for focused efforts and clarity about what is to be achieved.
• Measurable involves having criteria in place to measure progress and determine when the goal is met, introducing accountability into the process.

• Achievable emphasizes that the objective should be attainable, meaning it can realistically be accomplished with the resources and constraints in place.
• Relevant indicates that the goals should matter to the individuals or organization and align with broader objectives, ensuring that the work done contributes to overall success.
• Timely denotes that there should be a clear timeframe for completing the goal, which helps prioritize tasks and encourages timely progress and completion.

This construct not only provides clarity in goal-setting but also enhances motivation and alignment towards common objectives in projects.

The other options feature variations of these concepts but deviate from the established SMART criteria, highlighting the importance of being structured and recognized within project management practices.