The present study considers the Italian healthcare system, investigating the aspects that might affect the efficiency of Italian hospitals. The authors analyze what influences a specific definition of efficiency, which is calculated maximizing healthcare production but minimizing potential...

An efficiency indicator of industry configuration (allowing for entry/exit of firms) is presented which accounts for four sources components: (1) size inefficiencies arising from firms which can be conveniently split into smaller units; (2) efficiency gains realized through merger of firms; (3)...