Key facts
UNE unit code: ECON577
*You are viewing the 2026 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 2 - On Campus
- Trimester 2 - Online
- Armidale Campus
- Yes
- No
- Yes
- 6
Unit information
In an era of rapid change, studying this unit will equip you with the tools to measure and evaluate performance in complex firms and organisations with multiple inputs and outputs in order to help them improve business efficiency and productivity, and become more responsive to disruptions brought about by new technology.
Using quantitative approaches such as data envelopment analysis, stochastic frontier analysis and index numbers, you will measure and decompose productivity differences into various components. These includes technical efficiency, allocative efficiency, scale efficiency and technological change.
You will gain hands-on experience implementing these methods using different software packages and data sets in a selection of case studies.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
| Teaching period | Mode/location |
|---|---|
| Trimester 2 | On Campus, Armidale Campus |
| Trimester 2 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
There are no intensive schools required for this unit.
Enrolment rules
Notes
This unit is offered in alternate years.
Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.
Unit coordinator(s)
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- demonstrate an advanced understanding of performance measurement using the concepts of technical efficiency, allocative efficiency, scale efficiency, and total factor productivity;
- demonstrate a specialist understanding of how to measure technical efficiency, allocative efficiency, scale efficiency, and total factor productivity, given access to suitable data;
- apply and interpret the three principal performance measurement methods: index numbers, stochastic frontier analysis, and data envelopment analysis;
- critically analyse and evaluate empirical literature in the area of efficiency and productivity measurement; and
- critically evaluate the ways in which these methods can be used to address management and policy issues.
Assessment information
Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
| Title | Must Complete | Weight | Offerings | Assessment Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assignment 1 | No | 15% | All offerings | Problem-based and computations. |
| Assignment 2 | No | 15% | All offerings | Problem-based and computations. |
| Assignment 3 | No | 15% | All offerings | Problem-based and computations. |
| Final Examination - Assurance Task | Yes | 55% | All offerings | There is a supervised exam during the teaching period in which you are enrolled. The exam will be offered online with supervision via webcam and screen sharing technology. Coordinated by UNE Exams Unit. Students must obtain at least 50% in the examination (and at least 50% overall) to receive a pass or better in the unit. |
Learning resources
Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Note: Referenced material may be held in the University Library — purchase is optional.
Benchmarking with DEA, SFA and R
ISBN: 9781441979605
Bogetoft, P. and Otto, L., Springer 2011
Text refers to: All offerings
An Introduction to Efficiency and Productivity Analysis
ISBN: 9780387242668
Coelli, T.J., Rao, P.S., O'Donnell, C.J. and Battese, G.E., Springer 2nd revised ed. 2006
Text refers to: All offerings
Excellence in experience, equity and employability
Five Stars,
20 Years in a Row
UNE is the only public uni in Australia awarded 20 straight years of five stars for Overall Experience.
Good Universities Guide 2007-2026
Five Stars for
Social Equity
UNE rates among the top 20% of universities nationally and is #1 in NSW for Social Equity.
Good Universities Guide 2026
Five Stars for
Graduate Employment
UNE rates among the top 20% of universities for Graduate Full-Time Employment and Starting Salary.
Good Universities Guide 2026 (Undergraduate)
Diamond-Rated Digital Learning
UNE’s leadership in digital learning earned the highest ‘Diamond’ rating in a peer review.
ASCILITE TELAS 2025
Studying online
At UNE we know it takes more than just being online to be a great online university. It takes time and experience. We pioneered distance education for working adults back in the 1950s, so we’ve been doing this longer than any other Australian university.
We understand the challenges faced by busy adults studying at home. We know that a vital part of online study is your engagement with the learning community. Communication with your classmates, teaching staff and university support staff will enhance your study experience and ensure that your skills extend beyond the subject matter. UNE’s teaching staff are experts in their field which is why UNE consistently receives five stars from students for teaching quality, support and overall experience.*
*The Good Universities Guide
Stay connected
Join our mailing list for updates and helpful tips to support your study plans. You can unsubscribe at any time.
- •Course updates and important changes as they happen
- •Key dates for intakes, deadlines, and enrolment steps
- •Application guidance, including supporting documentation requirements
- •Next steps and what to expect after you apply or enquire
Ready to stay in the loop?
GET IN TOUCH
Why study with us?
UNE’s flexibility and support made the transition smooth and helped me find a great balance between academic responsibilities and personal growth. It was the perfect place to study education while staying true to my rural roots.
What happens next?
Got a question about a course you'd like to study? Contact our Future Student Team for help.
2026 applications are now open. The application process only takes 20 minutes to complete. Don’t delay, apply now!
Your start date is based on the study period you choose to apply for.
