Doelmatig

Doelmatig is a Dutch adjective used to describe actions, plans, or systems that effectively use available resources to achieve a specific objective. It emphasizes practicality and relevance, aiming to maximize impact while avoiding unnecessary effort, cost, or complexity. In this sense, doelmatig combines efficiency with alignment to a defined goal.

In usage, doelmatig is common in business, public administration, and education, where programs and projects are evaluated for how well they contribute to stated objectives. A doelmatig plan or approach avoids superfluous steps and focuses activities on what directly advances the goal. It is often discussed alongside related terms such as efficiënt (efficient), effectief (effective), and doelgericht (goal-oriented). While efficiënt concerns minimizing waste, doelmatig stresses that the means are warranted by the intended outcome.

Etymology: the word derives from doel (goal) and the suffix -matig, which denotes a manner or quality. In practical discourse, policymakers and managers assess whether a program is doelmatig by considering relevance, efficiency, and overall impact.

Examples: The project is doelmatig opgezet (set up in a practical, goal-oriented way). A doelmatig investeringskader (a budget plan designed to maximize outcomes relative to resources). De plannen zijn doelmatig uitgewerkt om de kerndoelstellingen te bereiken (the plans are developed in a manner that achieves the core objectives).