An Investigation of Efficiency and Productivity in Twenty Four Comprehensive State Universities in Iran

Total Factor Productivity (TFP) is a criterion by which correct and optimum usage of production factors and the degree of achievement is described. Nowadays, both parametric and non-parametric methods are used for measuring efficiency and productivity. In order to create competition among the state large universities for productivity improvement, the efficiency and productivity of 24 large state universities has been studied. In selecting and determining important inputs and outputs the experiences of the field's experts were used. Depending on the universities conditions, secondary model of non-parametric methods such as CCR and BCC were used and total productivity changes was measured by Malmquist Index. The findings indicated that from technical point of view and when the rate of return is unchanged, universities can be classified into three categories. Tehran University, Universities of Kashan, Shiraz, Isfahan, Shahid Beheshti, Guilan and Ahvaz University of Shahid Chamran were recognized as the highly efficient institutions. Additionally, the extent of technical efficiency of nine universities was under the average. Also examining of results correlation showed that the main determining factors for productivity changes is advancement of technological efficiency. In brief if universities are about to increase their productivity, they should have a strategic plan.