Efficiency Measurement of the Colleges at the University of Sharjah

Abstract

This study estimates the relative efficiency of twelve colleges of the University of Sharjah from 2014 to 2019. The methodological approach we employed ensures the homogeneity of the colleges under review. We used an output-oriented smoothed bootstrap data envelopment analysis (DEA) model for the efficiency assessment while assuming that variable returns-to-scale prevail. Output orientation facilitates target-setting rather than cost-cutting, which is supported by input-oriented DEA models. Our analysis indicated an improvement in the efficiency of the University of Sharjah during the period under review. Also, the College of Communication, Engineering, and Law are the most influential benchmarks for the remaining colleges. However, the Colleges of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences and Business Administration present a definite improvement. Increasing the postgraduate student recruitment is more useful for further efficiency improvement of the University of Sharjah than expanding undergraduate student recruitment.