Objectives
Introduction
What is the Objectives tab?
The Objectives tab is the strategic anchor within the Portfolio functionality of Fortes Change Cloud. It provides a centralized location where initiatives and projects can be linked to the objectives from the centralized strategies (from the strategy app) or locally managed objectives within the portfolio. This tab allows users to define, track, and manage strategic goals, ensuring that all change efforts are aligned with the organization’s long-term vision and priorities.
Who uses it?
The Objectives tab is used by executives, strategy teams, portfolio managers, and PMOs who are responsible for setting and steering strategic direction. It’s also valuable for project and program managers who need to understand how their work contributes to broader organizational goals. By linking initiatives to objectives, it supports alignment across all levels of the organization.
What value does it deliver?
The Objectives tab delivers value by:
- Ensuring strategic alignment: It connects every initiative or proejct to strategic objectives, helping the organization stay focused on what truly matters.
- Providing visibility and traceability: Users can see how objectives are progressing and which initiatives are driving that progress.
- Supporting performance management: With measurable targets and indicators, organizations can monitor the effectiveness of their strategy execution.
- Enabling informed decision-making: Leaders can prioritize initiatives based on their contribution to strategic goals, ensuring resources are invested wisely.
In short, the Objectives tab transforms strategy from a static plan into a dynamic, actionable framework—making it easier to lead change with purpose and clarity.
Supporting strategic themes
Strategic themes are fully supported within the portfolio. This enables you to manage themes directly, connect them to portfolio items, and ensure strategic alignment across your work.
- Manage strategic themes
On this tab, you can add, edit, and organize your strategic themes using the “Add Strategic Theme” button.
If the portfolio is connected to an enterprise portfolio, you can add strategic themes in two ways:
- Select strategic themes from a related enterprise portfolio (these are not editable in this portfolio)
- Create a new strategic theme that is only available within the current portfolio
Relating a portfolio to enterprise portfolios can be done via the properties panel on the right side of the page. You can also manage strategic themes in this panel.
Managing strategic themes
Each strategic theme consists of:
- A name
- A short name (2-3 letter code), which is auto-generated but can be edited
- A color, which is also generated automatically and can be changed
You can edit the details of a strategic theme by clicking on the label at the top of the list or in the properties panel.
The short name makes it easy to recognize and filter themes throughout the app.
Adding portfolio items under strategic themes
Portfolio items can be added under each strategic theme.
Use the “Add Card” button at the bottom of each strategic theme column.
Portfolio items can also be created in the Portfolio Funnel tab.
If an item is created somewhere other than the Strategic Themes tab, it will not yet be linked to a theme. On the Strategic Themes tab, such items appear by default in the No Strategic Theme list.
From this list, you can move items to the desired strategic theme.
Order of strategic themes on the kanban board
- The No Strategic Theme column is always present and cannot be deleted; it always appears at the far right.
- Strategic themes from enterprise portfolios are always at the far left, and their order cannot be changed in this portfolio. These columns display the name of the enterprise portfolio at the top.
- Portfolio-specific strategic themes are displayed after the enterprise themes and can be reordered. Change the order by clicking the top of a column and dragging left or right, or by adjusting in the properties panel.
Indicators on strategic themes and portfolio funnel tabs
An indicator at the top of each theme shows how many items are currently in that list.
Portfolio funnel tab details
On the Portfolio Funnel tab, each phase displays its name, a short name, and a sequence indicator.
The short name for each phase is a 2-3 letter code that is generated automatically and can be changed by clicking the indicator at the top of the stage.
On the Strategic Themes tab, the indicator for each portfolio item shows its current funnel phase, making it easy to see the status of initiatives for each theme.
On the Funnel tab, the strategic theme indicator is shown on each portfolio item.
If an item is not assigned to any strategic theme, it appears in the No Strategic Theme list.
Managing and removing strategic themes
Strategic themes from an enterprise portfolio cannot be removed from this portfolio, but can be decoupled.
When decoupling, all portfolio items in the theme are moved to No Strategic Theme.
Strategic themes created within the portfolio can be removed.
All items in a deleted theme are also moved to No Strategic Theme.
Assigning and filtering by strategic theme
You can also assign or change a portfolio item’s funnel phase and strategic theme from the detail page of the item, via the panel on the right.
The filter panel includes default filters for both Funnel Phase and Strategic Theme, making it easy to focus on relevant items.
Capacity planning and grouping
In the capacity planning tabs, you can now group by strategic theme, as well as by funnel phase or an alphabetical list.
The grouping order matches the order in the Strategic Themes tab.
Best practices
- Keep strategic themes up to date: Regularly review and adjust themes for alignment with your organization’s strategy.
- Use clear, recognizable short names and colors: Make themes easy to scan in lists and boards.
- Actively manage the 'No Strategic Theme' column: Prevent important items from being left unassigned.
- Communicate when removing or decoupling themes: Let stakeholders know where their items have moved.
- Make use of filters and indicators: Quickly find and monitor relevant initiatives.
FAQ
Can I edit strategic themes inherited from an enterprise portfolio?
No, you can use these themes in your portfolio, but editing and ordering is managed at the enterprise portfolio level.
What happens if I remove or decouple a strategic theme?
Portfolio items in the affected theme are automatically moved to the “No Strategic Theme” list.
Can I customize the short code and color of a strategic theme?
Yes, both are automatically generated but can be adjusted at any time.
How do I filter items by strategic theme?
Use the default filters in the filter panel for quick selection and reporting.
Need more support?
For step-by-step instructions or troubleshooting, contact your Fortes Change Cloud administrator or consult in-app help.
TODO: translate this document (user-docs/portfolio/objectives.md).
Source: C:\Users\MilanOzinga\Development\fcc\knowledge-base\docs\user-docs\portfolio\objectives.md