Enhancing Educational Efficiency Through Data Envelopment Analysis a Case Study of the University Centre of Maghnia-Algeria

Abstract

Efficiency is a fundamental concept that involves achieving more with fewer resources. In the field of education, efficiency means using fewer or even limited resources to achieve the desired learning outcomes. Yet, measuring education efficiency is a complex task that requires the use of appropriate methods. One such method is Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA), a nonparametric technique that has been widely used in various fields, including education, health, and banking. This system is based on research operations that can provide users with strategies to achieve optimal efficiency. The aim of this study is to use DEA to calculate the efficiency of the University Centre of Maghnia during the COVID-19 period through comparing the different institutes within this centre. The use of DEA in this study provides an opportunity for decision-makers to strategize effectively and avoid unnecessary costs. The results of the study indicate that two Decision-Making Units (DMUs), namely the master's level in law and the bachelor's level in technology sciences, do not operate at perfect efficiency. Through the use of data analysis, the study identifies the necessary changes to achieve complete efficiency. The DMUs used for comparison are the master's level in Economics, Arabic Languages and Literature, and master of Technology. The study revealed that the average efficiency in the input orientation was 94%, while the output orientation was 92%, assuming various returns to scale. These findings suggest that there is room for improvement in the efficiency of the University Centre of Maghnia.