SMARTsjekk

SMARTsjekk is a quality assurance method used to assess whether goals, plans, indicators, or projects meet the SMART criteria. The term combines SMART, the widely used mnemonic for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound, with the Norwegian word sjekk meaning check. The purpose is to improve clarity, feasibility, accountability and monitorability by ensuring that objectives are well defined and trackable.

The typical process involves defining the objective, evaluating it against each SMART criterion, identifying gaps and risks, proposing revisions, and then rechecking to confirm alignment. Many organizations use a simple checklist or scoring rubric to standardize the assessment and document the rationale for decisions.

Applications of SMARTsjekk are common in public administration, education, corporate strategy, project management and program evaluation. It helps teams communicate expectations and facilitates performance monitoring and reporting. Example: a municipality aims to cut energy use in public buildings by 15% within two years by upgrading HVAC systems and lighting; a SMARTsjekk would verify that the goal is Specific (reduce energy use), Measurable (15%), Achievable, Relevant to sustainability goals, and Time-bound (two years) and would anticipate data collection needs.

Benefits include clearer goals, better alignment with strategy, and easier progress tracking. Limitations include potential rigidity, overemphasis on quantification, and the need for reliable data. SMARTsjekk is best used as part of a broader planning framework rather than a stand-alone measure.