This page features examples of SMART work objectives and a breakdown of why they are SMART. This section assumes you have already referred to the information provided on explaining work objectives, outlining what SMART objectives are and how they will benefit you and writing SMART objectives.
For General Staff
Example One - Scholarships
Objective
Increase the number of scholarships available to Business & Law students by introducing 3 new scholarships for students to apply in 2008. Each scholarship awarded will be a minimum $3,000 per scholarship.
Breakdown of Objective
- Specific - says what the staff member will do (increase the number of scholarships offered to Business & Law students)
- Measurable - states how many scholarships to be introduced (3) and how much is to be awarded ($3,000 per scholarship)
- Achievable - staff member has the necessary contacts and resources from previous years, other faculties and relevant policies to refer to
- Relevant - links with the faculty's goal to increase student attraction and retention numbers
- Timely - indicates that new scholarships must be ready for students to apply by 2008.
Example Two - Events/ Project Co-ordinator
Objective
To achieve attendance of at least 150 guests at the national Education conference on 31 March 2008 by sending a promotional email to all relevant Education Professionals within Australia by 30 November 2007.
Breakdown of Objective
- Specific - says what the staff member will do (achieve attendance and send promotional email to all Education Professionals)
- Measurable - states the minimum attendance rate (at least 150 guests)
- Achievable - staff member has a listing of all guests to send invitation and conference is held at a time convenient that does not conflict with other conferences
- Relevant - links into other forums about the Education sector to be conducted later in 2008
- Timely - event to be held on 31 March 2008 & all promotional materials to be distributed by 30 November 2007.
Example Three - Administrative Officer
Organise and provide administrative support to [name of] committees, including the development and distribution of agendas and minutes at least 2 weeks before and after the meeting.
Breakdown of Objective
- Specific - says what the staff member will do (organise and provide admin support)
- Measurable - states to whom the admin support is to be provided for (committees X, Y, Z)
- Achievable - staff member has a listing of all the relevant committees and its members, dates, venue, catering resources
- Relevant - supports the executive management team in ensuring meetings are conducted throughout a given period
- Timely - agendas and minutes to be distributed to committee members at least 2 weeks before and after the meeting.
Other examples
- Provide accurate and timely information about [specify services] to [number] of customers in accordance with approved ECU policy and procedures within [time].
- Provide information technology support for approved applications in accordance with Information Delivery Systems (IDS) procedures for the period [date].
- Reduce the average time for resolving customer service issues from [X] minutes to [X] minutes by the end of the calendar year.
- Review and deliver an office procedures manual, updating it with relevant and accurate procedural information by [date].
For Academic Staff
Learning and Teaching
Demonstrate through student subject evaluation data a UTEI score of at least [minimum accepted % score] for all teaching subjects in Semester 1, 2008.
Breakdown of Objective
- Specific - says what the staff member will do (achieve a UTEI score above the minimum % for all teaching subjects)
- Measurable - states the use of UTEI scores as a benchmark (min. accepted % score)
- Achievable - staff member has the necessary resources and support to teach
- Relevant - links in with faculty's goal to improve overall teaching standards across the faculty
- Timely - to be achieved by end of Semester 1, 2008
Research and Creativity
Publish 3 quality research papers in a refereed journal in accordance with approved ECU research criteria by 31 December 2008.
Breakdown of Objective
- Specific - says what the staff member will do (publish research papers in refereed journals)
- Measurable - states the use of UTEI scores as a benchmark (min. accepted % score)
- Achievable - staff member has the necessary resources and support to teach
- Relevant - links in with faculty's goal to improve overall teaching standards across the faculty.
- Timely - to be achieved by end of Semester 1, 2008
Other examples
- Facilitate course co-ordination in accordance with agreed performance standards for the faculty for Semester 1, 2008
- Attain national recognition of leadership in the profession or discipline by publishing research outcomes and/or presenting a paper at a national or international [conference name] to be held on [date].
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