Effectiveness describes a system or an organisation which is structured and functions in such a way that it leads to desired outcomes or achieves desired objectives, with regard to content and quality. An effective system is in other words a system that does the right things in terms of a given framework of expectations. Efficiency, on the other hand, describes a system or an organisation which works well, without unnecessary duplication, overlap or other forms of waste, and within the bounds of affordability and financial sustainability. An efficient system is a system which does things correctly in the sense that it makes optimal use of available means. Effectiveness and efficiency together constitute important principles for the assessment of past and future systems of higher education.
Effectiveness demands the continuous review of aims and objectives in the light of changing needs.
Efficiency demands continuous improvement of the methods and instruments needed to achieve these aims and objectives. Goals Against the background of the preceding chapters and paragraphs, and with a view to the proposals for transformation that follow, the Commission recommends the following broad national goals for higher education in South Africa. To provide for diversifying the system in terms of institutional missions and programme mixes. This diversification can evolve from current sectorally based educational functions and academic foci as new national and regional needs emerge, institutional roles and initiatives develop and planning takes root. To facilitate horizontal and vertical mobility by developing a single and inclusive framework for all higher education qualifications which provides flexible entry and exit points, as part of the National Qualifications Framework.