Intertemporal slacks and benchmarking in Angolan universities: A DEA window analysis approach

This study investigates the dynamics of relative technical efficiency across Angolan universities from 2017 to 2022, aiming to establish operational benchmarks and support strategic decision-making in higher education. Data were collected from eighteen officially recognized public and private institutions using annual statistical reports published by MESCTI. The methodology relies on non-parametric intertemporal models, specifically DEA-VRS and Window DEA, which capture performance variations across consecutive time windows. Results include efficiency scores per institution and time frame, input and output slacks required to achieve technical efficiency, and identification of reference peers for benchmarking purposes. Findings reveal a consistently declining trend in average efficiency over the period, with UCC being the most frequently referenced unit. Critical variables such as enrollment and course offerings underscore the need for diversification and alignment with labor market demands. Estimated slacks offer actionable insights for policy and cost optimization. As a methodological extension, the study proposes investigating the relationship between variable-level inefficiencies (SBM) and global efficiency scores (CRS) to better understand interwindow performance trajectories.