general and specific objectives

general and specific objectives

We explain what are the general and specific objectives, examples and the functions they fulfill. Characteristics and steps to carry them out.

All the specific objectives would have to meet the general objective as a result.

1. What are the general and specific objectives?

When talking about general and specific objectives, reference is made to  the goals set by an investigation, a project or an organization , classified based on the elements on which they are focused and the specific focus they contemplate, as follows:

• Overall objective . There is usually only one, because it encompasses the whole of an investigation or a project , and is the primary goal to achieve, that towards which all the efforts of an organization or all the chapters of a thesis of degree, for example, contribute.
• Specific objectives . There are usually several, since each segment of an organization or each chapter of an investigation has its own goal to reach, which is sub-edited or contained in the general objective.

Thus,  the sum of all the specific objectives would have to meet the general objective as a result , since the latter comprise the steps that must be given first (and often successively or organized) to reach the top of the ladder.

It can help you: How to make a project? .

2. Examples of general and specific objectives

Publishing a novel has several specific objectives, such as writing and correcting it.

A simple example of general and specific objectives is the publication of a novel . The general objective is that: write a novel and publish it in an editorial.

But it includes many small steps to follow, many short-term goals to achieve and which will be the specific objectives: write the first chapter, write the second, and so on; then correct the first, correct the second and so on until the end. And then look for an editor. All of them can be considered specific objectives.

Another simple example is to stop smoking as a general goal. But that happens by smoking one less cigarette every week, then buying half a pack, then not buying but the few who smoke daily and thus until quitting completely. All these previous steps would be specific objectives.

3. Role of general and specific objectives

Normally, the objectives  are raised before undertaking an action or investigation , because it is much more convenient to know where we want to go before starting to walk.

That is, we can only find out what is the best route to success, if we first know what is the goal we have set for ourselves. That is why establishing clear objectives is part of any planning in any area.

For example: university research, technological projects, business plans and military strategies always have a goal outlined in advance. Thus, its effectiveness will depend on the method that is most convenient (ie: faster, safer, lucrative ... depending on the specific area).

4. Characteristics of the general and specific objectives

The general objective is usually long-term compared to the specific ones.

The general objectives are easily defined: they are global objectives, which encompass the whole of a project or a task. There may be more than one, of course, in cases where there are great general aspirations.

But usually only one is chosen , which will be the north towards which all efforts will be outlined separately. The general objective is usually the mission of the companies or the projects, and is usually long-term.

Instead, the specific objectives are usually short-term and circumscribed to specific conditions, to individual goals. Any general objective can be broken down into a series of specific objectives, which must be met first in order to achieve the totality of the proposed global goal.

5. Steps to formulate objectives

To formulate objectives, various algorithms can be followed, but a very simple one would be the following:

• Establish an ideal state of things . This means: dream. Think positive Our general objective, the first we must find, is that future and possible goal that we want, that place in which we want to find ourselves and we are willing to make an effort for it.
• Realize  the general objective . The dream, the ideal vision, must be "translated" into concrete, achievable, measurable objectives, and inserted into a credible time sequence . For example: it is useless to consider losing weight from one day to the next, because it is unreal; but if I propose it for six months, I will have time to fulfill my specific objectives.
• Identify the obstacles . Once I know where I want to go and how long it will take me to get there, it's time to see what things I'll find along the way and how I can prepare for it. My specific objectives will be, in this way, the overcoming of each one of these obstacles, or each one of the steps given in the path that I intend to carry out.
• Identify  resources and skills . As soon as I know what my obstacles will be, I will be able to know what my virtues, advantages and weaknesses are, and I will be able to plan my specific objectives based on it, so that they are as adapted to the reality as possible.