Abstract
This paper is connected to a wider research current on the evaluation of Public Administration outcomes which has involved many Cattaneo University of Castellanza researchers. This contribution clarifies the differences between the concepts of evaluation and measurement, demonstrating how the lack of precision of the two spheres may cause relevant consequences in the managerial field. A meaningful exemplification of criticality and relevance of the issue is to be found in universities, where the ambiguous definition of the two concepts has left room for more than one misunderstandings. With the reference to this sector only, after having disclosed the consequences of a lack of awareness, the authors demonstrate the necessity to pinpoint rational solutions pivoted on differentiated approaches to meet the needs of accountability.