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I think it's a mistake to set unrealistic goals

I have learned that it is very important to set realistic targets that are attainable so that you dont fail to reach your targets because they were unrealistic in the first place.

Unrealistic targets can be difficult to spot in practice and particularly at inception stages, as you also want to be ambitious. Second, if you're beginning a new project where you have little institutional knowledge or baseline, it can be difficult to determine what is achievable, realistic, but also ambitious, and what the risk factors are. On the other hand, with the right people, sources and studies, your targets may stay more in line.
The important thing is to maintain indicators throughout the project, as you're otherwise creating a 'moving goal' syndrome and this can severely impact your project and it's success evaluation.

                                                                    **UNREALISTIC TARGETS.**

Unrealistic targets are goals that are too ambitious. this may affect the project negatively as the purpose of the project may not be achieved, causing dissatisfaction of the stakeholders.

To avoid setting unrealistic goals, one can use research findings on similar projects done, looking at the size of the budget and working with it, seeking an expert option or listening to the stakeholder expectation.

unrealistic targets are not achievable. it is therefore important to set realistic targets that you can actually reach.

Unrealistic targets could be time consuming, they could also lead to us not being able to reach our targets

Project Targets refer to a set of fixed goals or objectives that determine how a given project is expected to be done and what result or effect is supposed to be produced by the project. Hence, the targets should be checked carefully whether they are realistic or not.

want to be happy. Good. I like that; I think everyone on this planet has the right to pursue and own their own happiness. But the reason that I labelled it as unrealistic target is because there are no workable steps following this goal.

It's not just about being happy, any target without a plan of attack is unrealistic to me. It's one thing to want, but another thing to actually do. And until you do something about your target, it's going to stay what it started as — a dream.

A target is a result that we try to achieve. But sometimes, the result is impossible to achieve and it becomes unrealistic and make the team discouraged.

Setting unrealistic targets will always lead to disappointment due to inability of the team to achieve its set out objectives/targets. Unrealistic targets will lead to poor implementation of the project as the targets will be used as a measuring stick on the performance of the team.

Setting unrealistic expectations means that it's increasingly unlikely that your team will be able to achieve them.

Unrealistic target will difficult to achieve

I think so

Unrealistic target is one that cannot be met with the resources you have available to you. Resources might include time, money or access to other people to help you. The chance for success for unrealistic targets is significantly low.

Setting unrealistic targets is very bad for any project. It will lead to waste of time and resources and ultimately nothing will be achieved in terms of outcome and impacts.

I strongly agree with the NOPE strategy of establishing a target that is midway of the project implementation with and without the effects of the risks and assumptions.

Target may be ambitious but it should be realistic.

Setting realistic target will help the organization to achieve what intended to achieve.

It is important to set realistic target.

Generally target should be SMART. Means;
specific
Measurable
Achievable
Realistic
Time bound

Also we should remember that target should be SMART.

unrealistic targets does not help with establishing clear expectations for the project, targets act as guideposts for monitoring whether progress is on schedule and at the level required, thus when you set unrealistic targets you might end up not being the timeframe for their implementation and measurable for evaluation.

For me I think this is one mistake that people make when they are setting targets. Some become to ambitious and dream big forgetting that targets needs to be realistic , they need to be practical and be able tp be reached. Thus, is from this scenario that unrealistic targets are targets that can never be reached or that are not practical in implementation.

Unrealistic targets may arise if the project term fail to do their work. Setting up targets that is not achievable.

Unrealistic targets happen when information is incomplete or minimal, such create situations whereby project implementation or resources such time, personnel is stretch to the limits while the goal is too far to reach. Gradual increments in targets help to boost morale and confidence as we learn and adjust as our capability.

what would you do if the donor gave you the targets based on what they think but being on the ground and based on experience you already know they are unrealistic?

Setting realistic targets forms an important step of an M & E plan. Unless targets are practically unachievable, it could be potentially discouraging for the project implementing team. So the project must avoid as much as possible choosing targets that are not achievable and unrealistic. In order to help ensure developing realistic targets, it is important that the concerned project is informed of baseline data or historical trends or other sources such as project stakeholders and project budget. It should also be noted that the choice of such information sources may vary according to the types of target under consideration, whether these targets are project level or program level.

Setting realistic targets forms an important step of an M & E plan. Unless targets are practically unachievable, it could be potentially discouraging for the project implementing team. So the project must avoid as much as possible choosing targets that are not achievable and unrealistic. In order to help ensure developing realistic targets, it is important that the concerned project is informed of baseline data or historical trends or other sources such as project stakeholders and project budget. It should also be noted that the choice of such information sources may vary according to the types of target under consideration, whether these targets are project level or program level.

how different are targets from objectives? where do the two meet?

very true. a historical context is so key in project sustainability. for instance, a certain project was aimed to providing a certain number of toilets in a certain rural zambian district. at midline evaluation, the implementers found that the toilets had been converted into maize (corn) storage facilities, because the locals were used to using the bush for the call of nature... context is key...

the SMART adage must always apply...

true. our aim must be to reach above the expected future trend in a certain target...

but how do you marry these two; say you have a certain figure as a target you can aim to surpass, and that figure is different from what yu get from your baseline... which one do you follow?

very true. and also bear in mind our risks and assumptions as we do that...

Unrealistic targets are usually a waste of resources both human and material resources.

In setting new targets we are meant to be optimistic and at the same time realistic. Both goes simultaneously

In setting new targets we are meant to be optimistic and at the same time realistic. Both goes simultaneously

In setting new targets we are meant to be optimistic and at the same time realistic. Both goes simultaneously.

Unrealistic targets are the ones that are difficult and or impossible to achieve. In other words over-ambitious. A number of factors contribute to this e.g. lack of information/data, individual biasness among others.
Unrealistic targets affect deliverables and performance of a project leading to failure in the long run

Iam realizing that my project target is umbiguous and unrealistic so going back to adjust it

We’re bound to set unrealistic targets when we make project decisions based on our feelings, that is why is important to use data, experts opinion and other useful sources of information to set targets. It is also important to use process indicators( that help to monitor) and outcome and impact indicators( that help evaluate) to set realistic targets.

In monitoring and evaluation, our targets should be similar to our indicators but more specific. Unrealistic targets are bound to be made when there’s insufficient research and data, and or other sources of information.

Unrealistic targets are the ones that are difficult and or impossible to achieve. In other words over-ambitious. A number of factors contribute to this e.g. lack of information/data, individual biasness among others.
Unrealistic targets affect deliverables and perfomance of a project leading to failure in the long run

Tragets which are not based on previous or existing data as a baseline.
Targets that do not review historical trends
Targets which are not achievable

You don't set target to impress the stakeholders or anyone else

unrealistic targets are often a result of a leader who often lack understanding of the project involved and the decisions that are carried on. The mistakes that lead to a project failure can be varied in nature, however, hanging on to projects that will fail in the end can be very much damaging.

As I think unrealistic targets can slow down the project. When it is time to bring changes on a target it will be very difficult to on unrealistic targets.

Targets are like the lighthouse in the distance shore that a ship (project/project activity) intends to reach. It expresses the zeal and essense of the project. A project target may be to ensure more than 50% of the participant group(s) live above poverty line in 2 years of the project. However, this may not be cast on stone. Several constraints determine the attainment of this ambitious target. Therefore, it is important to objectively weigh the interacting factors and set a target that is practical, realistic and responsive to the time and monetary limitations.

An excellent observation. The distinctive feature of unrealistic projects is that they are either unattainable or attaining them require a lot of strain in the various inputs and activities. Remember nobody wants to strain resources during the project, at least as much as possible.

Yes. This is correct. It is important to strike a balance of realistic and ambition. To strike this balance, adequate information is important otherwise even a realistic project may turn out to be overambitious still. Information is key in setting targets!

I can't think of a time in recent memory that I personally have been asked to meet unrealistic targets. However, our program was recently set some very unrealistic targets for enrollment: we had 0 students in the certificates and enrollment set a target of 50 students. In that case, our program chair asked the head of enrollment whom he should speak to, and explained the situation - including a total lack of marketing. I don't know yet what the outcome will be. I do know that clear communication is always good, and that it helps to demonstrate willingness to contribute in other/different ways, if the target is impossible to reach. In this case, we asked how we as a faculty could contribute to the enrollment effort.

I can't think of a time in recent memory that I personally have been asked to meet unrealistic targets. However, our program was recently set some very unrealistic targets for enrollment: we had 0 students in the certificates and enrollment set a target of 50 students. In that case, our program chair asked the head of enrollment whom he should speak to, and explained the situation - including a total lack of marketing. I don't know yet what the outcome will be. I do know that clear communication is always good, and that it helps to demonstrate willingness to contribute in other/different ways, if the target is impossible to reach. In this case, we asked how we as a faculty could contribute to the enrollment effort.

If we think to be ambitious our targets gone unrealistic. In this course, it is tricky way to think that. If unrealistic targets made, I can change to make realistic one by carefully communicate with stakeholders. Donors want to see realistic one.

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.

Target are said to be unrealistic when the possibility of achieving it is slim or non-existing. Setting unrealistic target may impede project success.

Target are said to be unrealistic when the possibility of achieving it is slim or non-existing. Setting unrealistic target may impede project success.

In a situation as this, sensitization and re-sensitization is a valuable option to get members of the community embrace better and more hygiene ways to answer the call of nature

Sometimes what we refers to as "Unrealistic Targets" are actually Ambitious Target, the essence is to push us out of our comfort to achieve organizational goals and objectives. However, M&E expert must know where to draw the line between ambitious and unrealistic targets. Ambitious targets becomes unrealistic when there are not sufficient resources (Human, material, motivation etc) to support the actualization of such target.

Creating unrealistic target atimes lead to dissapointment to the all team including the donor it is good to be realistic so that the targets can be achieved on well

In setting new targets we are meant to be optimistic and at the same time realistic. Both goes simultaneously.

Unrealistic Target
Are the target which is not achievable and its led the project progress poor toward success.
For Example:
an organization set target that ( in 2021 the list of participant in training will be 20000 person) but the organization already developed indicator for this target as well but there is not resources to conduct the training because of high velum of human, this called unrealistic target.

setting targets is one of the hardest things to do, because you will have to factor all your risks and assumptions into consideration and how will this targets be achieved putting in mind the risk and assumptions

First of all, it is important to understand that a Monitoring and Evaluation project plan should have a target. That target states the level that the project is expected to hit. In so doing, setting unrealistic targets is a blow to the plan because it shifts the team's expectations and as well not work in line with the indicators that lead the plan.
Therefore, setting unrealistic targets lead to the fall of the plan and thus making every team member and the funders disappointed.

It is very easy to fall into the trap of being over ambitious especially when doing a first project.

When you set unrealistic targets, you might fail several times, because these goals are not easily achievable. Therefore, after a long period of setting unrealistic targets, you will eradicate your fear of failure, because you will be familiar with failure.

targets can be tricky. without the proper data collection, we will find ourselves putting unrealistic targets. example if an area has 5000 children, and the project is about vaccination, our target cannot be 5000 children vaccinated. we should collect data about children that were vaccinated or other NGOs that are doing the same project or did in the past.

A target is unrealistic when the target is something that requires more energy, skills, talents, and time than you have available in order to achieve it. Another unrealistic target may be one that is not in alignment with your own greatest gifts and talents.

Creating unrealistic targets within the organization come along with some series of challenges. For instance, it creates an environment where the team constantly attempt to achieve the impossible, thus fostering an undue amount of pressure. People are stretched too thin, creating the potential for burnout. Stress has been normalized in our society, when in fact it is not a necessary ingredient for success. , it can have the opposite effect.

The targets need to be realistic/achievable for the project to be successful

For Target to be achieved in a specific date/time, that Target should be realistic one, so as attained the designed goals of a given project.

What is the most unrealistic target have you seen in a logframe? I think I haven't seen any unrealistic target so I can't come up with an example.

This module is great for especially the ones who are new to identifying targets

Unrealistic targets means Missed delivery dates – Setting unrealistic expectations means that it's increasingly unlikely that your team will be able to achieve them.

Les objectifs peuvent être irréalistes s'ils n'ont pas été fixés à partir de données récoltées en amont. La réalisation d'un état des lieux de la situation permet de fixer une direction et des objectifs à atteindre. Les objectifs peuvent également être irréalistes s'ils ne sont pas suffisamment précis pour permettre de mesurer leur réalisation effective. De plus, les objectifs doivent être cohérents avec les moyens dont on dispose pour les atteindre.

Uncertainty circumstance is common everywhere. It is also noted that due to resource scarcity disequilibrium in any situation is inevitable. Therefore, whatever project we involve in we should be prepared for any uncertainty be it in form of time, money and space.

True talk.

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Unrealistic targets will not wear the team out but might make team loose further donor support.

The goal must be achievable, that is, it must be achievable by the team or the creator of the project. This will prevent dropouts. You can determine what you think is achievable from your previous experiences with similar projects.

The best way to make a project succeed is to ensure that the objectives it aims to achieve are clearly defined and easy to understand. S.M.A.R.T objectives refer to a certain number of criteria.

I realized that to make a good target I have to ask myself if it is direct, practical, realisable.

Unrealistic targets are the ones that are set without basis or any data to back them up. In most cases they can either be too ambitious and unrealistic or too low.

I think your target can best be determined by the data from the baseline. And so you cannot set an unknown figure as your target before conducting a baseline study

Unrealistic targets are targets that are not achievable. Setting unrealistic targets may cause the project members to be frustrated and also lead to disappointment for team members, donors, or other stakeholders. It is therefore necessary to set realistic but ambitious target that will motivate team members.

I suppose we need to be ready to adjust our targets accordingly as our project progresses in order to accommodate unforeseen circumstances.

*Please share your thoughts with an example when you were required to make such an adjustment on one your projects.

I wish to know more about un realistic targets

I agree with you

It is important to conduct research in the development phase of the project, so we can set a realistic target and beneficiaries. The unrealistic targets may put the project implementation and results in jeopardy.

It is very important to set the realistic target. During the development of the project we must conduct a thorough analyze in order to understand the needs and set the realistic target. We must set measurable activities in order to reach the realistic target and implement the project sucesfully.

It is very important to set the realistic target. During the development of the project we must conduct a thorough analyze in order to understand the needs and set the realistic target. We must set measurable activities in order to reach the realistic target and implement the project sucesfully.

If the project team sets unrealistic targets it will make the project results in jeopardy.

Unrealistic targets will lead to frustration among project team members and cause the project not be realised
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.
Our targets should also be realistic so it could motivate team members to reach.
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.

targets that the resources available cannot achieve

Unrealistic targets are those that can't be met or achieved with the available resources,this then makes it difficult to achieve desired goals

In short unrealistic targets are targets that are over or under stated. There are two main disadvantages of unrealistic targets, namely:

1. Donors and partners may lost investment interest when under stated 2. Co-workers, participants, donors, partners and even yourself will feel disappointed because of underachievement if the target is set very high. However, it is a good thing to make your target ambitious but realistic and achievable!

In most cases I strongly believe that project designers project unrealistic target because they lack sufficient supporting documents or information about what has been done or what has not been done about the change they want to effect.

Unrealistic Targets are dangerous to project implementation because it can lead to unachieved planned impact. Resources can also be wasted to targets which can not yield any results. It is important for project planners to research before coming up with project targets, such as looking at the past achievement, what other project achieved with the similar indicators and also history trends for projects. Therefore there is need to avoid at all cost targets that will not be achieved.

Oftentimes, one might be tempted to set unrealistic targets for several reasons; it may be a project you are too emotional about, you may be trying to impress your donors etc. The rule of thumb is, however, to set targets based on data. This data can be gotten from several sources.

Was great learning about targets

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