This study uses data envelopment analysis (DEA) adjusted estimator to assess the efficiency of defined benefit private and public pension plans in the Republic of Congo. We also incorporate the industry fund in the assessment. The authors apply constant return to scale (CRS) adjusted estimator input and output orientation. In input orientation, we intellectualize efficiency as the ability of defined benefit pension funds to reduce costs, whereas assets remain constant. In output orientation, we conceive efficiency as raising the return on investment in existing contribution, administrative, and investment cost capacities. CRS-adjusted scores depict that the defined benefit private pension fund is on the efficient frontier regarding its input and output. The defined benefit public and industry pension funds are off the efficient frontier. Hence the private sector ranked first, is more efficient than the public sector, ranked third. The industry sector is less efficient compared to the private sector but more efficient than the public sector. As far as efficiency studies are concerned, this study is the first in sub-Saharan Africa to use the DEA-adjusted estimator to assess the efficiency of defined benefit pension funds.
PurposeThe cost-to-asset ratio is a vital efficiency ratio for any financial institution, as it measures its operating expenses to its asset base. This study uses this ratio to evaluate the efficiency of defined benefit pension plans (DBPPs) in the Republic of Congo using financial and macroeconomic indicators.Design/methodology/approachUnder the financial indicator, the authors apply vector autoregression (VAR) to a dataset covering 120 months from 2011 to 2020. In addition, the authors use 12 years of data from 2009 to 2020 and the random effects model under macroeconomic indicators.FindingsAssets and costs together Granger cause the efficiency of the DBPP. However, there is no Granger causality from the combination of assets and costs on the DB public and industry PP efficiencies. The random effects model results show that macroconnect level variables significantly lower the cost-to-asset ratio, thereby improving the PP's efficiency. Macrodisconnect level variables significantly increase the cost-to-asset ratio, thereby deteriorating PP efficiency.Research limitations/implicationsThe study is limited to a developing economy in sub-Saharan Africa, which may hinder the generalization of the results. Future studies could use panel samples from sub-Saharan Africa so that inferences could be drawn for the continent and comparisons made with others.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors knowledge, this study is the first in sub-Saharan Africa to assess the efficiency of DBPPs using financial and macroeconomic indicators.
PurposeThis study aims to examine the solvency and performance persistence of defined benefit private and public pension plans (DBPPs) in the Republic of Congo.Design/methodology/approachThe authors use the 2 × 2 contingency table approach and the time product ratio (TPR)-based cross-product ratio (CPR) on data covering ten years from 2011 to 2020, with variable funded ratios and excess returns, to determine the solvency and performance persistence of defined benefit pension plans.FindingsThe authors document a lack of solvency and performance persistence in DBPP funds. They conclude that the solvency and performance of DBPP funds are not repetitive. The previous year's private and public defined benefit pension funds’ results do not repeat in the current year. Hence, the current solvency and performance of defined benefit pension funds are not good predictors of future funds' solvency and performance.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to combine solvency and performance to examine the persistence of defined benefit pension plans in sub-Saharan Africa.
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