Grow | PRD | Smart Objectives Examples
Colleagues are encouraged to refer to the Academic Career Development Framework, the Research Framework and the Professional Development Framework criteria for completing
their objectives.
Research
● To develop, and design xx research proposals as a normal part of undertaking research, objectives and projects by dd/mm/yy which are successfully approved.
● To deliver xx presentations or exhibitions at national and international conferences and other similar events which receive x% of feedback from delegates which is rated good or very good.
● To apply innovative teaching techniques including technology enhanced learning, which create interest, understanding and enthusiasm amongst students, as measured through improved evaluation results of xx%.
● Attain national recognition of leadership in the profession or discipline by publishing research outcomes and /or presenting a paper at a (named) national or international conference to be held on dd/mm/yy.
● To be successful in obtaining x number of research grants/specific research grants by dd/mm/yy.
● To increase percentage of successful research funding applications by x per cent by dd/mm/yy.
● To improve External Presence by effectively managing the school’s social media accounts, and growing the follower base by xx% in the next academic year.
● To increase the number of Research students by investigating new PhD opportunities.
Teaching and Learning
● To identify one area for enhancement within my current learning, teaching and assessment practice, reflecting on appropriate evaluation from students and other evidence, and develop an action plan by dd/mm/yyyy.
● To work with relevant colleagues on the development of the new XX module for approval to be received by the start of the next academic year.
● To create and share Teaching and Learning materials throughout the academic year, such as Moodle platforms, textbooks and blogs.
● To develop a substantial revision to the programme structure and content of XX course before the next due commencement of XX course.
● Support the school in increasing student recruitment by XX% on previous year’s recruitment.
● To contribute to improvement of XX% overall satisfaction in the School’s Student Survey this year.
● To engage in continuing professional development in relation to teaching, learning, assessment, and as appropriate, related academic or professional practices throughout the academic year.
Academic Leadership
● To take on the responsibilities of XX Module/Programme/Subject Group Chair by dd/mm/yy.
● To engage in Teaching and Learning activity outside the university, such as external examining or membership of national or international bodies and editorial boards.
● To take on membership of XX School/University committee by dd/mm/yy.
● Obtain a role as an external examiner by dd/mm/yy.
● To lead in the management, support and development of xx research students by dd/mm/yy.
● To support or mentor xx members of staff in research area, including Early Career Researchers, to build capacity and capability by dd/mm/yy.
● To mentor and support xx new academic colleagues as part of their induction.
● To supervise successfully xx postgraduate research students in learning and teaching by dd/mm/yy.
● To undertake, complete and record in Core Talent, all PRD’s with my reportees within timescales set out by the University.
● To create a school learning and development plan for management team and whole school that connects to the university strategy.
● To ensure that 100% of information and records processed (received, created, used, destroyed) on behalf of the University are managed in compliance with the applicable legislation/regulations and internal policies e.g. Data Protection Policy.
● To support or mentor xx members of staff in research area, including Early Career Researchers, to build capacity and capability by dd/mm/yy.
● To supervise successfully xx postgraduate research students in learning and teaching by dd/mm/yy.
Professional/Technical Services
● To review the school’s filing systems and make recommendations for improvements to Line Manager by mm/yy with agreed implementation of recommendations by dd/mm/yy.
● Develop and implement an action plan to reduce error costs in accounting by dd/mm/yy resulting in accurate accounting report standards within two weeks of the monthly close.
● To effectively and efficiently take the lead on organising the logistics for a Conference scheduled for dd/mm/yy by achieving a score of 4 out of 5 on average from customers on the feedback form under ‘effective organisation of the event’.
● To achieve attendance of at least xx guests at a conference or event on dd/mm/yy by undertaking effective marketing activities.
● To up-date the Health & Safety policy document for X campus and ensure all staff are advised of changes by dd/mm/yy
● To improve customer satisfaction ratings regarding response times for processing requests from x% to Y% by dd/mm/yy
● To ensure that 100% of information and records processed (received, created, used, destroyed) on behalf of the University are managed in compliance with the applicable legislation/regulations and internal policies e.g. Data Protection Policy
● To ensure all student enquiries are dealt with within x days
● Maintain the AAA database by ensuring new data is added within 2 days.
● Student enquiries through the help desks are responded to within 24 hours of receipt.
Technical
● Ensure all laboratory equipment in building X passes equipment maintenance testing and produce an up-to-date inventory by dd/mm/yy.
● Produce high quality and flexible practical solutions for student project requirements
● Install and commission new equipment, processes or delivery methods
● Investigate opportunities for cross-school or cross- University collaboration in order to provide greater flexibility in service provision
● Liaise with external contractors and bodies on statutory test, maintenance and health and safety issues
● Liaise with academic colleagues on major developments involving space changes, refurbishments and new systems purchase
Leadership
● To improve employee engagement by x% as measured through the staff engagement survey by implementing the department commitments and actions agreed with staff so that DCU continues to be a great place to work.
● Revise the University’s xx policies in accordance with the requirements of external bodies, national policy developments, regulatory and legislative changes by dd/mm/yy.
● To deliver XX priorities emerging from the University’s revised Strategy 2021-2022, by the end of mm/yy.
● To undertake, complete and record in Core Talent, all PRD’s with reviewees within timescales set out by the university.
● To review a cross section of the school/ service PRD’s within 2 weeks of PRD completion date to ensure x % are consistent in SMART objective setting and learning and development planning.
● To create a school/ service learning and development plan for management team and whole school that captures, costs, resources, development method and connections to the university strategy.
● To ensure recruitment and induction process across the school/ service meets University processes and procedures so that x% of staff stay in post for at least 2 years after starting.