Project Objectives: Formulation and Analysis
Formulating Objectives in Project Planning
Formulating objectives is essential to organize action and provide direction to any effort. Therefore, it is a central task in planning research or development projects. This logical process seeks to articulate the essence of the project. Starting from the problem(s), which constitute the starting point, alternative solutions are suggested and then analyzed for debugging. The analysis identifies directions for action, ultimately leading to choosing a specific path.
An objective, in contrast to something subjective, is palpable and measurable. It is verifiable beyond individual perception.
Objectives should not be confused with results. A result can be a factor, but an objective always signifies an achievement. When objectives are well-formulated, they clearly express the why, what, and how of the research or development project.
The ultimate goal, also called the general or main objective, indicates the solution to be achieved. It is the overarching goal that will be attained by providing the answer to the problem.
Interim objectives are prerequisites to fulfilling the main objective. In some cases, these are sequential steps, forming a related sequence.
Problem Tree and Objectives Tree
In project formulation, tools like problem and objective trees help analyze problems and goals, formalizing the relationships between them and prioritizing interventions. An initial tool is the problem tree, which provides a graphical representation of cause-effect relationships.
1. Problem Analysis
Based on available information, the existing situation is analyzed, identifying the main problems.
It is crucial to keep all options open during this phase. The purpose of this initial stage is to establish a clear picture of the situation, which will then be strengthened and deepened to prepare the project design.
1.1 The first step is to analyze the situation as perceived by the involved actors, thus identifying the main problems within this context. It is recommended to describe and analyze only one problem at a time. Problems can also be grouped from the perspective of different stakeholders.
1.2 A first screening process to select problems involves separating actual problems from potential, imagined, or future ones. Only those with a concrete manifestation (“objective problems”) should be considered.
1.3 A second screening process is to recognize that a problem is not merely the absence of a solution, but a negative state. The problem must be expressed from the viewpoint of those affected by it, without incorporating a priori solutions devised by technicians.
- For example, it is incorrect to describe the problem as “lack of access to treated water.” Instead, it should be defined as “high incidence of infant diarrhea.”
Problem Tree
Subsequent analysis focuses on a specific problem, termed the “focal problem.” This does not necessarily exclude other problems but prioritizes and sorts them according to cause-effect relationships.
Objective Tree
In the objective tree analysis, the problem tree is transformed into an objective tree, outlining future solutions to the problems. To transition from problems to objectives, it is necessary to assume a hypothesis of intervention.