Objectives

An objective states the desired end or result an organisation wants to achieve, for example, “Increase sales by 10% by the end of the year.” A policy, in contrast, is a broad guide for decision-making, such as “Customer complaints will be handled on priority.” Therefore, a statement that guides decisions instead of stating an intended result can be confused with a policy. A target with a number and time limit is usually a clear objective. Exam tip: identify what is to be achieved for an objective, and how decisions are guided for a policy.

It is linked with both energy saving and expense reduction. In exams identify dual benefit objectives.

Too many unprioritised targets create confusion. In exams consider limited and prioritised objectives better.

Increasing participation of senior citizens is an inclusion and market expansion target. In exams treat segment inclusion targets as objectives.

The third statement is simple responsible and measurable. In exams connect who what and when with objective communication.

Reducing scrap rate is a measurable quality and resource efficiency target. In exams identify scrap rate as objective.

An objective helps control only when actual result can be measured. In exams treat measurable results as necessary.

Defect rate target is objective and soldering technique is method. In exams keep result and technique separate.

Reducing complaint cost is a service process cost efficiency target. In exams treat cost per case metrics as objectives.

Departmental targets should match the main objective. In exams understand objective alignment as a management task.

The third statement is vague and without deadline. In exams words like someday show weak objective.

Increasing industry collaboration research is an innovation and partnership target. In exams understand collaboration metrics as objectives.

Considering internal capacity makes the target realistic. In exams connect resource fit with objective setting.

Measurable result is objective and decision guidance is policy. In exams keep result and guidance separate.

Safety training compliance is an employee safety and HR target. In exams treat compliance percentage as objective.

Clear result responsibility and time guide action. In exams look for clarity and accountability in actionable objectives.

Reducing distance per parcel is a route efficiency and cost control target. In exams understand operational metrics as objectives.

Only quantity target may cause neglect of quality. In exams consider both quantity and quality objectives.

Reducing first week complaint rate is a measurable prevention target. In exams treat prevention metrics as objectives.

Objective works as both result and performance standard. In exams understand objective as result plus control standard.

Reducing churn rate is a clear measurable customer retention target. In exams identify retention metrics as objectives.

Accuracy percentage makes quality measurable. In exams treat accuracy based targets as quality objectives.

For accountability it must be clear who will do what and by when. In exams treat who what when as signs of a strong objective.

Only a revenue target may be incomplete if customer issues are rising. In exams treat balanced objectives as better planning.

Improving supplier delivery is a measurable supply chain performance target. In exams treat supplier metrics as operational objectives.