What is a SMART objective?

• A. Strategic, Motivating, Aligned, Realistic, Timely.
• B. Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound.
• C. Specific, Meaningful, Actionable, Result-oriented, Timed.
• D. Simple, Manageable, Adaptable, Realistic, Thorough.

Answer: (B)

A SMART objective is a goal designed to be clear and doable by focusing on five parts: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Specific means the objective states exactly what will be done, who will do it, and in what context. Measurable means you can track progress with concrete numbers or criteria. Achievable ensures the goal is realistic given available resources and constraints. Relevant links the objective to broader goals so the effort matters and contributes meaningfully. Time-bound adds a deadline to create focus and enable evaluation.

For example, “increase monthly product sales by 15% in the next three months by expanding outreach to existing customers with a targeted campaign” illustrates how a SMART objective is precise, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-limited. The other wordings replace or alter these components in ways that move away from the standard SMART framework, which is why this option fits best.