Network Data Envelopment Analysis Model for Estimating Efficiency and Productivity in Universities

Problem statement: The aim of this study was to compute disaggregate performance measures of universities. The traditional models for Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) type performance measurement are based on thinking about production as a "black box". Inputs are transformed in this box into outputs. One of the drawbacks of these models is the neglect of linking activities. Approach: Network DEA models generally consider processed which represent the main components of the system being studied. Most often the processes were executed in parallel and/or in series. Results: With respect to the network DEA approach, we estimated efficiency, the impact of each variable on the efficiency and productivity changes of the universities in Sistan and Baluchestan state (in Iran) in the period 2004-2009, the findings indicated the average technical efficiency in academic year 2008-2009 increase about 15%. Conclusion: Network Malmquist indexes showed the universities have on average 1.1%, productivity gain. The main factor of the productivity increase is the progress in technical change.