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Unrealistic targets can derail the implementation of a project particularly when the targets are neither ambitious nor realistic. To avoid setting unrealistic targets, projects should consider setting final targets first, being flexible incase there will be need for target adjustments and also be specific on what indicators they want to measure.

Unrealistic targets may lead to poor quality output by your team, missed deadlines or increased cost of operations. This may in turn lead to poor morale for the project team and possibly even increased turnover of project staff. It is therefore advisable to really set realistic targets in collaboration with project staff.

Alvos irrealista serão aquelas mulheres cujo estão na idade avançada

Target must be optimistic.

I think in targeting we might also consider institutional capacity, environmental and political concerns in addition to the available resources.

Unrealistic targets can be avoided by use of data. During the design of a project, baseline data can be collected and analyzed and determine the targets of a project.

Conducting a feasibility test can also be helpful in setting realistic targets. One gets to know what resources they have in place so it's quite easy to identify what's doable or not.

Unrealistic targets are those which are set without any base. Target should be based on the baseline data or former research or historical trend or other source of information like expert opinion, stakeholder needs/opinion, which gives the evidence and benchmark for setting the targets. Along with this realistic target are also determined based on project budget. Those targets that do not consider above points are unrealistic.

Target are commitment to attain certain results, so it is important to set appropriate and realistic targets. Setting unrealistic target or very ambiguous target make it difficult to keep focus the team members. It is also very important to take in consideration the money and human labor you have in hand before setting any target. you cannot have a limited staff member in hand an you set a target that require a lot work. it is important to note that failing to attain a target can demotivate the entire team and even make the sponsor disappointed with the work done. So to avoid setting unrealistic target it is important to do some preliminary study from past studies or project to be to hypothesis ambiguous but realistic targets.

These are targets that can not be objectively proven based on either historical trends or baseline data

Setting unrealistic goals or unrealistic target is a common cause of project failure. You will never succeed in measuring objectively your indicators. As a result, the stakeholders (beneficiaries, communities, donors) will be dissatisfied. So , when planning, we must take the time to set smart indicators, realistic targets in order to avoid frustration, deception, hurt of organization reputation.

Unrealistic targets is when you are baised and using your assumptions. Real targets you use baseline data, do some research. If there is no baseline you start from zero. Also historical trends are so useful to predict the target.

A balance should be reached between setting an ambitious target and the reality on the ground. Taking account all the information that the real 'world'of my project offers is key. The information that i should take into account are the resources available, the literature review (what other similiar projects were able to achieve), what experts in the field or area of interest have to say etc.
An ambitious yet realistic target is a good motivator to the projects' participants

Unrealistic targets can be avoided by researching on other similar projects and collecting existing data from sites of development organizations and government organizations

• 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. For example:

Unrealistic: I'm going to read 30 books on astronomy by tomorrow

Realistic: I'm going to read 1 book on astronomy by tomorrow

Making your targets realistic will ensure that you set goals that you have a chance of meeting and will help you work out what resources you'll need to meet your targets.

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.

it is unrealistic to assume a 100% achievement in any given project

Unrealistic target are the target that was not plan inline of indicators.

Unrealistic goals can best be described as the goals you’ve set, yet they are almost impossible to achieve. While setting goals is important, you should set goals that are ambitious, yet attainable.

Unrealistic goals can affect your employees both in the short term and in the long term.

That is great
" Back to lessons learned from previous projects"

Feasibility testing helps eliminate some unrealistic goals as well historical trends and the knowledge of baseline

I think sometimes we all give ourselves unrealistic targets and sometimes when we really stretch the narrative changes and we realise some unrealistic targets can become realistic.

Targets that are above your budget and Funding Capacity can be unrealistic

I think it is important to consider data from opinions, Organization report or any data before establishing target's level

Targets can be influenced by a variety of factors. I believe to realistically set an achievable target one has to set the bar a little higher from the baseline then increase accordingly during the course of the project.

The unrealistic targets means that we set the numbers and percentage that is impossible as targets and it is the highest ambitions at the project

These are targets that are not achievable either due to poor data collection or poor planning and could lead to a number problems if not failure of the project.

unrealistic targets might be an obstacle for the project team whenever the project budget cant is not enough for the targets to be met.

Targets must be realistic in order to accurately analyse the attainment of outcomes and impact of the project.

Unrealistic targets are basically targets set whose achieving is impractical under normal circumstances. Such kinds of targets are usually not supported by data and they are set either when one is extremely optimistic or extremely pessimistic. in other words, the targets are not real.

Unrealistic target is not optimistic. target should be realistic.

I have problem with Defining tools in the log frame work.

are we allowed to change our target halfway through, because we only realized that our target was unrealistic after starting our project

Unrealistic targets are targets that are unattainable. For example: if your impact is decreasing the rates of teenage pregnancy, it would be impossible to state your target as : by the end of the year there will be no teenage pregnancy in the country. This is an example of a very unrealistic target because not all teenager fall pregnant as a result of consensual sex but some are raped and as a result fall pregnant

What is the best thing to do in case the donors set highly optimistic targets with limited funds?

And sometimes with all this information some unprecedented occurrences may force you to change your targets. With this in mind it's good to factor some funds for those kinds of changes.

Data Collector is a person that will be responsible for data collection.
Data entry and data collate is a person that will enter the data to the data base.

Unrealistic targets

“It was decided, however, that he could still work, but not with such unrealistic targets,” Mackie continues. “The employer agreed to reduce his workload by getting another employee to share it, but this never happened, and the worker had a second breakdown. He then sued for damages, claiming the company was in breach of its duty of care, and he won.”

Since the European Union has finally outlawed workplace bullying and urged employers across Europe to adopt a zero-tolerance approach to it – and since the latest harassment legislation in the UK looks as though it will cover workplace bullying – there may be even more legislative avenues for claimants in the future.

Even if the setting of unattainable targets does not result in a claim, it is still likely to have a cost for the business, says Mackie. “Bullying costs employers more than £2bn per year in sick pay, staff turnover and lower productivity.”

Mackie insists that she’s not saying managers necessarily set higher targets deliberately. “In fact, I think the pressure often has a spiralling effect, in that they too are set harsh targets,” she explains.

She also believes the setting of unreasonable targets is on the rise. “There have been no specific studies on the issue, but research does tell us that long-hours cultures and higher workloads are more prevalent.”

Unrealistic targets

“It was decided, however, that he could still work, but not with such unrealistic targets,” Mackie continues. “The employer agreed to reduce his workload by getting another employee to share it, but this never happened, and the worker had a second breakdown. He then sued for damages, claiming the company was in breach of its duty of care, and he won.”

Since the European Union has finally outlawed workplace bullying and urged employers across Europe to adopt a zero-tolerance approach to it – and since the latest harassment legislation in the UK looks as though it will cover workplace bullying – there may be even more legislative avenues for claimants in the future.

Even if the setting of unattainable targets does not result in a claim, it is still likely to have a cost for the business, says Mackie. “Bullying costs employers more than £2bn per year in sick pay, staff turnover and lower productivity.”

Mackie insists that she’s not saying managers necessarily set higher targets deliberately. “In fact, I think the pressure often has a spiralling effect, in that they too are set harsh targets,” she explains.

She also believes the setting of unreasonable targets is on the rise. “There have been no specific studies on the issue, but research does tell us that long-hours cultures and higher workloads are more prevalent.”

These are targets that are too ambitious and difficult to achieve in a particular setting, due to reasons such as funds, time or resources.

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

I think our risks and assessment has a lot of role to play with setting out target ,what do you think ?

Unrealistic targets are in achievable. This is brought about by over-ambitiousness considering factors like:

1. Limited time, resources and expertise.
2. Poor review of historical trends.
3. Lack of insights from experts.
4. Changing or unpredictable events or seasons

The final stage or the intermediate stage of our indicators are called as the target and similarly the status of the indicators at the project inception is termed as the baseline. Although, it is clear that target have to be ambitus to motivate the stakeholders including team and have to realistic to ensure the targets could be achieved in the current contexts, the tools and tricks for designing targets are not so strong as in earlier cases like designing the logframe (esp. project summary, assumptions and risks). Are there any other tools to ensure that we had a balanced target and indicators.

Thank you.

Unrealistic targets are often set as a result of improper or inaccurate information in setting targets or just over excitability or a poor mood. When all information and data is used to create a goal, if there is a happening that makes the targets become unrealistic, targets can be adjusted.

In creating data collection tools one has to bear in mind the kind of data that is required, as the methods for collecting qualitative and quantitative data varies and one also has to take into consideration the resources that needed to gather the data. Resources like the level of training of people needed to use the tools and the cost of collecting the data.

previous project implementation can help when setting targets

Targets are important in every project. Establishing the right target is a tedious task. If the target was too ambitious or pessimistic, then reaching whatever target set in those circumstances could also mean failure.

Targets are important in every project. Establishing the right target is a tedious task. If the target was too ambitious or pessimistic, then reaching whatever target set in those circumstances could also mean failure.

we are running up and down to reach the target before the date line of the given date as we leave with only one month for the end of the projects.

targets should be achievable and be realistic compared to absurd target that are beyond the organization's capabilities.

Unrealistic targets

“It was decided, however, that he could still work, but not with such unrealistic targets,” Mackie continues. “The employer agreed to reduce his workload by getting another employee to share it, but this never happened, and the worker had a second breakdown. He then sued for damages, claiming the company was in breach of its duty of care, and he won.”

Since the European Union has finally outlawed workplace bullying and urged employers across Europe to adopt a zero-tolerance approach to it – and since the latest harassment legislation in the UK looks as though it will cover workplace bullying – there may be even more legislative avenues for claimants in the future.

Even if the setting of unattainable targets does not result in a claim, it is still likely to have a cost for the business, says Mackie. “Bullying costs employers more than £2bn per year in sick pay, staff turnover and lower productivity.”

Mackie insists that she’s not saying managers necessarily set higher targets deliberately. “In fact, I think the pressure often has a spiralling effect, in that they too are set harsh targets,” she explains.

She also believes the setting of unreasonable targets is on the rise. “There have been no specific studies on the issue, but research does tell us that long-hours cultures and higher workloads are more prevalent.”

Are these targets majors or minor?

are these targets major ones?

Hello guys

Unrealistic targets can cause disappointments to the self, the team or even the donors in an event that they are not achieved.
Unrealistic targets can also prove that the project is not willing to deliver with intended seriousness is the targets are too low and may even cause the project not to receive funding.
Therefore; targets must be ambitious and as realistic as possible.

Tagerts state the level that your project will meet by a certain date.

Real talk Sir.

As organisations compete for donor funds, programme designers and M&E managers can be tempted to exaggerate their activity targets in order to obtain more funding with due consideration of the capacities to achieve them. This often results in under-spending, poor quality of implementation borne out of a rush to spend before the next evaluation by donors, degraded efficiency, and misappropriation of funds. These issues plague many donor funded projects and programmes in African countries.

Only measuring and reporting the goal and outcome indicators
at the end of the program.
Making someone responsible for measuring the indicator who
has a conflict of interest.
Indicators and definitions that are not directly related to the
log frame
In the end the quality of work is reduced
Overrunning costs

I would like to know more about unrealistic targets and and how to construct a good indicators document

Hoping for my project to be successful without any issues

Setting indicatpor

Setting strong indicator helps to measure the performance in each level input, output, outcome and impact. While setting targets helps to define areas for implementation, required resource to accomplished this task.

how do we find out that our project are unrealstic

In order to avoid creating unrealistic targets, it's very important to create targets while referring to reliable and concrete data- whether the data is collected from an existing reliable data source, the data is newly collected by you, or the data is deduced based on historical trends and predicting patterns.

As human our instructive reaction to anything that threaten our job security or eating potential is to worry about it
Adjust your approach depending on what and how you sell

The idea of including what would happen if we face the risks and assumptions is a good way to balance unrealistic targets.

      Indicators and Targets

Makes job easier in determining success .
Most problem experienced in choosing indicators is the language that we use. We should use an indicator that is more understandable and can be easily interpreted.
In making targets we check previous implementation and achievements,kinds of resources
Incase of setting new targets we check on the risks.

unrealistic targets
Are targets we create not considering the resources we have,thus making them not being achieved at long last

Unrealistic Targets are not feasible to set.

Targets are best set using data not feelings so as to avoid biases influencing how targets are set. Also, targets must be realistic and achievable.

Targets can be unrealistic when the it 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.

Targets should be both realistic and ambitious. This means that it should be achievable considering the budget, time and resources provided. At the same time, it should be a somewhat of a challenge, requiring the project team to challenge themselves and put forward their best work.

However, I wonder to what extent realistic targets are biased to the individual. Does the individual's personal behavior, background, and skills determine what is realistic and what is unrealistic in setting project targets?

Targets should be both realistic and ambitious. This means that it should be achievable considering the budget, time and resources provided. (If it doesn't meet this requirement then it is an unrealistic target.) At the same time, it should be a somewhat of a challenge, requiring the project team to challenge themselves and put forward their best work.

However, I wonder to what extent realistic targets are biased to the individual. Does the individual's personal behavior, background, and skills determine what is realistic and what is unrealistic in setting project targets?

Outcomes: The changes measured at the population level in the program’s target population, some or all of which may be the result of a given program or intervention. Outcomes refer to specific knowledge, behaviors, or practices on the part of the intended audience that are clearly related to the program, can reasonably be expected to change over the short-to-intermediate term, and that contribute to a program’s desired long-term goals. Examples would be “the percentage of clients in a stop-smoking program who are nonsmokers six months after the program ends” or “the percentage of married women, ages 15–44, using contraception one year after a family planning intervention.”
Outputs: The results of activities achieved at the program level, in two forms: the number of activities performed (e.g., number of service providers trained) and measures of service utilization (e.g., number of contraceptives distributed).
Problem statement: A statement in an M&E plan that describes the nature and extent of the problem to be addressed by an intervention. It clearly states the specific problem and includes a quantitative element that describes the magnitude of the problem and its impact on society. The statement should also include a description of other efforts that are addressing the problem and definitions of relevant terms. An example of a problem statement is: A recent situation analysis of District A demonstrated limited access to young adult reproductive health services. Young adults (ages 15–24) account for 30% of the population in District A, yet reproductive health service statistics show that only 5% of the people using the services were in this age range. Anecdotal evidence from district health workers suggests a high incidence of unwanted pregnancies and a high prevalence of HIV among young adults. As part of the national commitment to improve the reproductive health of young adults, the Ministry of Health will implement a five-year project aimed at increasing access to youth- friendly health services, by improving the infrastructure necessary to deliver such services, and —in partnership with the Ministry of Education and Youth—by focusing on reproductive health education for young people ages 10–24.

A target refers to setting a goal or objective to be acheived within your project at a certain time or deadline. In order to set tartgets, we use indicators. An indicator measures actual results vs expected results. In order to set tartgets, we set a baseline. A baseline shows where your project is at the start,to include information of an baseline, you may look at previous data and resources, or if any data as already been gathered which is applicable for your mointoring and evluation project. Setting realstic targets is importantas it sees where the project is progressing toward. If there is a need for a change within the project a midline can be set when targets are too high or low.

For Denrocks out patient clinic,my project), it would be unrealistic to set an in patient facility as a target by the end of the year due to the unavalability of space, manpower and funding.
Registration with the local authorities will take quite some time

Unrealistic targets are targets that do not consider the budget, time and resources given to complete a project. Realistic targets, on the other hand, are ambitious in that they challenge individuals and teams to perform their best work, and they are also within reach considering the budget, time and resources available.

Setting unrealistic targets can be detrimental to the project and can demotivate team members. I do understand the need to complete projects successfully and on time to to exceed stakeholders expectations but I still believe targets should be practical to people on the ground.

Anyone that has ever worked in a sales environment will know how much of a misconception this is and will be happy to share just how difficult the sales rep’s role really is. The commonly-used performance-based pay structure (low base pay combined with ‘incentivizing’ commission opportunities) means that reps have little choice but to work hard to meet their targets or face a lean month. But, what happens when targets seem unachievable

Our targets for one project in Ghana were unrealistic in terms of the number of responses that we could collect from young women who could not read before and after the workshop. We were then able to readjust the numbr of question in the survey for future project to enable us to collect responses from all young women. Our target was to collect information about MHM from all girls. We adjusted the data tool so that we are able to collect this data and meet our target.

We use a data collection app that makes it easier for us to understand how to develop our means of verification.

Setting unrealistic targets can be dangerous for the project

Targets need to be realistic in nature so that they can be practical and achievable. Unrealistic targets may lead to inability of obtaining the desired results hence putting the whole project in mess

Unrealistic targets are those targets which are not fulfilled or completed in there expected time period and requirement. These type of problems usually happen when team is not set there target with practical approach, not consult with expert, stakeholders or there funder.

cleaning the city within a year.

A goal is unrealistic when the goal is something that requires more energy, skills, talents, and time than you have available in order to achieve it. For example, if you expect to be liked by everyone in your personal and professional life, then you have set an expectation that neither you nor anyone else could ever achieve. Many mothers labor to fulfill unrealistic expectations, thinking that they must give their children every advantage. But no mother has the time, energy, or skills to run her children to every conceivable brain-building activity while offering perfect doses of discipline balanced with unconditional love. Another unrealistic goal may be one that is not in alignment with your own greatest gifts and talents. A person who wants to be an actor because of the attendant fame and glory but doesn't really have the natural skills or talents necessary for the craft would benefit from redirection away from such an unrealistic pursuit.

In an event that your project is starting at zero, what is the realistic but still ambitious percentage of success to use??

If we are feeling optimistic, we may set targets too high. Likewise, if we are feeling pessimistic, we may set our targets too low. To set targets like an M&E expert, we will need to use data, not feelings, to set targets. This will ensure that we are not letting our biases or assumptions influence our decisions.

Unrealistic targets everyone involved (myself, team and donors) will be disappointed. I have learnt that it is important to set the final target FIRST.

Targets should be ambitious, but attainable. An organization I worked with previously had a certification program for new teachers. The organization set a target for the new teachers (during their first year as lead teachers with their own classrooms in under-resourced environments) to increase their students' test scores by a certain percentage. The target was not met, and we discovered that it was not really a fair target to burden brand new teachers with. Better targets could have included the following: a more realistic percent increase in student test scores; improved teacher observation scores, etc.

From the lesson some unrealistic targets are some that fail to take into account the local context of a problem and usually trying to solve a problem with a top down approach... E.g Technocrats at national level wanting to solve problems at village level without looking at the problem from a village point of view.

Unrealist targets sometimes may considered as bullying or harrasments to the one implementing the projects

Unrealistic Targets should be revisited and look at the data available mine opinion..

Creating realistic targets is a skill that comes from adept project management. Which derives from clear communication, an understanding of the scope of work, and having the experience of what is considered realistic or not for both the client and the team.
Unrealistic targets:
There are a variety of root causes that can lead to leaders to set unrealistic Targets. it may be caused by a perception or project managers are overly conservative in their estimates, since it is easy to underestimate the time and effort needed to complete work when removed from the process.
this could lead to:
Wasted money, Squandered people time, Diminished organizational change efficacy, Damaged credibility,
Damaged reputations, Damaged morale etc.
planning becomes a critical piece in managing expectations, during the project, keep the team focused on reaching those quick wins and intermediate project goals and milestones to demonstrate progress, Finally, at project close, document successes and failures honestly and accurately.

Great experience so far. Some times we get overly ambitious that we think we could change the world in 6 months. It's great to learn that change is a process and not an event. Targets are not static but fluid. Ambitious but realistic- great phrase.

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.

A goal is said to be unrealistic when the goal is something that requires more energy, skills, talents, and time than you have available in order to achieve it.

Another unrealistic goal may be one that is not in alignment with your own greatest gifts and talents.

yes and we need to employ strong targets and realistic

Setting a goal for a program/project is an important part of programming. A program or a project should not ideally have multiple goals. The goal is what has to be ultimately achieved; the final form or situation that we would like to see. But it is to be clearly distinguished from vision. Goal and vision are two entirely different things. Goal is more about where we want to reach and vision is more about what we want to see. A vision can be more idealistic but a goal has to be more realistic.

Some examples of project goal are:

1.   Increased income of landless farmers in the target area
   

2.   Reduced infant mortality rate (IMR)
   

3.   All children aged 16 years completing high school
   

4.   All youth aged 25 years and above employed
   

While some examples of vision are:

1.   No person in the target population go hungry
   

2.   Children living without fear in their communities
   

3.   No child dies of preventable diseases

Targets can be adjusted.
Strong Indicators should be objective,Practical to measure,Attributable, Used by Management in decision making.
When selecting indicators you should include both Quantitative and Qualitative indicators.
Indicators should not contain specific numbers or percentages.
Usually targets are what your organization aims to achieve by the end of the project.