Markmið

Markmið is the Icelandic word for goals or objectives. It refers to the desired outcomes that individuals, teams, organizations, or programs aim to achieve within a defined period. Markmið function as reference points for planning, prioritizing actions, and evaluating progress. In education, business, sports, and personal development, setting clear markmið helps allocate resources and measure success.

Characteristics and use

- Markmið should be clear, specific, and measurable, and ideally achievable, relevant, and time-bound.

- The process commonly follows identifying purpose, formulating specific markmið, aligning them with resources, establishing indicators, and periodically monitoring progress.

- In Icelandic practice, phrases such as að setja markmið (to set goals) and mæla árangur (to measure progress) are frequently used.

Types and scope

- Markmið can be long-term or short-term, and may be categorized as personal, educational, professional, or organizational.

- Process goals focus on actions or behaviors, while outcome goals target the end results.

Evaluation and adaptation

- Well-defined markmið enable accountability and learning by providing criteria for success.

- Goals should be reviewed regularly and adjusted to reflect changing circumstances, new information, or shifting priorities.

Relation to planning and performance

- Markmið are a central element of strategic planning, project management, and performance assessment in Icelandic-speaking contexts, offering a structured way to translate intentions into concrete steps and measurable results.