Efficiency in the Further Education Sector in England: A Subject Level Analysis

28 Pages Posted: 9 Jan 2007

See all articles by Jill Johnes

Jill Johnes

University of Huddersfield

Steve Bradley

Lancaster University

Allan Little

Lancaster University - Department of Economics

Date Written: January 9, 2007

Abstract

An earlier study used data envelopment analysis (DEA) to establish that efficiency in further education (FE) colleges varies widely (Bradley, Johnes & Little 2006a). Further statistical analysis suggested that this is explained, to some extent, by student composition and factors relating to the area in which the college is located. This study builds on those results by investigating efficiency levels by subject of study within FE colleges. Mean DEA efficiency is found to vary from 76% to 88% in the worst- and best-performing subject areas, respectively. Further investigation using statistical methods indicates that, while student composition and regional characteristics affect efficiency at the subject level, their effects can vary by area of learning. This has the clear policy implication that strategies to improve efficiency in FE colleges must be devised and operated at subject rather than provider level.

Keywords: Data Envelopment Analysis, Efficiency, Further Education Sector

JEL Classification: C14, I21

Suggested Citation

Johnes, Jill and Bradley, Steve and Little, Allan, Efficiency in the Further Education Sector in England: A Subject Level Analysis (January 9, 2007). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=956021 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.956021

Jill Johnes (Contact Author)

University of Huddersfield ( email )

Queensgate
Huddersfield HD1 3DH
United Kingdom

Steve Bradley

Lancaster University ( email )

The Management School
Department of Economics
Lancaster LA1 4YX
United Kingdom
+44 1524 593880 (Phone)
+44 1524 594244 (Fax)

Allan Little

Lancaster University - Department of Economics ( email )

Lancaster LA1 4YX, LA1 4YX
United Kingdom

Do you have negative results from your research you’d like to share?

Paper statistics

Downloads
135
Abstract Views
1,250
Rank
383,493
PlumX Metrics