The Objectives Module in BigPicture: A Game-Changer for Outcome-Oriented Planning

Among the various modules available in BigPicture—currently numbering 10 (or even 11, including the Financials module in deployment)—one stands out for its strategic impact: The Objectives Module. This one is not just another feature; it’s a game-changer for organizations striving for clarity, alignment, and efficiency in goal-setting and execution.

While it may not be the most heavily used module, its value in maintaining the big picture of an organization’s objectives cannot be overstated. With a structured approach to objective-based planning, teams can shift their focus from mere delivery to true outcome-driven success.

Why Objective-Based Planning Matters

One of the key benefits of using objectives in planning is that they move teams away from a task-based mentality and toward an outcome-oriented approach. This is particularly crucial when implementing OKRs (Objectives and Key Results), where defining clear objectives without micromanaging the process can enhance team autonomy and performance.

The Objectives Module was initially designed for SAFe (Scaled Agile Framework), but it is flexible enough to work within any framework where autonomy, strategic direction, and clear goals are prioritized. Instead of rigidly defining how a goal should be achieved, objectives provide guidance on the direction to follow—offering teams the freedom to determine the best course of action.

Who Benefits from the Objectives Module?

This module is particularly useful for:

• Organizations managing multiple teams and projects: It ensures that all stakeholders remain informed and aligned.
• Teams that want real-time progress updates: Members can track updates in real-time, reducing the need for frequent status meetings.
• Project managers looking to optimize resource allocation: Managers can efficiently redistribute tasks to ensure deadlines are met without overburdening any individual.
• Agile teams using retrospectives to improve processes: Feedback and insights from previous sprints can be incorporated into objectives for continuous improvement.

Key Features of the Objectives Module

1. Hierarchical Navigation

• Objectives can be structured within lower-level boxes (e.g., Program Increments, Iterations) allowing teams to move seamlessly between different project levels.

2. Types of Objectives

When creating a new objective, there are two options:

• Basic Objectives: Visible only within BigPicture, not in the host platform (Jira Instance).

• Task-Based Objectives: These are directly linked to existing Jira issues within the project scope.

3. Drag-and-Drop Functionality

• Objectives can be easily assigned to different teams through drag-and-drop, making task management more flexible and intuitive.

4. Objective Status Management

Right-clicking on an objective opens a menu that includes:

• Completed: The objective has been fully achieved.
• Failed: The team was unable to meet the objective within the current Program Increment (PI). The system prompts whether to continue in the next increment or abandon it.

• Abandoned: The objective is no longer relevant and is crossed out.
• Remarks & Progress Tracking: If an open objective reaches 100% completion, its status changes automatically to “Complete.” If progress is lowered, the status reverts to “Open.”

5. Google’s Approach: The Power of Uncommitted Objectives

One of the most strategic features within the Objectives Module is the ability to set objectives as uncommitted, a concept inspired by Google’s OKR methodology.

What Are Uncommitted Objectives?

Uncommitted objectives are aspirational goals that a team sets, knowing they may not be fully achieved. These objectives help teams push boundaries while maintaining realistic commitments to their core goals.

Why Use Uncommitted Objectives?

• Encourages Innovation: Teams can explore ambitious goals without the fear of failure.
• Reduces Pressure on Deliverables: By categorizing objectives as uncommitted, teams don’t feel obligated to reach 100% completion.
• Strengthens Commitment to Core Objectives: With uncommitted objectives acting as an “escape valve,” teams can focus on primary objectives with greater confidence.

How It Works in BigPicture:

• Dash Line Indicator: Once an objective is marked as uncommitted, it appears with a dashed line and is excluded from standard progress calculations.
• Risk Identification: This designation signals potential challenges without derailing the entire project.

6. Overachievement Tracking

• Objectives can be overachieved, meaning completion can surpass 100% if additional value is delivered.

7. Linking Objectives to Tasks

• Jira issues can be attached to objectives, allowing direct tracking of work that contributes to larger organizational goals.

8. Ownership Assignment

• User avatars are displayed next to assigned objectives, improving accountability and transparency.

9. Prioritization of Objectives

Two key metrics determine priority:

• Planned Business Value (PBV): Ranges from 0 to 10, indicating the objective’s importance.
• Actual Business Value (ABV): Reflects the actual impact after execution. (Note: Timebox status must be IN PROGRESS for ABV activation, and it cannot exceed 10.)

10. Progress Visualization & Achievement Calculation

• Manual Progress Bar Editing: Teams can adjust progress bars manually.
• Achievement Metrics:
  • Count by Status: Only completed objectives are counted; abandoned and uncommitted objectives are excluded.
  • Count by Business Value: Uses a formula to calculate overall business value achieved. Formula is as follows: Total ABV / Total PBV * 100, All Completed, Open, Failed, and Abandoned objectives are accounted for in the calculation. For uncommitted objectives only PBV is taken into account (as an extra factor)

11. Security & Access Roles

To add, edit, or delete objectives, users must have one of the following roles:

• Box Editor
• Box Admin

Conclusion: A Must-Have for Agile Organizations

The Objectives Module in BigPicture provides organizations with a structured way to manage goals, track progress, and stay aligned with strategic objectives. By integrating Google’s approach to uncommitted objectives, teams gain the flexibility to innovate boldly while ensuring core commitments are met.

For organizations aiming for a transparent, outcome-driven, and scalable project management solution, leveraging the Objectives Module is a step in the right direction.