Learn in the textbookGoal Setting and Evaluation Metrics for Business Strategy
DefinitionA CSF (Critical Success Factor, 重要成功要因) is the deciding factor that determines whether a strategic goal succeeds or fails.
ExplanationMany factors affect whether a goal is reached, but to concentrate limited resources, you narrow them down to the few that matter most. A CSF is not a number but a factor stating what must go right for success, and only once it is fixed are a metric and target value set to measure how well it is achieved.
AnalogyLike a marathon runner chasing a target time who realizes the real key is putting in enough training mileage not to slow down in the second half.
Memory hookThe F stands for Factor. Check the last letter: CSF alone ends in a factor, not an Indicator.