Abstract:
The performance of Sri Lankan state universities has come under scrutiny due to the
need for accountability for the consolidated funds being invested. Following criticism
of the teaching-learning process for its quality and standards, social science
disciplines have undergone significant changes. Assessing undergraduate performance
is vital in many respects. The objective of this study is to investigate the performance
of undergraduates in Economics degree programmes. Economics knowledge is critical
in higher education, contributing to the outcomes of future employees, entrepreneurs,
and voters. Primary data was collected from a sample of 1002 undergraduates from
Special Degree programmes in Economics in state universities. Joint production
function was estimated and evaluated using second–stage DEA analysis. Economics
Attitude Sophistication (EAS) and Attitude Towards Economics (ATE) have been
introduced additionally to Grade Point Average (GPA) in the production function.
Empirical findings reveal that economics students are not technically efficient.
Minimum mean efficiency varies from 65% to 85%, so further improvement of
outputs between a range of 15% to 35% is possible. Output targets were set for each
output. Output target of EAS varies from three percent to 11%. It is three percent to
12% for ATE and two percent to nine percent for GPA. Statistically significant
efficiency variations were observed among different universities. Lower performers
were identified in each degree programme. Entry qualification for Special Degree, the
effect of peers, English language proficiency, AL Z-score, average attendance, and
grade obtained for Economics at AL examination, significantly influence learning
efficiency. Policy strategies must focus on further improvement of interactive
teaching-learning methods while introducing undergraduate teaching assistantships.
The University Grants Commission (UGC) can consider its student distribution policy
to share the benefit of peer effect. The undergraduate evaluation process can also be
considered for revision.
