Smart

How to Review Amend and Update Your Quality Improvement Plan

Setting Smart Targets
Setting targets is a common approach but one that often fails for a number of reasons. Often the
targets are not appropriate or where they are, once written, they are never utilised. Setting SMART
targets can help with the former (but not with the latter)
SMART stands for
S Specific
M Measurable
A Achievable
R Realistic
T Time-constrained
So essentially SMART targets set out what's going to happen, who's going to do it, when it's going to
be done by, and how achievement will be measured. Easy to say - much harder to do in practice and
provide meaningful targets.
SMART target setting is an important process. Some points to consider:
There are some areas where it is much harder to set SMART targets and the rigid adherence
to targets can detract from a change process where the focus (along with the targets)
may be changing and developing over time.
Who sets the targets? Ownership is important; setting them from the top down is not likely
to lead to acceptance on the ground. On the other hand, if they're set from the ground up
they may not meet particular strategic objectives.
Targets require constant monitoring, and revising if necessary, to remain valid and
meaningful.

http://moodle.blackpool.ac.uk/file.php/10849/quality_cycle_20112012/setting_smart_targets.docx

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There is no clear consensus about precisely what the five or seven keywords mean, or even what
they are in any given situation. Typically accepted values are:

Major
Term

Letter
S
M
A
R
T
E
R

Minor Terms

Specific
Significant, Stretching, Simple
Measurable Meaningful, Motivational, Manageable
Appropriate, Achievable, Agreed, Assignable, Actionable, Ambitious, Aligned,
Attainable
Aspirational, Acceptable
Relevant
Results-oriented, Realistic, Resourced, Resonant
Time-oriented, Time framed, Timed, Time-based, Time-boxed, Time-bound,
Timely
Time-Specific,...