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Evaluating the performance of Tunisian higher Institutes of Technological Studies (ISETs) using a stochastic frontier analysis

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  • Bouzouita, Anis
  • Kooli, Imen

Abstract

Benefiting from low repetition and dropout rates, as well as their excellent employability rate of their students, the Higher Institutes of Technological Studies (ISETs) have acquired a strategic position in the Tunisian higher education system. This paper aims to use the Stochastic Frontier Analysis (SFA) method to measure the efficiency of Tunisian Higher Institutes of Technological Studies (ISETs) and to determine the factors that cause performance differences. The results indicate that ISETs appear well managed, although some of them warrant a more detailed analysis (below-average efficiency). Also, it was found that the ISETs situated in the most industrialized part of the country, the Central-East, record highest scores of efficiency, while those in the South-East show more homogeneous efficiency. The results underscore the importance of focusing support and improvement efforts on ISETs located in less developed regions or those with lower efficiency levels. Moreover, the negative relationship between the age of institutions and their efficiency suggests that reforms to institutional practices may be necessary for older establishments. Finally, institutes that are located in one of the main cities will not necessarily be more efficient than the others. The findings presented in this paper have targeted and practical implications for the development of the ISET network in Tunisia.

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  • Bouzouita, Anis & Kooli, Imen, 2024. "Evaluating the performance of Tunisian higher Institutes of Technological Studies (ISETs) using a stochastic frontier analysis," Evaluation and Program Planning, Elsevier, vol. 107(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:epplan:v:107:y:2024:i:c:s014971892400082x
    DOI: 10.1016/j.evalprogplan.2024.102480
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Efficiency; Higher education institutions; Stochastic frontier analysis; Tunisia;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C13 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric and Statistical Methods and Methodology: General - - - Estimation: General
    • C23 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Single Equation Models; Single Variables - - - Models with Panel Data; Spatio-temporal Models
    • D24 - Microeconomics - - Production and Organizations - - - Production; Cost; Capital; Capital, Total Factor, and Multifactor Productivity; Capacity
    • I23 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Higher Education; Research Institutions

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