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Effectiveness

Effectiveness concerns the extent to which objectives or desired outcomes are achieved. It depends on defining what success means and may be difficult to measure where outcomes are long-term, shared or qualitative. An organisation can operate cheaply and process many outputs yet fail to achieve its mission. Use measures linked to outcomes and consider external influences, time lags and unintended consequences when attributing results.

Worked example

A training programme’s attendance is an output; improved sustained job capability is an intended outcome. Effectiveness needs evidence about capability, not only low cost per attendee.

Common mistake

Do not equate spending the budget or completing an activity with achieving the purpose of that activity.

Where it appears in your exams

QualificationExamRelationshipPeriod
ACCA APM Direct September 2026–June 2027
ACCA MA Direct September 2026–June 2027
ACCA PM Direct September 2026–June 2027
ACCA SBL Direct September 2026–June 2027
FIA FMA Direct September 2026–June 2027