Examples of SMART objectives

The following guidancedefines what SMART objectives are and how that would be
implemented in practice for the following areas:
1. Academic,
2. Professional services, and
3. Leadership.
General example of a SMART objective

Example:
To design and deliver a one-day Research Excellence workshop to PhD students in the
School of xxx by June 20, 201X which achieves an overall evaluation rating of 4.8 (out of 6)
on the standard training evaluation form.

This is a SMART objective for the following reasons:

It is clear exactly what the training will cover, who it will be delivered to and that it
It is specific
is yet to be developed (which provides parameters for workload involved)

This can be reviewed by assessing:

It is measurable Has the objective been completed?
How does feedback compare to the agreed standard for acceptable
feedback? (Providing a qualitative assessment).
As the objective is very precise there is little room for misunderstanding or
ambiguity about what has been agreed.
It is aligned and
achievable It is aligned to the University strategy aimed at providing an excellent student
experience and it is assumed that there is a requirement in the local plans that
this fulfils.

It can be assumed that during the review conversation it has been established
that the objective is appropriate to the reviewees role and grade.
It is relevant
It is straightforward to establish what workload it imposes and what would be
required to achieve the objective.

It is time based The date by which the objective is to be achieved is clear and unambiguous.

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Academic examples
The bullet points below are indicative exemplars of the kinds of questions that reviewers
might want to ask (and reviewees might want to reflect upon) when considering contributions
to Research or Learning, Teaching & Assessment.

The phrasing of each question will depend on the role and level of the colleague involved;
questions concerning leadership of cross-university projects, for example, might be less
relevant to new members of staff.

Staff are encouraged to refer to the academic appointment criteria for the teaching and
learning route. The PDR process provides an opportunity for staff to consider how their
contributions can lead towards promotion and hence how objectives set during PDR can
help evidence the achievements required for promotion. See:

http://staff.napier.ac.uk/services/hr/workingattheUniversity/career-
development/Pages/Academic%20Career-development.aspx

Research
To develop, and design xx research proposals as a normal part of undertaking
research, objectives and projects by dd/mm/yy which are successfully approved
To deliver xx presentations or exhibitions at national and international conferences
and other similar events which receive x% of feedback from delegates which is rated
good or very good.
To apply innovative teaching techniques including technology enhanced learning,
which create interest, understanding and enthusiasm amongst students, as
measured through improved NSS results of xx%.
To have led the publication of one paper of quality likely to be judged 3* or 4* in the
REF in suitable / appropriate journals per annum
To have written as Principal Investigator (or key contributor) research grant
applications of a value exceeding the median award value of your discipline/school
and have submitted these by dd/mm/yy
To develop a new programme in XXX with activity built upon research and to deliver
high quality teaching with the success of which is assessed by evaluation methods
including student feedback and peer review by dd/mm/yy
To lead the development of a collaboration group to strengthen PGR links and deliver
a workshop at on xxx theme by dd/mm/yy
Attain national recognition of leadership in the profession or discipline by publishing
research outcomes and /or presenting a paper at a (named) national or international
conference to be held on dd/mm/yy.
To be successful in obtaining x number of research grants/specific research grants
by dd/mm/yy.
To increase percentage of successful research funding applications by x per cent by
dd/mm/yy.
To generate research income to the value of approximately x between x and x
To increase research income by x amount/percentage by dd/mm/yy.
To develop a new line of research or approach that will have a broad impact on
relevant field of publication/ positive impact for school/ university by dd/mm/yy.
To increase our Research income and our Commercial income by developing
material for tutorial/CPD course on x by dd/mm/yy

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 To bring KTP project to successful completion by dd/mm/yy
To identify and set up X industrial collaborations as source of research income
To develop and promote CPD provision by determining X market opportunities and
matching with required skill set and marketing by dd/mm/yy
To Improve External Presence by effectively engaging with social media
To improve our Research and Commercial Environment organise X events to raise
the profile of School externally
To increase the number of Research students by investigating new PhD
opportunities
To act as REF coordinator for the School

Learning, Teaching and Assessment (LTA)

To identify an area for enhancement within my current learning, teaching and

assessment (LTA) practice, reflecting on appropriate evaluation from students and
other evidence, and develop a plan of action.
To work with relevant colleagues who could be in other schools or located
overseas on the development of a case for new programme approval
To work with relevant colleagues on the development and approval of a new module.
To identify and take advantage of opportunities to communicate my work in the
scholarship of learning, teaching and assessment, to internal audiences (through for
example the LTA resource bank, the Teaching Fellows Journal and the Staff
Conference) and to external ones (for example in pedagogical journals such as
Journal of Perspectives in Applied Academic Practice).
To create and share LTA materials, such as Moodle platforms, textbooks and blogs.
Secure a grant from internal (e.g. Teaching Development Fund or QAA transitions
fund) or external sources that will support LTA development
To gain professional recognition for achievements in teaching and supporting
learning by gaining a Higher Education Academy fellowship in an appropriate
category.
Lead the School through a successful accreditation exercise.
Help support LTA within the school through digital approaches mapped to the
university benchmark for the use of technology in modules (the three Es framework)
Help enhance and evidence student engagement in an element of academic
provision.
To develop a substantial revision to the programme structure and content of an
existing course.
Support the school in reaching student recruitment targets
To contribute to improvement in the Schools National Student Survey/Postgraduate
Taught Experience Survey
To increase by x amount the number of incoming and outgoing exchange students by
type of placement
To assist with achieving better coherence and balance within a programme through
helping with or leading programme-focus activities such as TESTA.
To engage in continuing professional development in relation to teaching, learning,
assessment, scholarship and, as appropriate, related academic or professional
practices.

Academic Leadership in LTA

To take on the responsibilities of Module/Programme/ Subject Group Leader by

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 dd/mm/yy.
To engage in LTA activity outside the university, such as external examining or
membership of national or international bodies and editorial boards.
To take on a senior departmental/School leadership responsibilities by dd/mm/yy.
To take on membership of a School/University committee by dd/mm/yy.
Obtain a role as an external examiner by dd/mm/yy.
To lead in the management, support and development of xx research students by
dd/mm/yy.
To support or mentor xx members of staff in research area, including Early Career
Researchers, to build capacity and capability by dd/mm/yy.
To assume leadership of specific LTA initiatives within the school
To contribute to university-wide LTA initiatives, for example through active
involvement with the Teaching Fellows Community.
To mentor and support colleagues in their academic roles and in making their claims
for HEA Fellowship
To gain professional recognition for achievements in teaching and supporting
learning by gaining Higher Education Academy Senior or Principal Fellowship
To mentor and support new academic colleagues as part of their extended induction
To supervise successfully xx postgraduate research students in learning and
teaching by dd/mm/yy.
To undertake, complete and record in HR Connect, all PDRs with immediate
reportees within timescales set out by the university.
To review a cross section of the schools PDRs within 2 weeks of PDR completion
date to ensure x % are consistent in SMART objective setting and learning and
development planning.
To create a school learning and development plan for management team and whole
school that captures, costs, resources, development method and connections to the
university strategy.
To ensure that 100% of information and records processed (received, created, used,
destroyed) on behalf of the University are managed in compliance with the applicable
legislation/regulations and internal policies e.g. Data Protection Policy and Code of
Practice, Information Security Policy, Records Management Policy and procedures
To lead in the management, support and development of xx research students by
dd/mm/yy.
To support or mentor xx members of staff in research area, including Early Career
Researchers, to build capacity and capability by dd/mm/yy.
To supervise successfully xx postgraduate research students in learning and
teaching by dd/mm/yy.
To encourage non-research active staff to participate in CPD and consultancy;
benefits include financial and other rewards; and direct inputs into teaching

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Example:

Attain national recognition of leadership in the profession or discipline by publishing research

outcomes and /or presenting a paper at a (named) national or international conference to be held
on dd/mm/yy.

Specific Measurable Aligned/Achievable Relevant Time-bound

What will reviewee How will reviewee / Is this a priority and does it fit with How does it fit with the What are the target
do? reviewer know? the strategy? reviewees role and dates?
Can it be achieved? grade?
Submit research Papers will be Quality research meets funding This is appropriate for the Publication dates for
outcomes to a published and / or priorities. It is aligned with Glasgow role of the reviewee and is the journals and /or
recognised journal accepted as speaker 2020 vision to undertake world relevant as they aim to submission dates for
and /or present at a at conference. leading research raise their professional abstracts for
conference Invited to speak at profile. conference papers
further events

Professional Services
To review the schools filing systems and make recommendations for improvements
to Line Manager by mm/yy with agreed implementation of recommendations by
dd/mm/yy.
Develop and implement an action plan to reduce error costs in accounting for
colleges by dd/mm/yy resulting in accurate accounting report standards within two
weeks of the monthly close.
To effectively and efficiently take the lead on organising the logistics for the annual
Staff Development Conference scheduled for dd/mm/yy by achieving a score of 4 out
of 5 on average from customers on the feedback form under effective organisation of
the event.
To achieve 80% satisfaction score on Programme Management in the Student
Satisfaction Questionnaire completed on dd/mm/yy.
Implement the xyz business process improvement project as agreed with Director of
Service by dd/mm/yy designed to improve the results of the Customer Service
Questionnaire (xyz section) to be completed on dd/mm/yy.
To achieve attendance of at least 150 guests at the national conference on dd/mm/yy
by undertaking effective marketing activities with all relevant xxx professionals within
the UK by dd/mm/yy.
To review the XYZ programme and design and implement process changes resulting
in a more efficient system which streamlines applications cutting processing times
from X to Y by dd/mm/yy.
To lead on the implementation of the Enable development programme and ensure
the project is completed within agreed budget (x) by dd/mm/yy and meet the
qualitative criteria as outlined in the project plan section 2.0.
Ensure all laboratory equipment in building X passes equipment maintenance testing
and produce an up-to-date inventory by dd/mm/yy.
To set up a process to inform and update a data base recording the services use of

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 substances hazardous to health under the COSHH regulations by dd/mm/yy.
To increase the accuracy of instrumentation data by x% by dd/mm/yy
To up-date the Health & Safety policy document for X campus and ensure all staff
are advised of changes by dd/mm/yy
To produce written guidance on the use of XYZ equipment by dd/mm/yy.
To improve customer satisfaction ratings regarding response times for processing
permits from x% to Y% by dd/mm/yy
To review stock monitoring procedures, suggest improvements and implement
agreed changes by dd/mm/yy.
Create a comprehensive information pack for all Residencies students as to the
services / facilities / clubs available in the SRS as part of their accommodation
package by dd/mm/yy.
Provide a catering food offer that delivers healthy choices throughout all catering
outlets to work towards all areas retaining Gold Healthy Working Lives Award by
the end of mm/yy.
To ensure each room is cleaned as required by Health and Safety standards and
University requirements so that the University facilities enhance our Academic
Reputation.
To ensure that 100% of information and records processed (received, created, used,
destroyed) on behalf of the University are managed in compliance with the applicable
legislation/regulations and internal policies e.g. Data Protection Policy and Code of
Practice, Information Security Policy, Records Management Policy and procedures

Example:
To effectively and efficiently take the lead on organising the logistics for the annual Staff
Development Conference scheduled for dd/mm/yy by achieving a score of 4 out of 5 on average
from customers on the feedback form under effective organisation of the event.
Specific Measurable Aligned/Achievable Relevant Time-bound

What will reviewee do? How will reviewee /
reviewer know?
Organise the logistics for the Staff Achieving scores of 4/5 on
Administrators conference effective organisation of the
event on feedback form
Is this a priority and How does it fit with What are the
does it fit with the the reviewees role target dates?
strategy? and grade?
Can it be achieved?
Identified in Service This is appropriate to Conference event
strategy for the year and the role and grade of date
resources are in place to the individual.
ensure this takes place Although stretching
they have the
capabilities to meet the
objective.

Technical
Example:

Ensure all laboratory equipment in building X passes equipment maintenance testing and
produce an up-to-date inventory by dd/mm/yy.
Produce high quality and flexible practical solutions for student project requirements
Develop systems to manage deadline based completion of the practical elements of
multiple student projects
Install and commission new equipment, processes or delivery methods
Evaluate and manage the practical usage of new equipment and systems installed
without the level of initial involvement noted in those above
Estimate materials requirements and instigate orders for project completion at both
macro and micro level

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 Investigate ramifications of new developments and potential new developments in terms
of safety in use, practicality and applicability to the project base
Research developing technology and materials in order to seek improvements in
practical capability for project processes
Investigate and assess changing student requirements in relation to individual and group
involvement in project activity
Investigate opportunities for cross-school or cross- University collaboration in order to
provide greater flexibility in service provision
Seek relevant practice-appropriate development activity in terms of seminars, trade
shows or structured education
Liaise with external contractors and bodies on statutory test, maintenance and health and
safety issues
Liaise with academic colleagues on major developments involving space changes,
refurbishments and new systems purchase

Specific Measurable Aligned/Achievable Relevant Time-bound

What will reviewee do? How will reviewee / Is this a priority and does it fit with How does it fit What are the
reviewer know? the strategy? with the target dates?
Can it be achieved? reviewees role
and grade?
Collate an inventory of lab All equipment will be in Inferred agreement with reviewer that This is dd/mm/yy
equipment in X building working order as per there will be funding available to repair appropriate to
equipment any faulty equipment. the individuals
maintenance It is within remit of reviewee role. role and grade,
standards. they have the
capabilities and
resources
available to
achieve the
objective

Operational
Example:
Create a comprehensive information pack for all Residencies students as to the services /
facilities / clubs available in the SRS as part of their accommodation package by dd/mm/yy.
Specific Measurable Aligned/Achievable Relevant Time-bound

What will reviewee do? How will Is this a priority and How does it fit with the reviewees What are the
reviewee / does it fit with the role and grade? target dates?
reviewer strategy?
know? Can it be achieved?
Create information packs for all A copy of the Fulfilling Partner Needs in This objective is within the remit of End of mm/yy
residencies students information the University Strategy by the reviewee and they have the
pack will be providing excellent necessary skills and resources
available for all service and support to available to achievable this within the
students students timeframe.

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Leadership
To improve employee engagement by x% as measured through the bi-annual
engagement survey by implementing the department commitments and actions agreed
with staff so that Edinburgh Napier University continues to be a great place to work.
To internationalise our work by identifying xx new opportunities for student international
learning experiences by dd/mm/yy.
To deliver an efficiency target of xx in 20xx/xx+1
Revise the Universitys xx policies in accordance with the requirements of external
bodies, national policy developments, regulatory and legislative changes by dd/mm/yy.
To align and operationalise priorities emerging from the Universitys new Strategy 2020
and 20xx/xx=1 Corporate Plan
To undertake, complete and record in HR Connect, all PDRs with immediate reportees
within timescales set out by the university.
To review a cross section of the school/ service PDRs within 2 weeks of PDR
completion date to ensure x % are consistent in SMART objective setting and learning
and development planning.
To create a school/ service learning and development plan for management team and
whole school that captures, costs, resources, development method and connections to
the university strategy.
To ensure recruitment and induction process across the school/ service meets University
processes and procedures so that x% of staff stay in post for at least 2 years after
starting.

Leadership

To complete 100% of staff PDRs within the university recognised periods (April June) and Interims
(October December), ensuring all staff have a Personal Action Plan, with objectives linked to plans
or any development requirements and the meeting is recorded on HR Connect by dd/mm/yy

Specific Measurable Aligned/Achievable Relevant Time-

bound
What will How will reviewee / Is this a priority and does it fit with the strategy? How does it fit with the
reviewee reviewer know? Can it be achieved? reviewees role and grade? What are
do? the target
dates?
Hold a PDR A completed PDR Yes, the PDR process is used to ensure that all staff This objective is within the Two set
with all their action plan form is on are aware of their objectives for the coming year and remit of the reviewee and they periods per
direct reports file. HR connect has have an opportunity to discuss their future career, have the necessary skills and year. End
been updated development opportunities and receive constructive resources available to of mm/yy
feedback/ coaching on their performance. achievable this within the
timeframe.
Any manager with line
management responsibility is
responsible and accountable
for ensuring their staff have
had a PDR discussion

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Ensuring clarity when phrasing objectives
Objectives should be worded using clear unambiguous language. Both the reviewer and the
reviewee should not only understand the objective but they should also both have the same
understanding of what is to be achieved. Objectives should be concerned with results and
achievements rather than with undertaking a series of actions or tasks. When writing
objectives some of the words used can lead to confusion and may imply activities rather than
the result to be achieved. Some examples are detailed below with potential substitutes which
are probably better, but may not always be appropriate.

Instead of this Try this Instead of this Try this

administer complete expenditure cost

analyse determine facilitate supply

arrange organise investigate conclude

assure confirm manage achieve

consult ask observe evaluate

examine resolve

Performance Standards
Performance standards can exist in any job however they are directly linked to completing
job-tasks and tend to define the quality of performance each time a particular task is
completed. Performance standards or service levels describe the conditions that must exist
before the performance can be rated satisfactory. Standards may be defined for repetitive
and routine tasks as a qualitative and/or quantitative measurement and may be embedded in
policies, local procedures or legislation (e.g. health, safety, legal, trades and/or operational
reasons).

For example:
To provide cleaning services to achieve 85% standard in visual quality monitoring during
20xx 20yy.
To ensure incident reports are submitted by x time after the event
To ensure mail is delivered to schools by x time each day
To ensure all student enquiries are dealt with within x days
Maintain the AAA database by ensuring new data is added within 2 days.
Student enquiries through the help e-desk are responded to within 24 hours of receipt.

Performance Standards differ from tasks which tend to be more generic and indicative of the
nature of the activity. Tasks tend to be described in job descriptions and represent work
activities in the job role profiles.

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 Learning and development objectives
Learning & Development Action Plan Resources/ support required (time/ Target date (if applicable) L&D Objective
cost commitment) rating: Key *
(linked to Strategic Objectives, Department objectives, Academic
Criteria and/or values & behaviours)

University Value linked to: Professional Agree objectives with line

University objective linked to: enhance academic reputation To attend xx conference manager for conference xx date
Dates Apply to attend conference xx
To update professional skills and knowledge so that I am able to be Cost date
up to date with best practice and legislative requirements and can Booking via web link (credit card can Attend conference xx date
impart this knowledge to my customers in my daily work. be used) Reflect and share knowledge of
conference with team
Xx date
Outcome/ Measure(s)
to be up to date with best practice and legislative requirements for year xxx
answer xxx queries from customers in my daily work
in consultancy meetings, be able to offer advice in relation to my professional knowledge and expertise

March 2015 10