ill-defined objective
[/ɪl dɪˈfaɪnd əbˈdʒɛktɪv/]
noun phrasepl: ill-defined objectives
objetivo mal definido
1. A goal or purpose that lacks clarity, specificity, or clear measurable criteria, making it difficult to determine success or progress
The project failed because the team was working toward an ill-defined objective without clear metrics.
O projeto fracassou porque a equipe estava trabalhando em direção a um objetivo mal definido sem métricas claras.
2. In business and project management, a target that is vague, ambiguous, or poorly communicated to stakeholders
An ill-defined objective can lead to wasted resources and team frustration.
Um objetivo mal definido pode levar ao desperdício de recursos e frustração da equipe.
3. A goal that lacks specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) criteria
Management presented an ill-defined objective: 'improve customer satisfaction' without specifying how or by when.
A gerência apresentou um objetivo mal definido: 'melhorar a satisfação do cliente' sem especificar como ou quando.
In both Brazilian and American business cultures, ill-defined objectives are viewed negatively and often attributed to poor management or lack of strategic planning. In Brazil, there is particular emphasis on the importance of clarity in hierarchical organizations, while in the USA, this concept is closely tied to the SMART goals framework popularized in project management and startup culture.
NYC Slang
fuzzy goal / wishy-washy target
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