Objective Analysis - Main Users / Purpose
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Private and public sector regional, urban or sectoral planners. |
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Objective trees may be constricted to aid project design and evaluation. An objective tree consists of project objectives linked hierarchically in a tree graph; objectives at a lower level contribute to the attainment of an objective at a higher level. The objectives that are measured to indicate the success of a project are usually found at the lowest level. Objective trees are one of many forms of tree diagramming and they are closely related to means-ends analysis Reasons why we need objectives: for centuries peoples energies have been focused on maximizing ones own needs, wants and desires, however to achieve these needs one has to know what one wants. So much of ones energy is devoted to activity, which is not directed by clearly defined goals. It is always assumed that as long as the desk is full of papers and the person is looking busy, the person is working hard and getting tired, that he is producing results and that things are getting done and being achieved. The fact is that people are always producing results, however, it is necessary to know if these are directed towards the achievement of a specific objective or not, and whether that objective takes one in the desired direction. Activity without direction is usually non productive. If the planner does not state in advance of the time for action, the planning objectives clearly and concisely, the planner cannot know what he/she is doing! An objective is a description of a future, wanted (though realistic) situation. Objectives are the specific results desired. Furthermore, an objective hierarchy or tree expresses a cohesive set of intents and it serves to:
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