Which statement about SMART goal setting is correct?

Which statement about SMART goal setting is correct?

• A. Vague, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Time-limited.
• B. Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Timely.
• C. Specific, Measurable, Actionable, Relevant, and Time-bound.
• D. Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.

Answer: (D)

Clear goals that can be tracked and achieved drive effective performance management. SMART goals are designed to be Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. This formulation is the standard because it ensures a goal is concrete (Specific), has a way to measure progress (Measurable), is realistically attainable given resources and constraints (Achievable), aligns with broader objectives (Relevant), and has a deadline or timeframe (Time-bound). The option that uses these exact terms matches the widely accepted SMART framework. Variations that replaceSpecific with vague language, substitute Time-bound with Timely, use Actionable instead of Achievable, or otherwise alter a key dimension reduce clarity or feasibility, making them less correct representations of SMART goals.

Clear goals that can be tracked and achieved drive effective performance management. SMART goals are designed to be Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. This formulation is the standard because it ensures a goal is concrete (Specific), has a way to measure progress (Measurable), is realistically attainable given resources and constraints (Achievable), aligns with broader objectives (Relevant), and has a deadline or timeframe (Time-bound). The option that uses these exact terms matches the widely accepted SMART framework. Variations that replaceSpecific with vague language, substitute Time-bound with Timely, use Actionable instead of Achievable, or otherwise alter a key dimension reduce clarity or feasibility, making them less correct representations of SMART goals.