(a). Reasons for a mission statement

(i) Provides Focus: A mission statement provides the organisation with a focus for strategic decision. Successful companies use the mission statement to remind their employees about the direction of the firm.

(ii) Basis for decision making: A clear mission statement outlines the borders which will enable the firm to delegate activities to employees because all the decisions will be made within the framework of the mission statement.

(iii) Guidance for behaviour: A mission statement helps to create a work environment where there is a sense of common purpose for all employees.

(iv) Informs the public: Mission statements communicate the nature of the organisation to outsiders. Mission statements communicate the goals of the organisation and its importance to the outside world.

(v) The mission statement also enables the communication of company culture throughout the whole organisation.

(b). Characteristics of project objectives

(i) Specific: An objective should focus on a specific issue and not on wide ranging issues that are ambiguous.

(ii) Measurable: The objective must a have a basis of measurement to ensure consistency. This will enable the organisation to determine whether it is making progress or not.

(iii) Achievable/Attainable: The organisation must ensure that the targets set are within its means.

(iv) Realistic: The objective set must be realistic in terms of comparison within and outside the organisation.

(v) Time bound: The objective must have a deadline within which the target set is achieved.