Definitions (or, How is a Goal different from an Objective?)

The goal offers the "why," to explain the reasoning behind that task.

A Goal is:

• A statement that explains what the organization wishes to accomplish
  
  
• Sets the fundamental, long-range direction.

Objectives then break down the broader goal into its smaller parts, and may provide guidelines for how the goal can be accomplished. There are two kinds of objectives: Program Objectives, and Supporting Objectives:

A Program Objective is:

• A specific statement that explains what the committee will accomplish in order to fulfill organizational goals.
  
  
• Measurable level of achievement
  
  
• Purpose
  
  
  • Provides clear expectations
    
    
  • Guides content
    
    
  • Helps organize tasks
    
    
  • Lets IS Executive know what's going on
    
    
  • Provides basis for evaluation

A Supporting Objective is:

• A statement that describes what the committee needs to accomplish in order to fulfill program objectives.

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