Overview

Overview

This intensive workshop will provide an introduction to the use of techniques for measuring the relative efficiency of public sector organisations. The two measurement tools concentrated on will be Stochastic Frontier Analysis (SFA) which is a form of econometric model, and Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) which is a form of linear optimisation.

It also includes sessions on how to analyse data about the individuals served by organisations, such as patients in hospitals or children in schools.

Objectives

Areas to be covered in this course include:

• the context and purpose of productivity and efficiency measurement
• the economic theories underpinning efficiency measurement techniques
• how to conduct analysis
• the similarities and differences between techniques
• the interpretation and application of results to support policy objectives

The workshop will introduce participants to computer software (including Limdep, Stata, DEAP, and Frontier Analyst) with which they will be able to apply the techniques to data during practical sessions. Throughout the workshop there will be a strong focus on the policy interest in these techniques.

The presenters have worked extensively in this area and will guide participants through the potential pitfalls of measuring efficiency using case studies and practical examples. Rowena Jacobs, Peter C Smith and Andrew Street authored Measuring Efficiency in Health Care: analytic techniques and health policy, a copy of which is given to each registrant.

Prerequisites

The workshop is suitable for researchers, analysts in central and local government, and PhD students. The expected knowledge level is for participants to have rudimentary/introductory statistics and economic knowledge to first year undergraduate level (eg basic production functions). It is also recommended that participants have a basic knowledge of computing (eg handling datasets in Excel).

Course dates

Course dates

16 - 19 October 2012

• Alcuin Research Resource Centre
• Centre for Health Economics, University of York

Programme

Course programme

Day one

• registration and refreshments
• Introduction to computer software: Stata
• Introduction to efficiency measurement: formulating models of the production process
• Data envelopment analysis: cross-sectional analysis
• DEA cross-sectional computer session
• drinks reception

Day two

• Data envelopment analysis: Malmquist theory and application
• Stochastic frontier analysis: cross-sectional analysis
• SFA cross-sectional computer session
• dinner in York city centre

Day three

• Stochastic frontier analysis: panel data analysis
• SFA panel computer session
• Comparison of measurement techniques and conclusions
• use of individual-level data when analysing organisational performance
• computer session: individual-level analysis

Day four

• computer session: organisational-level analysis
• conclusions, questions and wrapping-up

Presenters

Presenters

The tutors for this course will be:

• Chris Bojke
  senior research fellow
• Adriana Castelli 
  research fellow
• Silvio Daidone
  research fellow
• Rowena Jacobs
  senior research fellow  
• Andrew Street
  professor 

Registration

Registration

Registration is managed on line: Registration

Fees

Fees are fully inclusive of tuition, lunch, course dinner and course materials, but do not include accommodation. VAT is not payable. Transferring between courses is not possible.

A limited number of subsidised places are available to full time PhD students. If applying, you are required to provide a summary of your research project (max. 300 words), together with the registration form. These places are allocated at the discretion of the organisers

Cancellations and alterations

A full refund of course fees (less 10% administrative charge) will be made for cancellations received in writing at least one month prior to the workshop. Substitutes can be made but please email new delegates details when known to Gillian Robinson. Cancellations made less than one month prior to the workshops are non-refundable/non-changeable.

In the unlikely event that, due to unforeseen circumstances, the course has to be cancelled by the University of York, our liability is limited to refund of workshop fees. We recommend delegates have adequate insurance cover to claim any travel or personal expenses.

Accommodation

A limited amount of accommodation is available on campus, allocated on a first come first served basis. Once registered, the course administrator will give further information on booking direct with York Conferences.  The cost of this accommodation is additional to the course fee.

Alternatively, there are a large number of hotels and guest houses in York. See the YorkPress 'Where to stay' guide for