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Assessing Resource Management in Higher Education Sustainability Projects: A Bootstrap Dea Case Study

Author

Listed:
  • Ricardo Casonatto

    (Departament of Industrial Engineering, Faculty of Technology, University of Brasilia (UnB), Brasilia 70910-900, DF, Brazil)

  • Tales Souza

    (Departament of Industrial Engineering, Faculty of Technology, University of Brasilia (UnB), Brasilia 70910-900, DF, Brazil)

  • Gustavo Silva

    (Departament of Industrial Engineering, Faculty of Technology, University of Brasilia (UnB), Brasilia 70910-900, DF, Brazil)

  • Victor Oliveira

    (Departament of Industrial Engineering, Faculty of Technology, University of Brasilia (UnB), Brasilia 70910-900, DF, Brazil)

  • Simone Monteiro

    (Departament of Industrial Engineering, Faculty of Technology, University of Brasilia (UnB), Brasilia 70910-900, DF, Brazil)

Abstract

This case study evaluates the efficiency of STEM-based sustainability initiatives at the University of Brasilia (UnB) using a Bootstrap Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) approach. Twenty projects were analyzed based on input variables—team size, budget, and workload—and output variables—number of beneficiaries and published papers. The results indicate higher efficiency in the Mathematics and Civil Engineering departments, while Energy Engineering showed the lowest performance. A strong correlation (r = 0.78) was observed between budget and publication volume, but no significant relationship was found between the inputs and number of beneficiaries. SDG 4 (Quality Education) was the most frequently addressed, whereas SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) and SDG 14 (Life Below Water) received less attention. The study identifies key areas for improvement, emphasizing the need for more balanced resource allocation and contextual awareness over sustainability priorities. It also offers an adaptive and replicable framework to other faculties or institutions seeking to optimize sustainability efforts through the lens of resource allocation optimization.

Suggested Citation

  • Ricardo Casonatto & Tales Souza & Gustavo Silva & Victor Oliveira & Simone Monteiro, 2025. "Assessing Resource Management in Higher Education Sustainability Projects: A Bootstrap Dea Case Study," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(19), pages 1-16, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:19:p:8653-:d:1758778
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    References listed on IDEAS

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