EFFICIENCY
Charles François (2004). EFFICIENCY, International Encyclopedia of Systems and Cybernetics, 2(1): 1034.
| Collection | International Encyclopedia of Systems and Cybernetics |
|---|---|
| Year | 2004 |
| Vol. (num.) | 2(1) |
| ID | ◀ 1034 ▶ |
| Object type | General information, Methodology or model |
- “The relationship between energy (or material) input and output in a particular reaction of transaction” (H.S. FOREST, 1994, p.203).
This very general definition also applies to systemic processes and outputs.
Efficiency can be evaluated as the probability or rate at which a specified output is produced in specified conditions by some process applied to a specific input.
Efficiency evaluation implies some criterion about the relevance of the proposed course of action to the existing situation and, if the action is to be repeated, of the stability of the conditions observed.
Good examples are the frequently conflicting evaluation of efficiency in developmental projects, as for instance the uses of wetlands.
Effectiveness implies an observer and actor's viewpoint, and more specifically, presupposes efficiency.