Paolo Tartaglia Polcini

Identifying future directions for IC research in education: a literature review

It is important to have a literature review to open any special issue as a way of introducing the state-of-the-art topics and link past research with the papers appearing in this special issue on IC in education. The paper aims to discuss this issue.,This research uses the structured literature to investigate the state-of-the-art and future directions of IC literature in education. In total, 47 articles are explored including nine from this special issue.,IC in education research is concentrated in Europe and mainly addresses IC in universities. Additionally, current IC research is progressing by examining IC practices inside universities using a third-stage IC approach, with new research also concentrating on third-mission outcomes, thus there is scope to continue IC and education research beyond universities. IC in education can also expand into fifth stage IC research, which abandons the boundaries of the educational institution and concentrate on the impact of IC and education on multiple stakeholders.,Current IC in education research is too narrow and mainly investigates IC in European contexts using case study methodology. However, there is ample scope to widen research that develops new frameworks in different educational and country contexts using a wider range of research methodologies. IC in education needs to expand its boundaries so it does not lose its relevance, and thus be able to contribute to wider policy debates.,This paper presents the current state-of-the-art structured literature review of the articles investigating IC in education.

Performance Measurement Systems in Universities: A Critical Review of the Italian System

This research focuses on the development of performance measurement systems (PMS) in universities and discusses a possible move toward international harmonization. To this end, the case of Italy is examined. In particular, the new regulation issued by the national Agency (ANVUR) is examined and compared with the guidelines provided by the IPSASB, in the aim of shedding light on the gap between the Italian guidelines and the approach proposed at international level by the IPSASB. IPSASB guidelines represent a good reference for a harmonized PMS across EU member-States. Results evidence that the Italian guidelines fall short of the approach followed on the international scene, reducing international comparability and transparency.

Myth #7: The Myth of Measurement

The mantra that inspires healthcare systems is: “If you can’t measure it, you can’t manage it.” The measuring process is closely related to the epistemological ideal of modern science. This has been developed through a world simplification, which is considered useful to disclose principles that work under surrounding reality. The search for natural laws carries a distinctive component: phenomena are not accepted as they are, but they are instead transformed through abstraction and experimentation. What is considered as real is the result of abstraction and experimentation. This attitude, however, entails that some reality aspects are sacrificed in their variety and entirety. In economics, especially in the rational choice theory, the world, where we make decisions and judgments, is not real, but outward and accidental. In its stead, we find abstract constructions of expected utility maximization and pursuit of self-interest.

I sistemi di misurazione della performance nelle università: considerazioni critiche sul sistema italiano

Performance Measurement Systems have long since been adopted by universities. They have been developed in part as a result of reforms introduced by the wave of the New Public Management, but also as consequence of the harmonization process of the education systems which have affected many countries, particularly in Europe. This paper provides an overview of the Performance Measurement Systems adopted in most European countries and introduces a critical analysis of the Italian system, focusing on the three main university missions that require evaluation. These are: research, teaching activities and transfer of technology, all of which are affected by the administrative activity. Through a documentary analysis, particular attention is given to the guidelines issued recently in Italy by the National Agency for the Evaluation of the University System and Research (ANVUR). From a critical analysis of the systems currently adopted in Italy, taking into account also the systems in other countries, the need to view university performance in a more holistic manner emerges. This would lead towards an integrated assessment of the three main missions that each university is required to accomplish.