A S.M.A.R.T. objective must be Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Option A fully satisfies all five criteria. It defines a precise outcome (increase subscriptions), quantifies the goal (15%), identifies a target audience (25-45-year-olds), and specifies a timeframe (within a year).
Strategic Communication Management places strong emphasis on outcome-driven objectives that directly support organizational goals. Subscription growth is a business-relevant metric, making the objective actionable and defensible at the executive level.
Option B lacks a timeframe, C lacks measurable criteria, and D focuses on output rather than outcome. SCMP doctrine explicitly distinguishes between activity metrics (such as impressions) and strategic outcomes (such as behavior change or business impact).
Clear objectives enable evaluation, accountability, and informed decision-making. They also allow communicators to demonstrate value in terms leadership understands-growth, engagement, and performance. Option A exemplifies strategic rigor and measurement discipline.
========