Thinking Space

As TOGAF defines key factor in the success of an enterprise architecture is the extent to which it is linked to business requirements, and demonstrably supporting and enabling the enterprise to achieve its business objectives/goals. It further suggests, business objectives/goals to be “SMART”.

Specific – Defining what needs to be done in the business
Measurable – Clear metrics for success
Actionable – by clearly segmenting the problem
Realistic – within the bounds of physical reality, time and cost constraints
Time-bound – when the solution opportunity expires

e.g. you could define a business goal as “Launching this new international parcels product by Q4, business could get an additional five million revenue”.
This is much better than a vague goal statement of “by improving our international parcels offerings; business could get additional revenue”.

However be careful that the SMART goals are better for a steady-state situation than for a change situation. SMART goals presume the emotions, they don’t generate.

Use them wisely.