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Application of Performance and Efficiency Indicators in Measuring the Level of Success of Public Universities in Poland

Author

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  • Ewa Multan

    (Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Natural Sciences and Humanities, 39 Zytnia Street, 08-110 Siedlce, Poland)

  • Marzena Wójcik-Augustyniak

    (Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Natural Sciences and Humanities, 39 Zytnia Street, 08-110 Siedlce, Poland)

  • Bartosz Sobotka

    (University College of Enterprise and Administration in Lublin, Bursaki 12, 20-150 Lublin, Poland)

  • Jakub Bis

    (Faculty of Management, Lublin University of Technology, Nadbystrzycka 38d, 20-618 Lublin, Poland)

Abstract

Success can be interpreted and assessed in various ways. This article proposes evaluating university success through performance and efficiency indicators, inspired by the Positioning School of Strategy and New Public Management. This approach faces challenges, such as limited economic data for Polish public universities. The article aimed to identify factors and success levels for public universities in the higher education sector. The research question, “What are the measures and levels of success of public universities?”, was divided into three specific inquiries: key success factors, performance and efficiency indicators, and success levels for selected Polish public universities. The study involved analysing international and Polish university rankings, interviewing 53 public university experts in Poland, and examining efficiency indicators for 10 selected public universities. Critical success factors (research excellence, education excellence, international cooperation) and critical performance indicators were identified. Efficiency indicators demonstrated the good financial condition of selected institutions. Critical success factors and critical performance indicators were defined, and performance and efficiency measures were used to assess the success of Polish public higher education institutions. The authors acknowledge the need for parametric and non-parametric methods to fully evaluate success. The proposed performance-oriented measurement tool can assist public university leaders in making strategic decisions.

Suggested Citation

  • Ewa Multan & Marzena Wójcik-Augustyniak & Bartosz Sobotka & Jakub Bis, 2023. "Application of Performance and Efficiency Indicators in Measuring the Level of Success of Public Universities in Poland," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(18), pages 1-21, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:15:y:2023:i:18:p:13673-:d:1238897
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Alexander D. Gromov, 2017. "The Efficiency of Russian Higher Education Institutions and its Determinants," HSE Working papers WP BRP 40/EDU/2017, National Research University Higher School of Economics.
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    3. G. Thomas Sav, 2016. "Declining State Funding and Efficiency Effects on Public Higher Education: Government Really Does Matter," International Advances in Economic Research, Springer;International Atlantic Economic Society, vol. 22(4), pages 397-408, November.
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    5. Cuenca, Janet S., 2011. "Efficiency of State Universities and Colleges in the Philippines: a Data Envelopment Analysis," Discussion Papers DP 2011-14, Philippine Institute for Development Studies.
    6. Ewa Multan & Bartosz Sobotka, 2022. "Knowledge about Competences Increasing Resilience to Crises in the Modern Business Sector: Results of the Polish University Project," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(16), pages 1-27, August.
    7. Carolyn–Dung T. T. Tran & Renato A. Villano, 2017. "Input Rigidities and Performance of Vietnamese Universities," Asian Economic Journal, East Asian Economic Association, vol. 31(3), pages 253-273, September.
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    Cited by:

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