Which indicator is designed to be predictive and helps assess future outcomes?

Leading indicators are metrics that are used to provide insight into future performance and outcomes. They are proactive measures that help project managers and stakeholders assess trends and make forecasts based on current data. For instance, if a project is tracking the number of tasks completed in a given time frame, an increase in task completion can indicate the likelihood of the project being completed on schedule.

The primary purpose of leading indicators is to facilitate early interventions if the data suggests that the project may not meet its objectives. By identifying these indicators early, project managers can adjust strategies, allocate resources more effectively, or implement corrective actions before issues become significant problems.

In contrast, the other options serve different roles within project management. SMART objectives are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound goals designed to clarify project aims. Objectives and key results focus on setting and measuring goals and outcomes but do not specifically predict future performance. Lagging indicators, on the other hand, assess outcomes after they have occurred, providing a historical perspective rather than a predictive one.