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There are a few reasons why a target might be unrealistic these are the target may be too ambitious and too complex

Overly demanding workload: If your supervisor expects you to complete too many tasks within an unreasonable time frame, they may have unrealistic expectations of you and be overestimating your abilities. While you may have the potential to work through periods of high demand in your role, consistently facing a stressful amount of work can make success unattainable.
Working while on vacation: Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is important for any professional—relaxing and making time for self-care can help you focus better upon your return to your role. Therefore, if you feel pressure to work while on vacation, it's likely you're facing unrealistic expectations in your position.
Meeting deadlines while short-staffed: If your organization or team is currently short-staffed, productivity levels might dip, which may make it challenging for you to meet the deadlines established while you were at full capacity. If your supervisor doesn't modify their expectations around deadlines during staff shortages, this can make reaching goals impractical.
Understanding expectations without communication: To understand your role at work and the tasks you're responsible for completing on a day-to-day basis, your supervisor and colleagues must communicate with you effectively. Without clear communication, it may be challenging to meet your supervisor's expectations.

Creating data collection tools can be a challenging process, but it is an essential part of any research project. By understanding the challenges and taking the necessary steps to address them, researchers can create data collection tools that are effective and reliable

Targets states the level that your project will meet by a given date. It is imperative to avoid falling in the trap of setting unrealistic targets; Targets can be unrealistic when they are too over ambitious or they are too low. As project managers and M&E experts lets ensure we avoid setting unrealistic targets; because when they are over ambitious we may fail to actualize them and tis will demotivate the team and in some instances discourage donors to fund future projects.
Further, in trying to avoid this trap of setting unrealistic targets, lets make use of Baseline information on the project, Historical trends, Expert opinions, research findings, stakeholder expectations and the budget for the project. If these aspects are put into consideration we reduce the risk of falling in the trap of setting unrealistic targets.

Setting target can be tricky at times, if you are optimistic, you can set your target too high, making difficult to achieve.
It is important to set target that are achievable. This way, your target won't be unrealistic.

Target can be adjusted over time.

in every tasks and plans we have target to reach the plans and what we we expect to achieve. the target can lead us to go straight and follow the direction like a roadmap.

Unrealistic Targets might not lead to actual proposed targets for project implementation

It is advisable to set realistic targets to achieve project set goals

Awesome presentation above. it shows the important of setting realistic indicators target

Unrealistic targets refer to those that are seem impossible to achieve. Zero probability of attainment they do not show a practical idea of what can be achieved. Usually such targets are set due to lack of information and research. Unrealistic targets can be overly ambitious and need a lot of work to be done which leads to frustrations due to not achieving the set targets.

Thank you so much.

Data management process starts by bringing in raw materials: data collected from the project. As the data travels through the rest of the process it is organized, stored, analyzed and, finally, transformed into useful products, such as reports and decisions.

Some of the questions to consider providing answer while working on M&E plan are:

What are the responsibilities - the tasks - that will need to be completed?

Who are the people who will take on these responsibilities, and what are their roles?

To answer these questions, we will need to consider the processes that happen after data collection is complete. These processes include data entry, analysis, storage, verification, and use. They are often referred to collectively as data management processes.

The targets should be realistic that which is measurable and achievable. Keeping in the mind that targets which is ambitious but realistic for team to reach the targets. Also the capacity and budget should be considered for having the realistic targets

Targets are very important because it will give your team the power to achieve the project. The targets also make your donors and sponsors trust you. But, your targets must be realistic. If your targets are unrealistic, you will not be able to achieve it. The donors will think before give you any fund. Your team will not trust you and do their best.

This module made me realized how important it is to strategically design and choose your data collection tools. and it is just one the tool there are other factors as well that can hamper the project data that should also be take cared.
Participants tracking form is simple yet very effective tool to collection data. I would surely use it for my next project.

Setting unrealistic target is not the best for M&E.

A. Low attainability.
B. Could be an outcome weak linkage between input-output-outcome-impact...or even a flawed ToCs tend
to yield more unrealistic targets.
C. Competitive mindset among the peers in the sector is the other reason.

An unrealistic goal is any ambition that isn't attainable, practical, or doable. When you set unrealistic goals, you get bored or burnt out and you quit early. To recognize unrealistic goals, check that each step of your plan is achievable. To stop setting unrealistic goals, make your goals simpler.

Unrealistic expectations are a challenging part of a project manager's work. There are a number of factors that lead to setting unrealistic expectations: lack of careful planning, inaccurate estimation of costs, resources and time required; ineffective communication between all the participants involved in the project

Too ambitious targets can be unrealistic

Unrealistic targets are targets that are too ambitious to be achieved. This could lead to demotivation of both the project team and the donors. These targets can be as a result of poor planning, inaccurate estimation of costs, ineffective communication between the team members, lack of sufficient resources to meet those targets among other factors. It is therefore important to set ambitious and yet realistic targets.

Unrealistic targets are targets that are too ambitious to be achieved. This could lead to demotivation of both the project team and the donors. These targets can be as a result of poor planning, inaccurate estimation of costs, ineffective communication between the team members, lack of sufficient resources to meet those targets among other factors. It is therefore important to set ambitious and yet realistic targets.

Unrealistic targets are those that do not fall under the SMART framework and would require more resources, time, and capacity to reach.

Unrealistic objectives are objectives that the project sets without having the capacity to achieve them.

We are happy to join your programs that will enable us to put into practice and make grow our monitoring and evaluation systems.

That very true. we must have smart indicators to achieve project's goal.
unrealistic targets can false the and corrupt output, outcome and goals

We hope our plans will have realistic and achievable targets.

we thank you

Unrealistic targets" is a term often used to describe goals or objectives that are overly ambitious or difficult to attain given the available resources, time, or circumstances. Here are some thoughts on this concept:

Context Matters: Whether a target is considered unrealistic can depend heavily on the context. What might be unrealistic for one organization or individual could be entirely achievable for another with different resources, skills, or strategies.

Motivation vs. Frustration: Setting ambitious goals can be motivating, pushing individuals and organizations to reach for new heights and push their limits. However, if targets are so unrealistic that they consistently cannot be met, it can lead to frustration and demotivation.

Risk of Burnout: Constantly striving for unrealistic targets without making progress can lead to burnout and stress. It's essential to balance ambition with practicality to maintain mental and physical well-being.

Innovation and Creativity: Unrealistic targets can drive innovation and creativity as individuals and teams seek novel solutions to overcome challenges. However, when targets are too far-fetched, they may discourage risk-taking and creativity due to fear of failure.

Resource Allocation: Pursuing unrealistic targets can lead to the inefficient allocation of resources. If too much time and effort are directed toward an unattainable goal, it can detract from more achievable objectives.

Adaptability: It's crucial to strike a balance between setting ambitious goals and being adaptable. In a rapidly changing environment, the ability to adjust targets and strategies is essential.

Communication and Transparency: Clear communication about goals and their attainability is crucial. Leaders should ensure that team members understand the rationale behind targets and have the necessary resources and support to pursue them.

Learning Opportunities: Even if a target is not fully achieved, there can be valuable lessons learned along the way. Failure, when approached as a learning experience, can contribute to personal and organizational growth.

Long-Term vs. Short-Term Perspective: Unrealistic targets can sometimes focus too much on short-term gains at the expense of long-term sustainability and growth. It's important to consider the broader impact of pursuing such targets.

In conclusion, the perception of whether a target is unrealistic or not can be subjective and context-dependent. It's essential to balance ambition with practicality, maintain open communication, and adapt goals as needed to ensure a healthy and productive pursuit of objectives. Unrealistic targets can be both motivating and detrimental, depending on how they are approached and managed.

I completely agree with the importance of conducting extensive research to set realistic and achievable targets for any project. Research serves as the foundation for informed decision-making and helps in avoiding the pitfalls of setting unrealistic goals. Here's how each aspect of research mentioned in your passage contributes to this goal:

Gathering Data from Previous or Similar Projects: Examining data from past projects or similar initiatives provides valuable insights into what can be realistically achieved. It helps in understanding the challenges, timelines, and outcomes of comparable efforts, thereby guiding the setting of achievable targets.

Utilizing Data from Agencies or Governments: Data from governmental or regulatory bodies often offers a comprehensive view of the project's ecosystem, including legal requirements, industry standards, and potential constraints. Incorporating this data into the planning process ensures that targets align with the prevailing regulations and norms.

Seeking Information from Experts: Consulting with experts in the relevant field is crucial. Experts can provide valuable input on the feasibility of certain goals, potential roadblocks, and emerging trends. Their insights can help in refining targets to match the current state of the industry.

Budget Considerations: Staying within budget is a fundamental aspect of setting realistic targets. A well-defined budget sets the boundaries for what can be accomplished. It's essential to align project goals with available financial resources to prevent overambitious planning.

Incorporating these research elements into the target-setting process not only enhances the likelihood of success but also improves overall project management. It ensures that goals are based on solid information, increasing the project's efficiency and reducing the risk of failure due to unattainable targets. Ultimately, research-driven target setting is a critical step toward achieving project success.

I completely agree with the importance of setting realistic targets for a project. Targets serve as guiding milestones that can help your team stay focused and motivated. Moreover, they provide a clear framework for donors and sponsors to understand the project's goals and its feasibility.

When targets are realistic, it fosters trust and confidence among stakeholders. Donors are more likely to support your project when they believe that their contributions will lead to tangible results. Realistic targets also empower your team to work effectively and efficiently, knowing that their efforts are directed towards achievable objectives.

Conversely, unrealistic targets can be detrimental. They can lead to disappointment, frustration, and erode trust. Donors may hesitate to provide funding if they perceive that the project's goals are unattainable, and your team may become demotivated or overburdened by unrealistic expectations.

In summary, setting realistic targets is not just about achieving success; it's also about building trust and ensuring the sustainability of your project. By establishing achievable milestones, you increase the likelihood of meeting your objectives while fostering strong relationships with donors, sponsors, and your team.

Targets should be set by learning about baselines, historical trends, expert opinion, research, and data to enable professionals set achievable and realistic targets. This puts the project in a more focused and better position to be successful.

However, in a case where one set unrealistic targets due to one’s inability to check trends and other determining data sources, the project is likely to fail by not achieving its objectives. This can impact on the integrity and level of professionalism of the project implementation organization or individual.

Unrealistic targets are those that are set out of emotions not based on data. They can either be too high or too low. Ambitious targets are good for securing funds from donors.

thanks team, I have learned a lot

Setting unrealistic targets in Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) can have detrimental effects on the effectiveness and credibility of programs or projects. Unrealistic targets are those that are unattainable within the given context, resources, and time frame

Unrealistic targets are expectations or project commitment set too high that the project over its duration may not achieve considering the resources and expertise available. Such targets are often the case when the gap analysis during project design phase is poorly conducted.

Unrealistic target are goals that are not attainable, doable or practical. They forced you to work tirelessly for success you desire even if you know they are not achievable

Unrealistic target means: We propose and set the target which is unrealistic, not possible to achieve. For instance: We plan to construct 10 study centers for children which would cost around 50 lakh (5 lakh per center). Actually donor budget in the call for letter is 30 lakh. Before setting the project, we have to see the sources like human, budget, time. In this context, the proposed number of study center is unrealistic...

It is really important to set realistic targets in order to gain faith and trust in the project.

unrealistic targets need touches to enable it to be realistic

An unrealistic target is a goal or objective that is set at a level that is highly improbable or impossible to achieve given the available resources, time, and circumstances. Unrealistic targets are often characterized by being overly ambitious, far beyond what can reasonably be expected, or not grounded in reality.
setting unrealistic targets can lead to a variety of negative outcomes, from demotivation to resource misallocation. To maximize personal and organizational success, it's essential to set goals that are challenging yet attainable and to regularly evaluate and adjust those targets as circumstances change. By doing so, individuals and organizations can achieve greater success and maintain a healthier, more productive environment.

Unrealistic targets can be a double-edged sword. On one hand, they can inspire us to aim higher and push our boundaries. On the other hand, setting targets that are too far from reality can lead to frustration, burnout, and the erosion of trust within a team.

Those targets beyond our budget limit, expertise suggestions and other related issues are called unrealistic targets.

I find it tricky setting ambitious targets that are realistic. The whole of this module is quite unclear to me.

I am M&E specialist for a program which will increase resilience to climate change but the program is 2 months behind schedule, can it affect the target?

i love the unrealistic targets...i have never looked at targets this way

An unrealistic target is one that we cannot achieve in the time mentioned.

I think unrealistic targets happen when people don't understand the project well, lack important data, or feel pressured to set very high goals. These targets can lead to demotivation, poor performance, and resource strain.
To address this, organizations should engage in comprehensive planning, ground targets in data and realistic assessments, use data and involve everyone who's affected, and aim for goals that are challenging but doable. That way, you can manage the project well and achieve what you set out to do.

I don't have anything to add to this discussion

This might be a waste of time as setting targets to meet results

Unrealistic targets can hinder project success by either setting expectations too high or too low based on emotions rather than data. When targets are overly optimistic, they may lead to disappointment and resource misallocation, as evidenced when setting goals beyond available data or resources. Conversely, excessively cautious targets born from pessimism can stifle progress and overlook potential improvements, as seen in the reluctance to set ambitious goals based on historical trends. Striking a balance by using data, considering available resources, and remaining flexible to adjust targets when necessary is key to achieving realistic and effective project outcomes.

Unrealistic targets are a threat to project success and good results. Therefore, it’s important to set realistic targets by looking at what’s achievable, what can be measured, and what’s within the project period, that way, targets can be highly achieved.

in every organization the are targets which are set to rate the performance or project improvement

setting targets may sometimes be tricky but it is risk taking

It is well informative

The targets need to be ambitious but realistic. This is so because you might end up having a target that you can not achieve at the end of the project. Rather, one needs to align with all available resources and consulting all required sources to come up with targets.

Having realistic targets is a tricky part of the MERL process, but alos a great way to better understand what is achievable. Looking at what is already happening on the ground in terms of improvement of the problem is essential, otherwise it is difficult to attribute the changes happening to your intervention.

You must give attention your target which is ambitious and also realistic. If your target is unrealistic, everyone involved will end up disappointed: yourself, your team, and your donors.

Unrealistic targets are those targets that cannot be achieved due to one reason or the other. For example, in the organization for which I used to work, increasing the number of patients in a hospital seen in a day, week, month etc, is not achievable. Reason being, you cannot control who fall sick or not and you cannot control those who would choose your health facility when they are sick

Setting an ambitious and realistic target attract donors to your project.

Unrealistic targets can have a number of negative consequences for projects.

They can discourage team members. If team members know that they are unlikely to be able to achieve the targets that have been set, they may become discouraged and lose motivation.
They can lead to poor quality work. Team members may feel pressured to cut corners in order to meet unrealistic targets, which can lead to poor quality work.
They can damage the reputation of the project. If a project does not meet its targets, it can damage the reputation of the project and the organization that is implementing it.
They can waste resources. If a project is focused on meeting unrealistic targets, it may waste resources that could be better used elsewhere.
It is important to avoid setting unrealistic targets for projects. By setting ambitious but realistic targets, project teams can be more motivated and successful.

Here are some tips for avoiding unrealistic targets:

Do your research. Make sure that you have a good understanding of the baseline level of your indicators, historical trends, and other relevant factors before you set your targets.
Be realistic about your resources. Consider your budget, staffing, and other resources when setting your targets.
Get feedback from others. Talk to your team members, stakeholders, and other experts to get their input on your targets.
Be flexible. Be prepared to adjust your targets as needed, based on changes in the project or environment.
By following these tips, you can set realistic targets for your projects that will help you to achieve your goals.

Targets shouldn't be way less or more that reasonable, and the following points below can help the organization avoid setting unrealistic targets;
Referring to the previous projects before setting targets for the new targets, with this an organization is able borrow knowledge from the previous targets and know whether it way to high to be achieved or to less to be realistic.
Referring to other organizations targets who have ventured in the same kind of project. This can help guide the organization to set realistic targets by acting as a point of reference especially if it is its first time to venture into this kind of project.
Referring to the your organization's budget, this can help the organization avoid making targets way high beyond what it can afford and way less and yet it could make more meaningful impact if initially planned well.
All the three ways listed above can help guide an organization minimize the risk of setting unrealistic targets.

Starting implementation of project with the unrealistic targets make project management unrealistic. Maximum times in the developing countries, Donor does not accept that kind of proposal where targets are not align with the budget. If somehow it starts, after several visit of donor organization in the project implemented site, they will shout it down. Sometimes, M and E officer arises questions in the first phase of the project to adjust the targets if he/they finds something unrealistic.

Since we know that our Donors and Stakeholders are interested in great results, we might want to impress them by setting high targets. Also being optimistic and confident, we might set our targets too high. That can affect the results according to the targets you would like to reach. So it's important, when setting our targets, to think about the realistic part to be able to achieve our goals.

Targets should be carefully set. Too much optimism can led to setting high targets and feeling too much pessimism can lead to setting low targets . Therefore do not let your feelings set your targets rather we should use data to set realistic targets.
Unrealistic targets are set as a result of poor judgment in foreseeing how your targets will be accomplished. Hence, when we set targets that can be ambitious but realistic.

Unrealistic targets are targets that exceed the set budget for the overall project.

Unrealistic targets are targets that are not achievable, doable, or practical. Generally, these targets set higher standards than the individual or team can reach.

Setting realistic targets is crucial for the success and effectiveness of any project or initiative. Unrealistic targets can lead to a range of problems and challenges, including frustration, demotivation, resource misallocation, and ultimately, failure to achieve the intended goals. Here are some key points to consider in the discussion of unrealistic targets:

Definition of Unrealistic Targets: It's essential to define what constitutes unrealistic targets for a particular project. This can vary depending on factors such as the project's scope, available resources, timeline, and external influences.

In conclusion, setting realistic targets is essential for the success of any endeavor. Unrealistic targets can have detrimental effects on motivation, resource allocation, and overall project outcomes. Finding the right balance between ambition and realism is crucial for achieving long-term success.

In the realm of Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E), setting unrealistic targets can pose significant risks to the effectiveness of a program or project. Unrealistic targets often lead to inaccurate data and reporting, making it difficult to assess true progress and impact. To mitigate this risk, it's crucial to adopt a risk-based approach to target setting. This involves a careful assessment of potential risks and challenges that may affect the achievement of targets. By identifying these risks upfront, M&E professionals can tailor their targets to be both challenging and achievable. This approach ensures a more accurate reflection of a project's performance and helps avoid the pitfalls of setting targets that are either too ambitious or too easily attainable, enabling more meaningful and informed decision-making throughout the project lifecycle.

Unrealistic targets are targets that are too difficult to achieve or are not based on sound evidence. This can lead to a lack of trust in the monitoring and evaluation process, resulting in a lack of commitment from stakeholders and a feeling of frustration.

1. Unrealistic Timeframes: Setting unrealistic time frames for data collection and analysis can lead to rushed and inaccurate results. This can lead to unrealistic targets that may be difficult to reach.

2. Unrealistic Expectations: Setting unrealistic expectations for the results of a monitoring and evaluation process can lead to unrealistic targets. This can be due to a lack of understanding of the data or a lack of knowledge of the context.

3. Unrealistic Goals: Setting unrealistic goals can lead to unrealistic targets. This is because it may not be possible to achieve the desired outcomes in the given timeframe or resources.

4. Lack of Evidence: Setting targets without sufficient evidence or data can lead to unrealistic targets. This is because the data may be incomplete, out of date, or not applicable to the current situation.

5. Unclear Targets: Setting unclear targets can lead to unrealistic targets. This is because it can be difficult to measure progress or success without clear goals in mind.

In conclusion, unrealistic targets can lead to a lack of trust in the monitoring and evaluation process and a feeling of frustration from stakeholders. To prevent this, it is important to ensure that realistic targets are set based on evidence and clear goals.

Thank you for highlighting the importance of risk-based target setting in Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E). Your advice is invaluable for ensuring that targets are realistic and achievable, thereby providing a more accurate assessment of progress and impact. I look forward to applying this approach in my future M&E projects.

A good target will conduce to good évaluation.

Unrealistic targets refer to goals, objectives, or expectations that are not achievable within a reasonable or practical context. These targets are often set without taking into account the available resources, time, or constraints, and they are not based on a realistic assessment of the situation. Unrealistic targets can lead to various negative consequences, both in personal and professional contexts. Here are some common issues associated with unrealistic targets:

Frustration and Stress: When individuals or organizations set targets that are impossible to reach, it can lead to frustration and stress among those responsible for achieving them. This can harm mental and physical well-being.

Demotivation: Unrealistic targets can demotivate individuals and teams. When people realize that they have little chance of meeting their goals, they may become disengaged or apathetic.

Poor Decision-Making: Pursuing unrealistic targets can lead to poor decision-making, as people might resort to unethical or risky actions in an attempt to meet their goals.

Wasted Resources: When resources are allocated to achieving unattainable targets, it results in a waste of time, money, and energy that could be better used elsewhere.

Damage to Reputation: Setting unrealistic targets and failing to achieve them can damage an individual's or organization's reputation. Stakeholders may lose trust and confidence.

Burnout: Constantly striving for unattainable targets can lead to burnout, where individuals become physically and emotionally exhausted.

Inefficiency: Unrealistic targets can result in inefficient use of resources, as people may focus on the wrong priorities or engage in activities that do not contribute to the overall goals.

Unrealistic targets refer to goals, objectives, or expectations that are not achievable within a reasonable or practical context. These targets are often set without taking into account the available resources, time, or constraints, and they are not based on a realistic assessment of the situation. Unrealistic targets can lead to various negative consequences, both in personal and professional contexts. Here are some common issues associated with unrealistic targets:

Frustration and Stress: When individuals or organizations set targets that are impossible to reach, it can lead to frustration and stress among those responsible for achieving them. This can harm mental and physical well-being.

Demotivation: Unrealistic targets can demotivate individuals and teams. When people realize that they have little chance of meeting their goals, they may become disengaged or apathetic.

Poor Decision-Making: Pursuing unrealistic targets can lead to poor decision-making, as people might resort to unethical or risky actions in an attempt to meet their goals.

Wasted Resources: When resources are allocated to achieving unattainable targets, it results in a waste of time, money, and energy that could be better used elsewhere.

Damage to Reputation: Setting unrealistic targets and failing to achieve them can damage an individual's or organization's reputation. Stakeholders may lose trust and confidence.

Burnout: Constantly striving for unattainable targets can lead to burnout, where individuals become physically and emotionally exhausted.

Inefficiency: Unrealistic targets can result in inefficient use of resources, as people may focus on the wrong priorities or engage in activities that do not contribute to the overall goals.

Unrealistic targets refer to goals, objectives, or expectations that are not achievable within a reasonable or practical context. These targets are often set without taking into account the available resources, time, or constraints, and they are not based on a realistic assessment of the situation. Unrealistic targets can lead to various negative consequences, both in personal and professional contexts. Here are some common issues associated with unrealistic targets:

Frustration and Stress: When individuals or organizations set targets that are impossible to reach, it can lead to frustration and stress among those responsible for achieving them. This can harm mental and physical well-being.

Demotivation: Unrealistic targets can demotivate individuals and teams. When people realize that they have little chance of meeting their goals, they may become disengaged or apathetic.

Poor Decision-Making: Pursuing unrealistic targets can lead to poor decision-making, as people might resort to unethical or risky actions in an attempt to meet their goals.

Wasted Resources: When resources are allocated to achieving unattainable targets, it results in a waste of time, money, and energy that could be better used elsewhere.

Damage to Reputation: Setting unrealistic targets and failing to achieve them can damage an individual's or organization's reputation. Stakeholders may lose trust and confidence.

Burnout: Constantly striving for unattainable targets can lead to burnout, where individuals become physically and emotionally exhausted.

Inefficiency: Unrealistic targets can result in inefficient use of resources, as people may focus on the wrong priorities or engage in activities that do not contribute to the overall goals.

Unrealistic targets in projects are goals or objectives that are not achievable within the given constraints of the project, including time, resources, and scope. Setting unrealistic targets can lead to project failure, increased stress among team members, and a waste of resources. Some common examples of unrealistic targets in projects include:

Unrealistic targets could happen from lack of adequate information at your disposal or setting targets that's not possible to achieve

Being ambitious is good but if your being ambitious could make you set targets that is not achievable makes your ambition a bad one .
You should always thrive to set a realistic and achievable target, rather than trying to be over ambitious and you set a target that is not easy to achieve. This could affect your credibility before your donor

Unrealistic targets may result from unrealistic assumptions and possible biases. It is important to check the feasibility of every set target, from availability of resources, time e t c.
It is important to do a feasibility check while setting targets

Unrealistic targets are dangerous in project management because they can lead to financial and material disaster. That is why it's important to master the selection criteria before choosing your targets. The targets must be SMART Specific, Measurable, Accountable, Realistic and Timetable.

Unrealistic targets are goals that are not attainable,doable or practical. This targets are set by teams or individual with Unrealistic expectations of their abilities and potential, this can be set overly ambitious, Unrealistic targets and frequently impossible to meet.when this Unrealistic targets are set,you can get bored and quit early.unrealistic targets are impossible to reach ,or at least very unlikely to be achieved, this can take your motivation and passion.

Hello everyone

The challenge of having unrealistic targets entails disappointments, frustrations, low ranking in the appraisal and low morale amongst the implementers especially those charged with day to day running of the project. It is prudent that the targets are realistic and attainable.

An unrealistic target, often referred to as an unrealistic goal or objective, is one that is highly unlikely or impossible to achieve within a given context or timeframe. These targets are often set without a realistic understanding of the resources, time, or effort required to attain them, and they may not be based on a rational assessment of the situation. Unrealistic targets can lead to frustration, disappointment, and a waste of resources.

For example, if a small startup company sets a goal to become the world's largest tech company within a year, that would generally be considered an unrealistic target. Likewise, an individual aiming to become a professional athlete in a sport they have never trained for and are not genetically predisposed for in a short period of time would also be pursuing an unrealistic target.

In business and personal life, it's important to set goals that are challenging but attainable, taking into account the available resources and constraints. Unrealistic targets can demotivate individuals or teams and hinder progress, whereas realistic goals can inspire and guide efforts effectively.

Monitoring is the systematic and routine collection of information from projects and programmes for four main purposes:

To learn from experiences to improve practices and activities in the future;
To have internal and external accountability of the resources used and the results obtained;
To take informed decisions on the future of the initiative;
To promote empowerment of beneficiaries of the initiative.
Monitoring is a periodically recurring task already beginning in the planning stage of a project or programme. Monitoring allows results, processes and experiences to be documented and used as a basis to steer decision-making and learning processes. Monitoring is checking progress against plans. The data acquired through monitoring is used for evaluation.

Evaluation is assessing, as systematically and objectively as possible, a completed project or programme (or a phase of an ongoing project or programme that has been completed). Evaluations appraise data and information that inform strategic decisions, thus improving the project or programme in the future.

Evaluations should help to draw conclusions about five main aspects of the intervention:

relevance
effectiveness
efficiency
impact
sustainability
Information gathered in relation to these aspects during the monitoring process provides the basis for the evaluative analysis.

Monitoring & Evaluation
M&E is an embedded concept and constitutive part of every project or programme design (“must be”). M&E is not an imposed control instrument by the donor or an optional accessory (“nice to have”) of any project or programme. M&E is ideally understood as dialogue on development and its progress between all stakeholders.

In general, monitoring is integral to evaluation. During an evaluation, information from previous monitoring processes is used to understand the ways in which the project or programme developed and stimulated change. Monitoring focuses on the measurement of the following aspects of an intervention:

On quantity and quality of the implemented activities (outputs: What do we do? How do we manage our activities?)
On processes inherent to a project or programme (outcomes: What were the effects /changes that occurred as a result of your intervention?)
On processes external to an intervention (impact: Which broader, long-term effects were triggered by the implemented activities in combination with other environmental factors?)
The evaluation process is an analysis or interpretation of the collected data which delves deeper into the relationships between the results of the project/programme, the effects produced by the project/programme and the overall impact of the project/programme.

Overly Ambitious Timeframes: Setting a project completion date that is significantly shorter than what is realistically achievable given the scope and resources available.

Aiming for 100% customer satisfaction, which may not be achievable due to varying customer expectations and needs.

these are targets that are huge and fail to meet expectation of the M and E strategy

Which criteria can help me set up realistic target?

Unrealistic targets can be detrimental to any project. It is important to know your teams capacity, time capacity, financial capacity among other aspects. Unrealistic targets will most time hit below that target and serve as a demotivating factor to the team members involved and probably transfer the same attitude to other parallel projects. The outcome is a demotivated team, hitting low targets and eventual death of the project all together.

Start with the end in mind. What do you want to achieve, e.g. in a project seeking to reduce the amount of litter in an area, you can say; install 10 bins in area XYZ in 2 months. Then you work back, how to source them, from where, by whom, etc

It is very important to set realistic targets and posible to adjust targets.
I will like to know at what point can targets be adjusted, is it before the commencement of project, middle of project or at any point of project implementation?
Thanks

Unrealistic targets refer to goals or objectives that are set at a level that is highly unlikely or impossible to achieve given the available resources, time frame, or circumstances. When it comes to Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) duties, unrealistic targets can have several negative effects:

1. Loss of Credibility: Setting targets that are clearly unattainable can erode the credibility of the project or program. Stakeholders may become skeptical about the validity and effectiveness of the M&E process.

2. Demotivation of Stakeholders: Unrealistic targets can demotivate individuals and teams working towards achieving them. When people feel that their efforts are unlikely to lead to success, they may become disengaged or demoralized.

3. Misallocation of Resources: Resources may be misallocated if they are directed towards achieving targets that are fundamentally unattainable. This can lead to inefficiencies and wasted resources.

4. Undermining Trust in the M&E Process: Unrealistic targets may lead stakeholders to question the reliability and integrity of the M&E process. They may start to view it as a checkbox exercise rather than a genuine tool for assessing progress and making informed decisions.

5. Inaccurate Assessment of Progress: If targets are unrealistic, the M&E process may inaccurately suggest that progress is being made when it is not. This can lead to a false sense of achievement and hinder the identification of necessary adjustments.

6. Difficulty in Learning from Results: Unrealistic targets can make it harder to extract meaningful lessons from the evaluation process. If targets are not aligned with what is actually achievable, it becomes challenging to identify areas for improvement and best practices.

To mitigate these effects, it's crucial to set targets that are SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) and grounded in a realistic understanding of the context and available resources. Regular review and adjustment of targets may also be necessary as circumstances change. This ensures that the M&E process remains a valuable tool for informed decision-making and continuous improvement.

setting unrealistic targets can be very common in our day to day life.
this can be seen where people set targets based on their age. for example, some one can say that by the time i an 24 years i should have built a house, bought a car etc. this can be unrealistic because by this age, some people are just starting their careers therefore the financial resources are limited. this can be an example of an unrealistic targets in our day to day lifes.

setting unrealistic targets can be very common in our day to day life.
this can be seen where people set targets based on their age. for example, some one can say that by the time i an 24 years i should have built a house, bought a car etc. this can be unrealistic because by this age, some people are just starting their careers therefore the financial resources are limited. this can be an example of an unrealistic targets in our day to day lifes.

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. Sometimes we are too optimistic about our targets without reconsider about the historical data in previous projects or situation. Thus, will affect to unspecific targets and outcomes.

If we want to handle this biases, we have to gather information as much as we can to decide the realistic and reliable targets. I strongly believe it can reduce unrealistic data we might create.

Creating data collection tools needs consideration about details information we want to collect, our targets or participants background, and other factors such as budget, and access.

Unrealistic targets would include reaching bigger numbers as opposed to project reach and available resources.

Unrealistic targets are a challenging part of project management. There are a number of factors that lead to unrealistic targets: lack of careful planning, inaccurate estimation of costs, resources, and time required, and ineffective communication between all the participants involved in the project.

Unrealistic targets are a challenging part of project management. There are a number of factors that lead to unrealistic targets: lack of careful planning, inaccurate estimation of costs, resources and time required; ineffective communication between all the participants involved in the project.

Total agree with you

Setting a target is very important. Sometime the distinguishing between a target and a indicator is confusing. I am happy to have learned the thin line that separates the two.

Setting a target is very important. Sometime the distinguishing between a target and a indicator is confusing. I am happy to have learned the thin line that separates the two.

Unrealistic targets often lead to failure