Agencies must document the objectives of the project or program. A project's objectives are what will be specifically achieved, or delivered, by the project, and should be expressed wherever possible, in measurable terms. These can be regarded as the project outputs. A project's results are the changes brought from what the project has delivered - how the project has affected the environment in which it operates. For example, a project's objectives may be to deliver a new system to achieve a result of improved productivity.
Objectives should be:
◼ Related to the performance of a particular function.
◼ Clearly and unambiguously stated.
◼ Compatible with the broader Department, group or corporate objectives outlined for example in agency Results and Services Plans or Statements of Business or Corporate Intent.
Sometimes the achievement of an objective is essential (for example, meeting the statutory requirement to provide education services). Expenditures to achieve essential objectives involves choice, as various alternative methods of meeting the objectives are usually available. It may also be possible to vary the level or quality of service provided.
Agencies may describe some or all of the objectives in terms of results logic. Results logic describes the link between the services the agency provides and the desirable impact they will have on society (results), through a series of logical steps (intermediate results).
Objectives may be expressed in the following way to also facilitate the evaluation and measurement of options:
◼ Specific - objectives should be focused and well defined and should emphasise action and the required results
◼ Measurable - objectives should be measurable so an agency can track the actions as they progress towards the objective
◼ Achievable - objectives should be attainable and commensurate with the capacity of the agency to deliver the objectives
◼ Relevant - objectives need to be relevant to the intended results and agency service priorities and practical such that the agency has the time and available resources to deliver the objectives and
◼ Timely - a time frame for achieving the objectives must be defined and will need to align with the timing required to realise the proposed benefits.
When setting objectives ensure they are not too narrow, and that they do not drive a particular proposal.
Options must be fully costed. Business cases should state the basis for estimating the set up and ongoing operating costs. State the degree of accuracy of the estimates.