Final answer:
A "precise statement of results sought" is a goal or objective that should follow the SMART criteria in business or project management, ensuring it is specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. Such a goal allows for direct measurement and observation of progress.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement "precise statement of results sought, quantified in time and magnitude, where possible" refers to a goal or objective within the context of project management or business planning. This approach to setting goals refers to the SMART criteria, making sure each goal is Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. The necessity for goals to be measurable implies they should produce data that is quantifiable and can be used to track progress over time.
To ensure that a goal meets the SMART criteria, it's important to follow a structured method, and upon completion of an action or project, measure the results, which can be presented in tables or graphs as part of an experiment or project's outcome. These results inform the discussion regarding what has been achieved and help to draw conclusions about the overall success in meeting the goals. A well-set goal, therefore, should allow an observer to make a direct, physical observation of the outcome or process and provide a means to assess the validity and accuracy of the results.