Efficiency in public higher education on Argentina 2004–2013: institutional decisions and university-specific effects

Abstract This paper analyses the efficiency of Argentinean public universities and its determinants over a 10-year period (2004–2013). We quantify the effect on the efficiency scores of a set of institutional variables, i.e. policy decisions under the control of universities. Efficiency scores are determined on a first stage using nonparametric Data Envelopment Analysis and then we conduct a second stage study through parametric modelling. The results reveal the existence of a positive and significant effect on efficiency levels of those variables related to high-ranked professors and full-time positions, while those variables associated with budget allocation do not significantly affect the efficiency. Our empirical findings help identifying the characteristics that explain differences in the efficiency of public universities, providing new elements in studying the higher education system in Argentina