Effectiveness and efficiency are two of the seven quality management principles that form the basis of ISO
9001. According to ISO 9000:2015, clause 3.2.14, effectiveness is the "extent to which planned activities are realized and planned results achieved". According to clause 3.2.15, efficiency is the "relationship between the result achieved and the resources used". In other words, effectiveness is about doing the right things, and efficiency is about doing things right. ISO 9001:2015, clause 10.3, requires the organisation to continually improve the suitability, adequacy, and effectiveness of the quality management system. This implies that the organisation should also improve the efficiency of its processes, products, and services, as efficiency is a key factor in achieving customer satisfaction, reducing costs, and increasing profitability. Some of the ways that the organisation can improve its effectiveness and efficiency are: - Establishing SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound) objectives and monitoring their progress - Implementing the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycle to plan, execute, evaluate, and improve its activities - Applying the process approach to manage its interrelated processes as a coherent system - Using evidence-based decision making to analyse data and information and take appropriate actions - Seeking feedback from customers and other interested parties and addressing their needs and expectations - Identifying and addressing risks and opportunities that can affect its performance and conformity - Encouraging innovation and creativity to find new and better ways of doing things - Benchmarking its performance against best practices and industry standards - Providing training and development opportunities for its personnel to enhance their competence and motivation 12345 References:
1: ISO 9000:2015 - Quality management systems - Fundamentals and vocabulary
2: ISO 9001:2015 - Quality management systems - Requirements
3: ISO 9001 Explained: A Comprehensive Guide to Quality Management Systems - ISMS.online
4: The 7 Principles of ISO 9001 | ISO Standards Explained
5: Key Elements of an ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System