A Global Analysis of Universities Performance in the World Higher Education Institution Rankings

Abstract

This study aims to examine the factors that influence the performance of universities on a global scale. A learning curve method assesses the relationship between research, teaching, faculty, and student recognition and its impact on academic performance in all countries. The information used in the study comes from the three most essential rankings of universities worldwide, such as Times Higher Education, QS World University Rankings, and Academic Ranking of World Universities, from 2011 to 2022. As a central aspect of the study, it is essential to highlight that it is through the comparative analysis that the learning curves allow it to identify associations between the study variables on a global scale. In this way, it is possible to analyze the most significant effects on academic performance compared to other factors. On the other hand, it was also found that the results related to student acknowledgment are established as a distinctive factor, particularly among universities in the highest ranks. However, the general results tend to be more homogeneous as the ranking descends. Finally, academic performance is vital for any university institution that can serve as a platform for its strategic initiatives.