One primary goal is definitely required and once you have that you need the critical path. When I took project management courses when I was younger, this was a point that was identified as a key principle behind successful project management. Understanding, identifying and properly communicating the critical path. The steps that are absolutely required to achieve the primary objective. Of all the other things that get added to your list, things that get piled on, you cannot forget, or get distracted from the critical path.
Guy Reams
