Chapter 3

Question 1

What is the basic formula for writing a clear objective?

Answer 1

Clear Objective = Action Verb + Object

Story Hook:
Think of this like shooting an arrow:

Verb = the action of drawing the bow.

Object = the target you're aiming for.
Without both, you're just waving a stick around.

Question 2

What do all well-formed objectives have in common?

Answer 2

They describe a desired change or result using an active verb followed by a concrete object (e.g., “Reduce cycle time”, “Improve service delivery”).

Story Hook:
Imagine you’re coaching a soccer team: you don’t say “Let’s do better,” you say “Score more goals.” Clarity wins games.

Question 3

Why are connector words important in strategy development?

Answer 3

They let you link objectives logically, creating chains of reasoning (e.g., “Reduce costs so that we increase profitability”).

Connector Examples:
to, by, in order to, so that, thus, because, that will, then

Story Hook:
Think of objectives as train cars and connector words as couplings. Without the couplings, the train doesn’t move as one.

Question 4

What is the benefit of using connector chains in objectives?

Answer 4

They allow you to build multi-level hypotheses, showing how small actions support broader goals.

Story Hook:
It’s like assembling IKEA furniture—each step builds on the last, but skip one connector and the whole shelf collapses.

Question 5

Give an example of a logically connected objective chain.

Answer 5

“Reduce production cycle time in order to launch products faster so that we increase market share.”

Story Hook:
This is the strategy equivalent of: “Wake up early to catch the train so that I get to work on time.” Miss one link, and you’re late.

Question 6

What kind of logic underpins the Logical Framework Approach?

Answer 6

If–Then causal logic: If we do X, then Y should result.

Story Hook:
Think of it like a science experiment: “If I water the plant daily, then it will grow.” Strategic objectives work the same way.

Question 7

What is the difference between sequential logic and causal logic?

Answer 7

• Sequential: Events happen in order.
• Causal: One event causes the next.

Story Hook:
The sun rises before you make coffee (sequential), but it’s the smell of coffee that wakes you up (causal).

Question 8

Why is causal logic powerful in project planning?

Answer 8

It helps you test whether actions are truly contributing to results, not just happening in order.

Story Hook:
Without causal logic, planning is like connecting dots randomly. With it, you’re drawing the picture that makes sense.

Question 9

What communication problem does Chapter 3 warn about?

Answer 9

Leaders may tune out if the strategy lacks clear language and logical structure.

Story Hook:
Imagine giving a slideshow where half the audience checks their phones—you realize they don’t understand your “project dialect.”

Question 10

What does Chapter 3 prepare us for in Chapter 4?

Answer 10

It sets the stage for a shared vocabulary of project logic: the four levels of objectives (Goal, Purpose, Output, Input).

Story Hook:
If Chapter 3 is teaching you to play chords, Chapter 4 gives you the sheet music—the common language every project musician can follow.