SMART criteria

SMART criteria

The letters S and M generally mean specific and measurable. The principal advantage of SMART objectives is that they are easier to understand and to know when they have been done. The first-known use of the term occurs in the November 1981 issue of Management Review by George T. Doran.

About SMART criteria in brief

Summary SMART criteriaSMART is a mnemonic acronym, giving criteria to guide in the setting of objectives. The letters S and M generally mean specific and measurable. The principal advantage of SMART objectives is that they are easier to understand and to know when they have been done. SMART criteria are commonly associated with Peter Drucker’s management by objectives concept.

The first-known use of the term occurs in the November 1981 issue of Management Review by George T. Doran. Some authors have added additional letters giving additional criteria. Examples are given below.