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Targets should to easy to reach or attain, they should be hard. Once set they must in all simplicity be easy to read. If one sets high targets that are unrealistic it is going to be impossible to reach them as they are unrealistic.

Unrealistic targets are set without being supported by informed decision. setting of unrealistic targets may further suggest or indicate shortcomings in the project management team. Unrealistic targets will eventually lead to wastage of money, resources and time. It is always prudent for the project management team to have a clear understanding through dialogue and participatory approach with stakeholders on achievable targets

They are targets that are not real or cannot be met.

It is important to set ambitious targets because it will motivate your team to reach high levels of success. Additionally, targets tell your donor how much work you are planning on doing. If you set your targets too low, your donors may be reluctant to give you the money you need.
But if the target is not properly plan, it becomes unrealistic because you will never achieve your aim.

The big problem in project implementation is to follow unrealistic targets. These targets are very difficult and dangerous for everyone include in the project. The unrealistic target are finished with disappointment between team member and management teams.

Le choix des cibles est une étape cruciale dans la planification d'un projet. Il doit respecter le juste milieux pour ne pas connaitre d'échecs. En effet les cibles doivent être assez réalistes.

Setting unrealistic targets can result to waste of resources which will end up with no desired result, unrealistic projects can discourage donors from bringing funds because they know it will yield any positive result.

Unrealistic targets is waste of resource if below your capability to achieve more and will be disappoint for staff and target community if you set target above your capability and available resources

The setting of unreasonable and unrealistic targets can also be construed as bullying or harassment, and can completely demotivate the team members if not achieved

Unrealistic targets are often over ambitious and cannot be achieved within a stipulated time frame. M & E team should always set targets that are achievable when conducting a project.

Talking of Unrealistic Targets,There is no internal consensus around the validity of the target that is, some people may not be sure where the target came from. The target is set far beyond a reasonable range based on past performance and baseline data.

Thanks very much LODHEN. I like the emphasis of Smart you made mention.With that example you can judge your project from there if it will be successful or not

Unrealistic targets are targets that are not practically achievable in real life situation. Can either be too high targets or too costly. When setting targets we should put in mind the resources such as money,time and man power that we have at our disposal. Also things to put into consideration include geographical factors, the time frame of the project and socio-economic factors of our target population

In the work I do I often see groups setting unrealistic targets and we help them simplify what targets are more realistic given the current resources? If you have unrealistic targets your plan will not be successful.

Module 3 discusses determining indicators and targets. This module really helps us in determining indicators and tips in choosing indicators to logframe. besides that we are also given ways to determine the target and how we should choose the target.

Determine the targets for increase activity project, and to know what the goals of the project

When we set target, it must be realistic because we should commitment to reach it. If we set unrealistic targets then the people will disappointed because we cant reach it.

Targets should be SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Timebound). So unrealistic targets like eradicating the poverty in few months time is hard to measure and achieve. Such unrealistic targets will not able to show the real impact of the intervention and measures the success of the program. The strong targets should also represent the disaggregation of the target population in numbers so that we can easily measure it.

unrealistic targets can also be construed as bullying or harassment, and employment law specialists are cautioning that unless HR professionals wake up to the problem, they could find themselves in deep water.

“It is not the intention of the perpetrator, but the deed itself and the impact this behaviour has on the recipient, which constitutes bullying or harassment,” explains Louise Mackie, employment law adviser at HR support services specialist Empire HR. “The setting of unattainable targets can, therefore, constitute bullying, and could result in an employee feeling pressurised enough to walk out of their job, later claiming constructive unfair dismissal.”

A realistic target is one that can be met with the resources you have available to you. Resources might include time, money or access to other people to help you. The target should also be relevant and useful to you.If you say that someone is being unrealistic, you mean that they do not recognize the truth about a situation, especially about the difficulties involved in something they want to achieve. The same case for unrealistic targets, they are ones which cannot be met through set ways.

Unrealistic target will surely lead to pour performance or an unreal over performance after an evaluation

Unrealistic targets can be those that not achievable. These are difficult to reach. Unrealistic targets can also be those that are ambiguous and not clearly defined. A lot of thinking must go into setting targets so as to make them realistic and achievable.

The errors that lead to project failures usually vary in nature. However, in most cases, setting unrealistic project targets are early cause that essentially sets a project up for failure from the very beginning. However, hanging on to projects even when they are only going to fail in the end can be just as damaging.

Listed below are the damage that can be done by hanging on to unrealistic project goals:

1. Waste of money and other vital resources
2. Wastage of valuable time of the team, customer and also the stakeholders
3. Poor quality products
4. Damage trust and dented image
5. Damaged morale

Where possible, unrealistic targets should be avoided in the first place. Setting unrealistic targets will not only damage a project, but an entire company or organization.

Unrealistic Targets

How do you ensure you are setting realistic targets.

Unrealistic goals lead to unwanted results and may lead to failure of the project as a result of not taking steps. How to choose goals first

i thing it's important to set a realistic targets. it will help us through the journey of making our project success and it's possible for us to measure and evaluate our progress and also our goals.

Unrealistic targets can possibly lead to failure of the project. For example 300 children will receive books by January and the money available cannot purchase the 300 books will bring inconvenience in the project

an unrealistic goal can be a source of failure of the project because this will prevent to know if the object was reached or not, it is important to take into account several factors like the results of the previous projects, to be able to define a realistic goal

It is important to set ambitious targets because it will motivate your team to reach high levels of success. Additionally, targets tell your donor how much work you are planning on doing. If you set your targets too low, your donors may be reluctant to give you the money you need.

Setting indicators and Targets: this is an important aspect of the monitoring and evaluation plan. One of the purposes of M&E Plan is to measure progress. Progress cannot be measured without an Indicator. And indicators are of 2 different types; one that measures quantity and the other that measures quality.
An ideal M&E plan should have a blend of these two as they measure project's success in two different dimensions.
When having more than one indicator for a single point, the usaid criteria for determining the strength of Indicators could be used, and the indicator which is more plausible, with more positive values should be chosen.

Setting Targets is another important aspect of the M&E Planning. Target deals with achieving a specific number or percentage within a fixed time frame. Indicators and Targets are driven force for successful accomplishment of projects.

Identifying targets in the beginning of the project is the most important part of project designing. We have to seriously think about avoiding unrealistic targets, because at the end of the day it will benefit us.

A target should be logically realistic, if the target unrealistic so the one who having that target will never think that they can achieve the target because logically its already unrealistic to do.

Unreaslitic targets will let our biases or assumptions influence our decisions. To avoid unrealistic targets, we need to use the data’s collected to set targets. The targets we set must be realistic and achievable. Also we need to look at the type of resources available for setting targets. Will the resources allow us to realise our targets or not?
We also need to consider the risks. How the risks will affect the targets. Should a risk do occur, we need to go back and make adjustments on the targets to ensure it is achievable.

its good to come in the middle into setting our unrealistic target, but then this sounds in negative way to workers as bullying or harassments since its perceived that there will be an increasing unlikely your team will be able to achieve them.

but on the other side its a actual sense setting unrealistic targets may help to foresee the assumptions of the unrealistic target set and being flexible to switch to the new target that where set before. so saying that there is a constructive lesson to every negativity, and its important to set unrealistic target.

When you set a target, you are binding your crew to triumph that target. If you miss a target since you were unrealistic,

When targets are unlrealistic, it becomes a challenge for programs to reach them.
With fear of not sounding as resistant or lazy, teams push hard to try and reach targets that may not be reachable

Targets that cannot be achieved in a given time frame and with given resources.
Too ambitious or too pessimistic target
Targets that are not based on some data

don't be afraid to adjust your target when confronted with new facts or information

There is no internal consensus about the validity of the target, some people may not be sure where the target came from. The target is set beyond a reasonable range based on past performance and reasonable data.

Unrealistic targets are those that are too ambiguous and cannot be achieved. Unrealistic targets are not based on any data rather they are based on feelings. Additional an unrealistic target has no baseline, especially if project is not providing a new service.

setting target that are unachieveable in the project
setting huge budget that cannot be found
setting goals that are difficult to obtain
ambitious target that cannot be worked upon

thats good example of unrealistic targets

giving out positive and real information is of the great use inorder not to have false result as per project

Sometimes, due to the lack of knowledge about local context, unrealistic targets are set up

There doesn't seem to be anything to discuss other than the broad

Not entirely sure what to respond with as the discussion topic is too vague, so here it goes:

But my understanding from the module is that when thinking about targets you do want to be ambitious but your targets need to be set in reality. For example, if you want to have a target that states you will supply 50,000 reading books to 2nd graders but you only have the budget to purchase 5,000 then your target is not realistic. Setting a target of 50,000 books would cause your project to be unsuccessful and your team members may be disappointed in not achieving those goals.

As such to help set your targets in reality it is good to set a baseline, research trends in the field, seek expert opinion where possible, check your project budget, listen to stakeholders who may have specific targets in mind and maybe look at other research findings to ensure your targets are appropriate and will ensure success.

interesting topics about this target thing

Unrealistic target would be to assume that internet banking would completely provide accountability, compliance and transparency and also control work advances. The right thing to do would be to give a measure if how many percentages would be good enough to consider the project of internet service a success.

Unrealistic target would be to assume that internet banking would completely provide accountability, compliance and transparency and also control work advances. The right thing to do would be to give a measure if how many percentages would be good enough to consider the project of internet service a success.

@TomOdhiambo said in Module 3 Discussion: Unrealistic Targets:

The setting of unreasonable and unrealistic targets can also be construed as bullying or harassment, and can completely demotivate the team members if not achieved

This is another interesting angle. De motivation being a result of imposing unrealistic target.

discussions were very accurate

Targets set should be realistic so as to commit the team members to reach the target. Unrealistic targets are sometimes not met and it will lead to disappointments to everyone involved in the project being implemented (the team and the donors).

An unrealistic target is a target that requires more time, energy and funds than what has been budgeted and it can't be achieved. Targets for any project can be ambitious however, they should be realistic.
For example, we want to send 200 children to school however, the funds available is just enough to cater for 120 children. This means the target is not realistic. In this case, the targets can change to fit into availability of funds.

Setting targets that are too ambitious or too low

Data collection method is striking role in ensuring effective implementation of any serious project

Embarking on project without target is like traveling without direction.
Every single Project with Target gives better direction and earns better results

Plan well and achieve well

Is it possible to adjust your targets once you realize you aren't able to meet them?

Our targets should also be realistic as you mention. Because we might reach that target. Targets include quantity, quality and efficiency. We should have final targets as well as small targets while we are implementing the project. But we have to think and prepare for unexpected things that can be effect to our targets, if so may be we can adjust our targets. We have to think to be realistic for our targets. Because it is a tricky task.

unrealistic targets are not achievable, and it also increase cost of project.

Setting unrealistic expectations can also impact your business in the long-term too. Here are some of the long-lasting effects to consider: Low staff morale – Staff often get a buzz from hitting their targets. However, if that goal is constantly unrealistic, employees can feel like they’re not achieving.

Setting unrealistic targets, while sometimes seen as just being overly ambitious, can seriously impact the project in multiple ways. From the team morale (i.e. will they be disappointed if the target is not reached?), to stakeholder buy-in, to the credibility of the project if the target is not met by a large margin that causes unfavorable impacts to the stakeholders. I think having an idea of what is feasible - developed by looking at what has been done in the past, resources at hand, team capacity, etc. - then maybe setting a target a level or two above that is a good approach.

I think so, especially if it is for reasons out of your control (like budget, donor interest, etc.). I think it's important to consider the approach and rationale when adjusting (i.e. how are you going to explain it to the beneficiaries in a way that doesn't reflect poorly on the project, team or organization).

unrealistic target are usually the one that might stop the progress for achieving the first and no 1 target all along

we most times come up with unrealistic targets when we don't do thorough research on the topic. we end up being disappointed, disappointing the stakeholders and at times even losing donors. targets are a crucial part in any project.

I agree.and it's important to have all the information at hand before setting the targets.

When I first started handling projects at my work place, I had lots of disappointment because I could not reach the target I had set. I had not interacted well with the team so I did not know there were many things to be considered before setting the date for each project. the pressure was too much and this made me set overly ambitious targets. over time, I have learnt alot and now I set realistic targets and I also explain why to the stakeholders to manage their expectations.

From historical trend are we able to just predict the next target

Unrealistic targets are targets an M&E experts sets that can not be met, he puts his teammates or donors in a position where target goals are not met and it might result to his teammates feeling disappointed that they couldn't accomplish the goal

Unrealistic targets are targets an M&E experts sets that can not be met, he puts his teammates or donors in a position where target goals are not met and it might result to his teammates feeling disappointed that they couldn't accomplish the goal

Unrealistic targets are targets that an M&E experts plan but doesn't carry them out due to one reason or the other and this makes his teammates feel inefficient in the project work assigned

You can always go back to change your target suppose u have a change in schedule and drift in your calendar. Setting target however gives u the grips of where your bus top is and how to reach there

Unrealistic targets are targets that are over ambitious and can not be met. It is important to set a target that is realistic and also ambitious. It is tricky setting these kind of target.

How does one move an unrealistic target to a more realistic one

Target is very important to measure the indicator, but when it comes out as unrealistic it block the project achievement and the project may be judged as unsuccessful.

Hello Team,
How do i approach module three assignment. i realize there are changes in the log-frame. Thank you

Unrealistic targets are those that the resources will certainly not allow to reach. For instance if we have the inputs that are not sufficient to reach the level of desired outcomes and consequently to reach the desired impact. The unrealistic targets may be due to the scarcity of baseline data, the high demands from the donor , or the beneficiaries. The unrealistic targets can also be due to poor budget assessment. To avoid unrealistic targets there is a need to have as much information as possible and not overlook the assumptions.

Unrealistic targets are those that are not tailored to the available resources or that can not be reached within the project time period. There are several reasons that can lead to unrealistic targets. most of time the deficiency in information not flowing between the input, output and outcome or between outcome and impact. Limited budget or limited time could also be a cause of unrealistic target. Another cause is when the indicators are not well chosen. In order to avoid unrealistic target, it is important not overlook risks and assumptions, choose the right indicators. collect as much information as possible regarding the resources, consider the budget , and the amount of time allocated to the project.

I agree that goal setting should be data driven, which is really a good thing. Also, returning to it to add seems to me to be a more realistic alternative. I have known in the past projects which started implementation with ambitious but unrealistic goals. To adapt to the context of the project, the necessary adjustments were made.

Unrealistic targets can lead to failure or low results. Therefore, targets must be realistic.

Its very helpful.

Unrealistic targets are common especially among those who are novices (just beginning to understand M&E), those who want to impress donors and set very high targets and those who use wrong data. It is important to first get the dynamics on the ground (understand your environment) before setting a target. Even after setting the target, check again to see if that figure is achievable or not. Unrealistic targets if not achieved may lead to fund cuts, donor pulling out and unsatisfied beneficiaries. They should be avoided at any cost.

Unrealistic targets are common especially among those who are novices (just beginning to understand M&E), those who want to impress donors and set very high targets and those who use wrong data. It is important to first get the dynamics on the ground (understand your environment) before setting a target. Even after setting the target, check again to see if that figure is achievable or not. Unrealistic targets if not achieved may lead to fund cuts, donor pulling out and unsatisfied beneficiaries. They should be avoided at any cost.

It is very paramount to reach the community yourself to find out the real information yourself. We found out some volunteers in our organization had develop cold fit thereby filling the survey form by their selves in stead of reaching the town or the local to flu d out about their real issues

-Don't set goals that are too high because if If you miss a goal because you are unrealistic, everyone involved will be disappointed: you, your team and your donors.

Don't set too High target because If you miss a goal because you are unrealistic, everyone involved will be disappointed: you, your team and your donors.

Unrealistic targets will cause the project not be realised and also will lead to frustration among project team members once they fail to realise the targets. Furthermore, because unrealistic targets may cause the project to lag behind schedule, funding from donors may be affected.

To estimate prevalence of lymphoedema in 100000 households within one month in the Lindi district which is not possible to assess all those houses in Lindi district within this study period as result it will hard to attain the target of the project.

Usually, unrealistic targets are very ambitious and vague. They must be avoided at all costs because they have the potential to collapse a project as they can be quantified. Whether the project is achieving positive results you can not tell. the SMART principle applies even here

The use of historical trends and existing published information is very important for us to set realistic targets

The use of historical trends and existing published information is very important for us to set realistic targets

Unrealistic targets can cause your donor to rate your project performance as poor, targets should be aligned to existing project budgets

To estimate prevalence of lymphoedema in 100000 households within one month in the Lindi district which is not possible to assess all those houses in Lindi district within this study period as result it will hard to attain the target of the project.
It is very important to create data flow map which will simplify the the work and as result it will assist in archiving the goal

Unrealistic targets will cause the project not be realised and also will lead to frustration among project team members once they fail to realise the targets. Furthermore, because unrealistic targets may cause the project to lag behind schedule, funding from donors may be affected.

I agree that goal setting should be data driven, which is really a good thing. Also, returning to it to add seems to me to be a more realistic alternative. I have known in the past projects which started implementation with ambitious but unrealistic goals. To adapt to the context of the project, the necessary adjustments were made.

Targets should depend on base line data, stakeholder expectations, project budget and time frame. That's what I understand for the targets. To reach our targets that we should be ambitious realistic. But sometime, if it something change that we might adjust our targets. Your targets can be quantity, quality or efficiency.

Indicators
These are the things that you will measure. Indicators show how successful your project is. Indicators DO NOT include the specific numbers or percentages that you would like to reach. Examples of indicators include:

The number of children who receive vaccines

The percentage of donated funds that reach families

Sometimes the targets become unrealistic due to time constraints and human capital needed.

Sometimes the targets become unrealistic due to time constraints and human capital needed.

Setting unrealistic targets suggests that it’s increasingly unlikely that your team will be able to achieve them. If your team regularly misses targets, this could lead to questions raised from your own donors, asking why your team are underachieving/ underperforming which they may miss end result. Subsequently, in many instances this will mean in order for your team to achieve unrealistic targets, they may be forced to rush work, cut corners and not take proper care. This can lead to mistakes and poor quality outcomes. Furthermore, If one set the budget based on unrealistic targets, one may be surprised when project costs overrun. If your deadline is also unrealistic, team may need to spend longer on the project and work overtime, which all adds to your overall cost.

Additionally, if project goal/s are constantly unrealistic, team can feel like they’re not achieving. This can impact self-esteem, motivation, and productivity, which can damage project bottom-line. Importantly, another aspect is that If targets are regularly set too high, team will constantly fail to meet them. Over time, this failure can almost become accepted . As a result, team may no longer try their absolute hardest, even if targets are lowered. This can have a detrimental effect on all future projects. As a result every team want to feel like they’re achieving their targets but are instead constantly being set up for failure. So, if you keep asking for the impossible, you can quickly lose the respect of your whole team and that of donors.

by virtue of that, in order to avoid unrealistic targets the first step is realizing that a project set unrealistic expectations. it is to review relevant or related previous projects, or ask your team if they think your targets are fair or unobtainable. therefore, it is important to note that just because you want something to be completed within a minimum prescribed period, doesn’t mean it can be completed in that timeframe. Take a step back, have objectivity is screening the your target and consider the amount of work required and what resources you have available, before setting a deadline. This also applies to targets that are being pushed on you from donors too. lastly, Instead of setting targets and then putting increased pressure on a team to perform, try supporting your team as much as possible (this might include mentoring and monitoring) to help them achieve the best they can. Remember that the best leaders don’t manage; they lead!, therefore a leader lead those who follow by good example.