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These terms are all similar but with subtle
differences. An objective is a generic term hence a goal is an
objective The purpose
of a process would be its a reason for existence. E.g The purpose
of the Demand Fulfilment process is to convert customer
requirements into products and services in a manner that satisfies all
stakeholders. This purpose describes what the process has been set
up to do.
The objectives
of a process are the measurable results it is intended to deliver .
They differ from its purpose in that they are Specific, Measurable,
Achievable, Realistic and Timely. Process objectives provide a means
to measure the effectiveness with which the process fulfils its
purpose. Typical objectives for a Demand Fulfilment Process might be:
- To deliver the right conforming products to
customers on time and every time (The customer focused objective)
- To respond to customer concerns in a manner that
builds confidence in the customer-supplier relationship (The
customer focused objective)
- To provide conditions in which employees are
motivated to deliver their best performance (The employee focused
objective)
- To execute the process in a manner that yields a
profit for the business (The shareholder focused objective)
- To treat suppliers as they would wish to be
treated (The supplier focused objective)
- To comply with current regulations on health,
safety, environment and sale of goods (The Society focused
objective)
The outputs of a
process are the measurable results it produces not necessarily the
outputs it should produce. The only difference between an output and
an objective is the way it is expressed. The process outputs should
align with the process objectives. However,
for a
process output to be an objective it has to be predefined – in other
words it has to be something you are aiming for, not necessarily
something you are currently achieving.
Taking the first objective above and turning it into
an output would become. The right conforming products delivered on
time every time. This could be broken down into separate outputs such
as
- Right product
- Conforming product
- On time delivery
A goal is the
object to which effort or ambition is directed, therefore the goals of
a process can be looked upon as the sum of its purpose, objectives,
measures and targets. |
