When a new project is assigned to a project manager he faces many challenges and obstacles. First of all, he has to build a work breakdown structure so that the main project may be divided into tiny projects and goals which after completing may assemble to complete the main project.
SMART is an acronym in the field of project management which is formed by the first letters of the five elements of SMART goals including “specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and time-related”. Five smart goals are set and achieved individually to manage the main project. Maximum project management is being done with the requirements engineering making it credible Let’s go a little deeper to the SMART goals.
- Specific
The first goal in the SMART series is “specific” which refers to the concept that a manager of the project should set a specific goal that helps his team to work on the goal with a clear mindset and to a known target. An example of a specific goal is “ the task will be completed within 10 days.” An example of ann not-specific goal is “ the task will be completed in a few days”
- Measurable
After setting a specific goal the manager should observe the progress of the project and the set goal must be measurable. The task measurement is vital as it provides a fair idea about the progress. For example, it could be calculated that the 10th part of the goal is achieved on a single day. Measurable task plays an important role in the SMART framework.
- Attainable
The specific goal is set and it is measurable but should also be checked whether this is achieveable in real circumstances or not. If the goal is not achievable with the resources you have or the situation you are in then it’s a waste of time and investment.
- Related
The goal must be related to your ambition and life plans. Irrelevant goals may not be handy for you even if they are achieved in time, so make sure that the goals that are set must provide you assistance with real-life goals.
- Time specific
Time is the most precious thing in the world one past it never comes back. If you can’t manage time you don’t know when to start the project and when to end. The goal must be able to be completed in the specific time which is set by the project requirement, if the goal is delayed it may lead to the project’s failure.
What is SMART in project management?
First of all the new project is divided into tiny parts which makes it easier to solve the main project. The manager faces hurdles in breaking down the problem so SMART management helps in solving issues like unavailability of resources, team supervision, and work assignments as SMART criteria divides the project into tiny goals.
Further Project managers that use SMART criteria in project management for their professional and personal lives may see significant changes in their working style and time management, resulting in the consistent development of their talents and professional growth.
Conclusion
Project management is a task that requires managerial skills and teamwork. There are a lot of difficulties in breaking down the project so that it may be achieved through sub-projects or subgoals. Different techniques are used by the managers to achieve the final destination but SMART is the vital technique being adopted by most of the project managers.
