Which acronym represents the criteria for setting goals that are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound?

The acronym representing the criteria for setting goals that are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound is SMART. This framework is widely used in goal-setting because it helps individuals and organizations clarify their goals and ensure that they are appropriately structured to facilitate successful outcomes.

Each component of SMART plays a vital role. Specific means the goal is clear and precise. Measurable allows for tracking progress, while achievable ensures that the goal is realistic given available resources. Relevant aligns the goal with broader objectives, and time-bound establishes a timeframe for completion. This combination makes it easier to plan, execute, and achieve goals effectively.

The other acronyms listed do not encapsulate the same criteria. BALANCED refers more to organizational approaches that consider various dimensions of performance, TACTICAL generally involves methods or plans to achieve goals rather than the criteria for setting them, and OBJECTIVE describes goals that are based on observable phenomena or facts without the specific structure provided by the SMART framework. Thus, SMART is the correct choice for this question.