Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Box 3-4. Anatomy of an Objective Statement
S —speciic
M—measurable
A —attainable
R—results-oriented
T—time-specified
Example: Establish willow woodland on the shoreline of the Rialto reach of Sir Bob
Creek by October 30, 2011.
Analysis of the example's objective statement:
S
It identifies the species group of plants; area and location does not identify num-
bers, but this may be obtainable from design plans. Actions will address the
various components of conducting the planned willow woodland.
M
The location of planting is specified; one can reasonably assume the plans will
identify species, sizes, and numbers.
A
On the face of it, this appears to be a reasonable task. The reach measurement
is not known but can be determined. Questions needing answers include: Do
you have control over the planting area? Do you have the resources available to
you, the numbers of plants, and so forth?
R
This task is clearly results oriented. This is not an intermediate step.
T
The date is clearly stated. In some cases, a time of completion depends on a
prior task; in this situation, stating time in terms of days following the preceding
task may be sufficient.
Following are sample goal statements for restoring Cowden Preserve:
1. Increase populations of native wildlife on the Cowden Preserve.
2. Reestablish the native fishery in Kaskaskia Creek on the Cowden Preserve by restoring its
stream corridor and watershed.
3. Establish scrubland on the Cowden Preserve capable of supporting populations of targeted
upland species.
Referring to the goal statements above, the following objectives can be written for the Cowden
Preserve project.
Goal 1: Increase populations of native wildlife on the Cowden Preserve.
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