Målträd

Målträd is a planning and analysis tool used to illustrate how a central objective can be achieved through a hierarchy of subgoals, tasks, and milestones. The diagram resembles a tree, with the main goal at the top and branches representing the steps needed to reach it. The term is used in Swedish management, education, and development contexts.

To construct a målträd, start with a clearly defined top-level goal. Next, identify subgoals that are necessary or sufficient to realize the main objective. Each subgoal can be further decomposed into concrete actions, deliverables, or milestones. The process is iterative: feedback from stakeholders may lead to reorganization or redefinition of branches. When useful, performance indicators or success criteria are attached to branches to guide measurement.

Målträd is used for planning, alignment, and communication. It helps teams visualize cause-effect relationships, identify dependencies, and prioritize work. In workshops, it can facilitate discussion about what must be true for the goal to be achieved and who is responsible for each element. The tool is related to logic models and outcome mapping and may be used alongside other planning methods such as project timelines or risk assessments.

Benefits include improved clarity, shared understanding, and structured decision making. Limitations include potential oversimplification, the risk of creating too many branches, and the need for regular updates as assumptions change. A målträd is most effective when kept purpose-driven and maintained as a living document.