Evaluating the Academic System

This paper follows two previous studies regarding an analysis of the efficacy and efficiency of the academic system. A bivariate, multilevel model has been proposed in order to measure the relative efficacy of each course by quantifying its contribution in obtaining a particular outcome, net of individual, environmental and coursespecific factors. The concept of technical efficiency is also presented and two evaluating methodologies, which are based on a frontier function, are analysed. Both methods take into account differences in students' academic ability (which characterize the university system) and these are analysed on a geographical basis, thereby aiming at an investigation of differentials throughout all the regions in Italy. The results of this analysis will be presented during the conference.