Developing a conceptual model to measure business performance for private higher education institutions

Abstract

Traditionally business constraints such as a lack of trust from the public, over-regulation and competition with state-funded public institutions, have constrained the growth of private education businesses despite an education-hungry South African market. Successful business performance of private higher education institutions depends on identifying and measuring the key business performance indicators. This study identifies these antecedents and measuring criteria to effectively measure the business performance of private higher education institutions, thereby developing a model for them to manage their businesses to perform better. The literature revealed numerous business performance antecedents which were reduced by structured interviews with executives and group-interaction using the meta-technique analysis to identify antecedents specifically relevant to the business performance of private higher educational institutions. Measuring criteria developed for these factors culminate in a usable model to measure the business performance of private higher education institutions; this should improve management efficiency and competitiveness in the South African education market.