Objectives
The objectives reflect how we believe the challenge needs to be addressed. They can be generic or rather specific, strategic or rather operational. Taken together, P2P objectives can be combined in what is known as an Objectives Hierarchy.
Global objectives provide a basis for assessing an intervention in relation to longer term and more diffuse effects or global impacts.
Intermediate objectives provide a basis for assessing an intervention in relation to its short to medium-term effects or intermediate impacts on both the direct and indirect beneficiaries of assistance.
Operational objectives provide a basis for assessing an intervention in relation to its outputs. Outputs can be defined as what is directly produced or supplied through the activities carried out during the intervention. Specific objectives provide a basis for assessing an intervention in relation to the short-term outcomes that occur at the level of direct beneficiaries/recipients of assistance.
P2P objectives need to be considered within the wider national and European or international policy contexts surrounding the intervention.
EXAMPLE – Objectives Hierarchy for EMPIR
EXAMPLE - Translating JPND objectives into an Objectives’ Hierarchy
Tip
As we move from the generic to the specific level, objectives need to be SMART:
- Specific: be precise and concrete enough to avoid varying interpretation.
- Measurable: refer to a desired future state (as compared to the baseline situation) so that it is possible to see whether the objective has been achieved or not.
- Accepted, understood and interpreted similarly by all who are expected to take responsibility for achieving them.
- Realistic: ambitious but they should also be achievable.
- Time-dependent: their achievement should be related to a fixed date or time period.
Tip
The objectives are usually found in the P2P Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda or similar strategic documents. They may not always be articulated into long, medium or short-term objectives. They can still be categorised as such as shown in the following example.
Guiding questions for identifying the Challenges addressed and developing an Objectives Hierarchy
- Why was the P2P established? Which challenge, problem, or situation does it aim to address?
- What are the main assumptions about the way the specific challenge, problem, or situation should be addressed?
- What are the short-term, operational objectives, the medium-term, intermediate objectives and longer-term, global objectives of the specific P2P?