The first step in measuring the objective is to define success indicators which help determine the extent to which the desire activity in the strategic action plan has occurred. Other success indicators could also be used. The results of the success indicators should be written and kept for review. The next step in measurement is to determine whether the desired action has resulted in the desired result. Careful thought should be given to correlation between the objective as written and the target.
Strategic planning provides a vision for the ultimate result.
Goals identify weaknesses in current practice and call for new initiatives or actions to remedy the problems. Success is not in the ineffective activity, but in accomplishing the desired results. Thus the anticipated outcome must result. This also is measurable. The mentoring program is one possible activity to increase the persistence, but what matters here is not how many students visit advisors but how many students persist.