The value of assessment in the decision making process.

The use of the term "assessment" and the technique of "Outcomes Assessment"--measuring tool (based on achievements) used by accreditation agencies--has caused great impact on educational institutions despite the fact that, to a certain extent, it has always been used in the educational systems. The goal of every educational institution is to achieve academic excellence. Excellence has been defined through resources--based on the possession of resources--and through its, reputational excellence--the position held in the reputational hierarchy of institutions. A third approach, denominated "Talent Development" as defined by Alexander Astin,--based on the institution's ability to develop the talent of its resources to a maximum level--is suggested. A suitable educational environment is required to encourage the achievement of this goal. The use of this model for "Outcomes Assessment" could be the most valuable tool in measuring the institutional effectiveness in reaching its goals.