Meginmarkmiðið

Meginmarkmiðið is the central aim or primary objective of a plan, project, or policy. It defines what the effort seeks to achieve at the highest level and serves as the reference point for evaluating success. In planning practice, the meginmarkmiðið guides decisions about scope, resources, and priorities.

Etymology and usage: The term combines megin-, meaning main or principal, with markmið, meaning goal or objective. The definite form meginmarkmiðið refers to “the main objective” and is widely used in Icelandic administrative, academic, and organizational discourse.

Context and application: In strategic documents, the meginmarkmiðið sits above subgoals and outputs. It should be clear, relevant, and aligned with the organization’s mission. It is commonly accompanied by measurable criteria, timelines, and indicators. Many contexts differentiate the meginmarkmiðið from more specific verkefnismarkmið (project objectives) or unit-level goals, while maintaining coherence across levels of planning.

Examples: In environmental policy, the meginmarkmiðið might be to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by a target year. In a business plan, it could be to achieve sustainable profitability while maintaining customer satisfaction. In education, it may aim to improve literacy rates within a population segment.

Limitations and considerations: An overly broad or ambiguous meginmarkmiðið can hinder implementation by obscuring trade-offs. Regular review is advised to ensure continued relevance and alignment with available resources and evolving circumstances.