Setting our project objectives - III

In my previous posts we have discussed on what is project objectives and how to set them up using SMART. In this post we will see how the concept DISCO would be applicable in setting project objectives.

Rationale:
When we move on to create an project objectives, its not only we should get convinced about our ideas  but also our team. Its then the synergy is created to work towards the goals/objectives together. The concept of DISCO advocates the strategy more similar to SMART but with more emphasis on team work. 


DISCO:

Detail Specifics:

1. Be specific on what you want.
2. Probably have an work breakdown structure.
3. Help the team members to understand the specific you understood.

Include Qualitative and Quantitative Measurements:

1. When you start setting the objectives check whether its measurable or not. 
2. Ensure you have the following characteristics towards Qualitative and Quantitative measurements:
1. Qualitative: Measurable by standards (Defect Ratio, KPIs) more towards Quality
2. Quantitative: Resources, Timelines, Budget related measures

Seek Consensus:

1. Always seek consensus from your team on the objectives
2. You can force the team to follow your objectives until or otherwise they have the buy-in on your objectives
3. Seek to be understood and also make others understand

Creating Reasonable approach:

1. Be reasonable and justifiable on your approach
2. Don't set unrealistic targets and later on postponing them
3. There is a possibility of conflict in this area because perspective changes among people

Operate in methodical time frame:

1. Always have time strings attached to your objectives
2. Let the entire team be aware about the timelines
3. Create an schedule around the timelines

Example of such objective:

a. Creation of an micro controller based Attendance tracking system with in 2 months which includes key functionalities such Swipe Cards, Daily Attendance Reports and Solar powered system with defect ration <5%.

Setting our project objectives - II

In my previous blog we saw about the difference between goals and objectives and how they are significant. So the typical two areas in general people suggest about setting objectives are
a. SMART
b. DISCO

We will see about SMART in this Blog:

a. SMART
S - Specific M- Measurable A-Achievable R - Realistic and T - Timebound

Specific:

So any objectives we have must be specific and focussed. It needs to be well articulated and clear to the point. Otherwise we can use the term "well defined".  Probably  the the following questions would help in doing the same: "What", "Why","Who", "When","Where", "How".

Measurable:

If you are objectives are not measurable how you will determine that you have actually achieved that. An measurable objective will help you to tell whether you are in the right path because its measurable.

Achievable:

There could be resource constraints, time constraints and many constraints which may make your task unachievable, so before determining your objective you decide whether its achievable or not. There is no point in having an objective which is not at all achievable.

Realistic:

The objectives should be in context with your goals. Its cannot be maligned with the goals. Its critical that your objectives are falling in line with your expectations of your goals fulfillment.

Time bound:

Any objective should be time bound, if it is not probably you have would not make any significant impact on your goals.  Ensure your objective is having an deadline to achieve. If not achieve review the date, but having an objective without an specific deadline is dangerous.

In my next blog we will discuss about DISCO, even though they are very similar to SMART having an exposure to the same would give an alternate perspective.

Setting our project objectives - I

Objectives:
I think doing an project without project objectives is more or less like shooting at random.

How do we go ahead and set our project objectives:
Its always important for you to understand that in general project objectives are more an detailed statement in nature, and it directly helps to satisfies need or desire. Primarily its derived from the Goals which are more strategic nature.

Examples for goals: I want to buy an cycle, I want to implement ERP for my organization, I want to construct a Bridge over river for my people, I want migrate my COBOL app to Java App due to high maintenance cost.

These examples mentioned over are here can be more like desire because the "I" term being used. In general its a person intention/goals turns into project with acceptance of the concerned stakeholders. It turns out to be aspiration of the organisation further.To achieve the goals the objectives could be broken down to multiple parts
.
In the example of buying an Bi-Cycle, this goal can be derived with the following objectives a. Save Money/Budget Money b. Select and buy

Widely there are two methods being adopted for setting the right objective they are a) DISCO and b) SMART

We will see them in little more detail in my next Blog.