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Using Cost Effectiveness Analysis; a Beginners Guide
Author(s) -
Claire Hulme
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
evidence based library and information practice
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.393
H-Index - 14
ISSN - 1715-720X
DOI - 10.18438/b81s34
Subject(s) - computer science , key (lock) , identification (biology) , cost effectiveness analysis , service (business) , cost–benefit analysis , perspective (graphical) , management science , cost effectiveness , operations research , risk analysis (engineering) , data science , process management , engineering management , medicine , engineering , artificial intelligence , business , marketing , ecology , botany , computer security , biology
Objective - To describe the key elements of cost effectiveness analysis (CEA) and demonstrate how such analysis may be used in the library environment. Methods - The paper uses a step by step approach to walk the (non-economist) reader through the basics of conducting a cost effectiveness study. The key elements of a CEA are outlined using examples that illustrate how the analysis may be carried out in the library sector. A case study of a CEA in a hospital library is presented. The case study compares two library services, mediated searching and information skills training, to illustrate the application of CEA and highlight some of its limitations. Results - CEA is a comparative analysis; its key elements include a study question that includes both costs and effectiveness; justification of the perspective the study; evidence of the effectiveness; comprehensive identification of all relevant costs and appropriate measurement of costs and effectiveness. Conclusions - CEA enables comparison of services or interventions in terms of their costs and how effective they are. The results can be used to aid decision-making about service provision.

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