The correct answers are: Specific; Measurable; Time-bounded.

You can remember the characteristics of objectives by using the acronym SMART - specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and time-bounded.

All objectives should be specific and deal with some manageable feature of the organisation or the individual.

They must be measurable, that is, have a quantifiable yardstick against which to measure whether they have been achieved or not.

Ambiguity and risk are not characteristics of effective objectives, although an element of risk or challenge may be incorporated.

The letters A and R stand for 'achievable' and 'realistic' (or 'relevant'). People will be discouraged if they feel objectives cannot be achieved.

Time-bounded means there should be a deadline to complete the objective.

Today, realistic is often replaced by relevant. An objective is relevant if it is appropriate to an organisation's mission.