Combining the assumptions of variable and constant returns to scale in the efficiency evaluation of secondary schools
Résumé
Our paper reports on the use of data envelopment analysis (DEA) for the assessment of performance of
secondary schools in Malaysia during the implementation of the policy of teaching and learning mathematics
and science subjects in the English language (PPSMI). The novelty of our application is that it
makes use of the hybrid returns-to-scale (HRS) DEA model. This combines the assumption of constant
returns to scale with respect to quantity inputs and outputs (teaching provision and students) and variable
returns to scale (VRS) with respect to quality factors (attainment levels on entry and exit) and socioeconomic
status of student families. We argue that the HRS model is a better-informed model than the
conventional VRS model in the described application. Because the HRS technology is larger than the VRS
technology, the new model provides a tangibly better discrimination on efficiency than could be obtained
by the VRS model. To assess the productivity change of secondary schools over the years surrounding the
introduction of the PPSMI policy, we adapt the Malmquist productivity index and its decomposition to
the case of HRS model.
Our paper reports on the use of data envelopment analysis (DEA) for the assessment of performance of
secondary schools in Malaysia during the implementation of the policy of teaching and learning mathematics
and science subjects in the English language (PPSMI). The novelty of our application is that it
makes use of the hybrid returns-to-scale (HRS) DEA model. This combines the assumption of constant
returns to scale with respect to quantity inputs and outputs (teaching provision and students) and variable
returns to scale (VRS) with respect to quality factors (attainment levels on entry and exit) and socioeconomic
status of student families. We argue that the HRS model is a better-informed model than the
conventional VRS model in the described application. Because the HRS technology is larger than the VRS
technology, the new model provides a tangibly better discrimination on efficiency than could be obtained
by the VRS model. To assess the productivity change of secondary schools over the years surrounding the
introduction of the PPSMI policy, we adapt the Malmquist productivity index and its decomposition to
the case of HRS model.