Målsättningarna

Målsättningarna is a Swedish term used to describe the set of goals or objectives that an individual, team, project, or organization aims to achieve. The word combines målsättning, meaning the act or result of setting goals, with the definite plural ending -arna. In practice, målsättningarna translate broad aims—such as improving performance or relevance—into concrete targets.

In organizational use, målsättningarna form part of strategic planning. They translate a vision or mission into specific, time-bound outcomes and provide a basis for allocating resources, monitoring progress, and evaluating results. They can be quantitative (numerical targets) or qualitative (desired standards or behaviors) and may cover short-term operational aims or long-term strategic aspirations. The formulation typically involves stakeholders and is revisited during periodic reviews.

Formulation often follows structured criteria, commonly the SMART framework: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Well-defined målsättningarna are accompanied by indicators, milestones, and accountability for responsible parties. They should be realistic, aligned with available resources, and adaptable to changing circumstances.

Examples: In a company, målsättningarna might include increasing sales by a certain percentage within a year, improving customer satisfaction scores, and launching a new product by a deadline. In education, they could aim to raise pass rates or reduce dropout rates within a term.

See also: Vision, Mission, Strategic planning, Performance indicators.