Running head: GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

Goals and Objectives John Webb HSM/240 April 15, 2012 Brittany Mackey

GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

Goals and Objectives Introduction Every organization faces the challenge of operating efficiently and effectively. In order to achieve their mission, every organization must establish clearly defined goals and objectives. Organizations, large or small must consider the economic, sociological, political, professional and technological environmental factors when setting their goals. With the competitive increase in todays job market, establishing clear goals and objectives has become a critical element in the success of any organization. The process of creating clear goals and objectives is extremely complex within any organization; thus, their integration into the organizational approach means that the successful outcome of such processes is essential for organizational success. This paper will evaluate the goals and objectives listed for the AIDS organization and determine if they are clearly defined. AIDS Mission Statement AIDS is a modern approach to domestic Federal information distribution (AIDS, 2007). In researching and reviewing the information provided by the AIDS organization, it is clear the organization is partnered with several federal agencies, which are well known throughout the United States. In reviewing the AIDS organizations mission statement, this researcher believes that it is explained clear and to the point. AIDS mission is to, provide access to Federal HIV/AIDS information through a variety of new media channels, and support the use of new media tools by Federal and community partners to improve domestic HIV programs serving minority and other communities most at-risk for, or living with, HIV(AIDS, 2008, Para 1).

GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

AIDS Goals and Objectives In researching the website further, this researcher found the organizations goals and objectives to be quite clear. Although AIDS is linked to many other organizations with different goals, the AIDS organization goals are consistency, accountability and information-sharing (AIDS, 2007, p. 7). The organizations goals are simple and straightforward. AIDS want to give public credit to those agencies that work collaboratively with and provide them with facts/outcomes and lessons learned via the data received for their own analysis and communications use (AIDS, 2007, p. 7). In accomplishing such goals AIDS sets up meetings, lists postings, send monthly e-mails and facts sheets (AIDS, 2007). Concerning objectives of the AIDS organization, this researcher believes the objectives are also quite clear. In a brief summary, their objectives are to: 1. Analyze data, ease communications amongst the partner agencies and provide

information on trends and emerging issues 2. Increase site traffic and the presence of the website so that individuals are aware of

available HIV/AIDS related Internet information 3. they seek 4. Respond to public inquires to educate and inform the public about Federal Increase usefulness of site content to help individuals easily find the information

HIV/AIDS resources 5. 6. Market their organization to the general public for higher visibility Increase awareness of the presence of this organization in addition to other

HIV/AIDS related organizations.

GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

7. agencies

Encourage the promotion of the organization through word of mouth by partnering

(AIDS, 2007, p. 3-5) This researcher believes that the goals and objectives of AIDS are explained clearly within their site. Thus, when considering if the organizations goals and objectives are short-term or long-term, it is this researchers opinion that these goals and objectives are long-term. This organization has been serving the United States with much success since it was launched on December 1, 2006 (AIDS, 2007). Distinguishing Between Goals and Objectives The AIDS organization helps communities by providing useful information and resources about HIV/AIDS. In addition, this organization increases awareness of HIV/AIDS and promotes prevention and testing. The fact that this organization is governed by federal agencies such as The White House and the U.S Department of Health and Human Services indicates a long-term stance. Furthermore, another factor that indicates a long-term relationship to their goals and objectives is that at the end of 2003, an estimated 1,039,000 to 1,185,000 persons in the United States were living with HIV/AIDS, with 24%-27% undiagnosed and unaware of their HIV infection (Centers For Disease Control And Prevention (CDC), 2008, Para 9). After thorough research and evaluation of the organizations goals and objectives, it is this researchers belief that these are manifested because they are in an explicit stated purpose. The AIDS organization works with numerous agencies throughout United States. Through their defined set of goals and objectives, they help by providing extensive information and resources such as: 1. 2. Basic HIV/AIDS information - facts and myths about HIV/AIDS Living with AIDS - information and resources about living with HIV/AIDS

GOALS AND OBJECTIVES 3. Prevention, education and related health issues - resources, and prevention

information to reduce the spread of the infection 4. care 5. 6. 7. Individual rights and protections - for individuals living with HIV/AIDS Agencies and programs - provides information on programs and agencies Funding resources - provides funding announcements from other federal agencies Testing, treatment and care - resources for getting tested, receiving treatment and

(AIDS, 2007) When distinguishing between goals and objectives it is crucial to keep in mind that there is a difference between the two. According to (Chambers & Wedel, 2005), a goal is an abstract and general statement of desired outcomes and an objective is a concrete operational statement about a desired observable outcome (p. 65). When knowing what the goals and objectives are, this researcher looked at the overall idea of what they hope to accomplish. The objectives of the organization clearly specify who is to be affected and the circumstances or surroundings of the overall change efforts. Evaluation of Program One of organizations programs is the Take Control Campaign, the goal of this program is to increase the number of people who get tested for HIV, promote HIV discussions, stigma and risk behaviors (AIDS, n.d.) . This programs objective is to send a nationwide message in an effort to promote HIV testing. Because goals and objectives serve two different purposes, they are essential for this programs success because: 1. directed; They give the operational outcome toward which the programs operations are

GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

2.

The program cannot be evaluated for effectiveness unless there is an objective to

serve as a measurable standard.

Conclusion Ensuring organizational success is crucial within all aspects of its day-to-day operations. In addition, the process of creating clear goals and objectives is a must for any organization. Due to the increase and severity of recent corporate scandals, shareholders and clients want to invest in organizations well known for their ethical business practices. In addition, organizations built around the framework of clearly defined goals and objectives such as those from AIDS will be sure to succeed. Creating clear goals and objectives for any organization can be complex because they must be highly individualized; after all it is the defining feature which makes the organization stand apart from the rest.

GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

References AIDS. (2007). Http://www.aids.gov/about.html. Retrieved April 11, 2012 http://www.aids.gov/about.html AIDS. (2007, May 31). AIDS.gov 500 Day Plan. Retrieved April 11, 2012, from http://www.aids.gov/pdf/500_day_plan.pdf AIDS. (n.d). Take Control. Retrieved April 11, 2012, from http://www.aids.gov/takecontrol/ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2008, August 3). HIV/AIDS Statistics and Surveillance: Basic Statistics. Retrieved April 11, 2012, from http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/topics/surveillance/basic.htm Chambers, D. E., & Wedel, K. R. (2005). Social policy and social programs: A method for the practical public policy analyst (4th ed.). Boston: Pearson Education.