In our strategic planning framework we are using the following definitions:

Mission:

Reason for being; purpose.

Goal:

On-going behavioral target related to the mission.

Objective:

Measurable step supporting a goal. Achieving an objective consumes resources.

Strategy:

The approach chosen to achieve an objective; the set of activities or projects designed to achieve the objective.

Tactic:

An activity or project that supports a strategy.

Task:

A discrete, measurable step that is part of a tactic.

It is implicit that the mission of any function within VUMC must be aligned with one or more components of VUMC's larger mission. In this initial planning phase, we have defined the mission for the information management function within VUMC and have identified what we feel to be the most significant goals to support that mission. In addition, we have defined objectives for each goal.