Microsoft Smartwatch: Applying SMARTER Goal Setting Concepts

This report examines the application of the SMARTER (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, Time-bound, Ethical, Rewarding) framework to the goals of introducing a new Microsoft smartwatch to the American and global markets. The two primary goals are to positively impact people's lives and to lead in technological development. The report assesses each element of the SMARTER framework in relation to these goals, concluding that the goals are attainable with Microsoft's resources and will bring significant value to the corporation, recommending investment in the project to surpass competitors. Desklib provides access to this and similar solved assignments to aid students in their studies.

Running Head: SMARTER 1
Application of SMARTER Goal Setting Concepts in Microsoft Smartwatch
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University Affiliation
Date

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This document discusses the introduction of a Microsoft smartwatch which is a new
product of Microsoft Corporation. The product is intended to be successful in both the American
and the global market. The paper aims at analyzing the SMARTER (Specific, Measurable,
Attainable, Realistic, Time-bound, Ethical, Rewarding) aspects of the goals of introducing the
new product. The two major goals are; to produce a product that impacts people’s lives
positively and to produce a product that is at the helm of technological development.
Specific: Lawlor (2012) defines specific goals as goals which are Cleary defined and understood
by all stakeholders. In the Case of Microsoft smartwatch the two goals are properly defined. This
provides a unity of purpose and direction in the quest to achieve the goals within 12 months.
Measurable: According to Davenport, Harris, & Morison (2010), a measurable goal is one which
progress can easily be assessed using particular metrics. The first goal can be measured by
assessing customer’s feedback about the product within a period of 12 months. The success of
the second goal can be measured by comparing the product’s technology against the latest
technology in the market.
Attainable: this means that the goals can be accomplished using the available resources
(Davenport, Harris, & Morison, 2010). By being among the big corporations in the Information
Technology industry, Microsoft has the required resources to achieve the goals by the end of 12
months. This concept will improve performance by committing necessary resources to achieving
the goals.
Realistic: Lawlor (2012) records that realistic goals are goals which are not so over-ambitious.
The two goals of Microsoft smartwatch are realistic since the company already has other

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products such as Microsoft windows which are using such advanced technology. This will
motivate the project team to work towards achieving the goals.
Time-bound: this means that the goals are aimed to be accomplished within a given time frame
(Locke & Latham, 2013). The two goals are expected to be accomplished within a period of 12
months. This timeframe will enable the project team to create project milestones.
Ethical: Day & Tosey (2011) records that ethical goals are those which adhere to social values
and principles. The two goals focus on using technology to improve the lives of people. This is
consistent with social values and thus the product will be acceptable in the market. Therefore, the
organization will have confidence while investing in the project.
Rewarding: A goal is said to be rewarding if its accomplishment brings value to the entity
pursuing it (Locke & Latham, 2013). The achievement of the two goals will result to higher
sales, profitability and position the organization at a higher position in the market within a period
of 12 months. This aspect will motivate all stakeholders to commit themselves towards achieving
the goals.
In conclusion, from the above analysis, it is clear that a Microsoft smartwatch with its two major
goals is a product that is attainable using the available resources. It is also evident that the
product will be of much value to Microsoft Corporation. The organization should, therefore,
commit its resources in investing in the idea so that it can surpass its competitors in the
Information Technology industry.

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Reference
Davenport, T. H., Harris, J. G., & Morison, R. (2010). Analytics at work: Smarter decisions,
better results. Boston, Massachusetts: Harvard Business Press.
Day, T., & Tosey, P. (2011). Beyond SMART? A new framework for goal setting. Curriculum
Journal, 22(4), 515-534.
Lawlor, K. B. (2012). Smart goals: How the application of smart goals can contribute to
achievement of student learning outcomes. In Developments in Business Simulation and
Experiential Learning: Proceedings of the Annual ABSEL conference (Vol. 39).
Locke, E. A., & Latham, G. P. (2013). New developments in goal setting and task performance.
London, England: Routledge.