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Persistent and transient inefficiency in adult education

Author

Listed:
  • Oleg Badunenko

    (Brunel University London)

  • Deni Mazrekaj

    (University of Oxford
    Leuven Economics of Education Research (LEER), KU Leuven)

  • Subal C. Kumbhakar

    (State University of New York
    University of Stavanger Business School)

  • Kristof Witte

    (Leuven Economics of Education Research (LEER), KU Leuven
    United Nations University – Maastricht Economic and Social Research Institute on Innovation and Technology (UNU-MERIT))

Abstract

This paper evaluates the inefficiency of adult education programs. Using an advanced four-component stochastic frontier model on Belgian adult education data, we distinguish between persistent and transient inefficiency of adult education programs. Whereas persistent inefficiency is structural and difficult to tackle because of its time-invariant nature, transient inefficiency can be eliminated somewhat easily without a major structural change. Thus, reduction in different inefficiency components may require different policy measures. Our results indicate that despite the presence of persistent inefficiency, the overall inefficiency is mainly driven by the transient component, and hence, at the control of the adult education management. The findings suggest that social interaction is relevant in adult education as both more sessions and more learners per program increase educational efficiency. Moreover, adult education programs seem to be particularly useful for young less-educated learners.

Suggested Citation

  • Oleg Badunenko & Deni Mazrekaj & Subal C. Kumbhakar & Kristof Witte, 2021. "Persistent and transient inefficiency in adult education," Empirical Economics, Springer, vol. 60(6), pages 2925-2942, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:empeco:v:60:y:2021:i:6:d:10.1007_s00181-020-01966-5
    DOI: 10.1007/s00181-020-01966-5
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Badunenko, Oleg & D’Inverno, Giovanna & De Witte, Kristof, 2023. "On distinguishing the direct causal effect of an intervention from its efficiency-enhancing effects," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 310(1), pages 432-447.
    2. Yuhang Han & Yi Zhou & Sarah Carr & Jiaoyan Jiang, 2024. "Lifelong learning in the workplace: the knowledge management role of corporate universities in China," Palgrave Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 11(1), pages 1-11, December.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Stochastic frontier analysis; Adult education; Inefficiency; Four-component model;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C54 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric Modeling - - - Quantitative Policy Modeling
    • I21 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Analysis of Education
    • I28 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Government Policy

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