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The Efficiency of Education in Generating Literacy: A Stochastic Frontier Approach

Author

Listed:
  • Kristof De Witte

    (University of Maastricht and University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Faculty of Economics and Business, University of Leuven, Belgium)

  • Wim Groot

    (University of Maastricht and University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands)

  • Henri?tte Maassen van den Brink

    (University of Maastricht and University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands)

Abstract

The growing importance attached to education as a key factor to improve economic performance coupled with the persistent scarcity of resources for education makes it important that skills and literacy are produced efficiently. This paper provides an international comparison of the efficiency of literacy production. We find substantial differences between countries in levels of literacy, differences in literacy between education levels and differences in the efficiency of literacy production. The findings suggest that in almost all countries the scope for efficiency improvements in education is large. So even without major increases in (public) funding, improvements in educational outcomes are achievable. We can get better value for the money we spend on education.

Suggested Citation

  • Kristof De Witte & Wim Groot & Henri?tte Maassen van den Brink, 2012. "The Efficiency of Education in Generating Literacy: A Stochastic Frontier Approach," Review of Economics & Finance, Better Advances Press, Canada, vol. 2, pages 25-37, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:bap:journl:120102
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Guillermo Jopen Sánchez, 2016. "Measuring Technical Efficiency in Primary Education: Evidences for Peruvian Case," Working Papers 77, Peruvian Economic Association.
    2. Haelermans, Carla & Ruggiero, John, 2013. "Estimating technical and allocative efficiency in the public sector: A nonparametric analysis of Dutch schools," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 227(1), pages 174-181.
    3. Guillermo Jopen Sánchez, 2017. "Factores discrecionales y no discrecionales de la eficiencia educativa: evidencias para el caso peruano," Documentos de Trabajo / Working Papers 2017-437, Departamento de Economía - Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Literacy; Education; Stochastic frontier analysis; Meta-frontier;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • I22 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Educational Finance; Financial Aid
    • C14 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric and Statistical Methods and Methodology: General - - - Semiparametric and Nonparametric Methods: General

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