Improving Higher Education Productivity and Its Measurement: Linking Productivity and Student Success in Australia

The current research explores links between university productivity and student success in Australia. Interviews were conducted with 15 stakeholders and experts on the topic of higher education productivity. The research uses qualitative methods to identify instances when participants discussed institutional productivity in conjunction with student success factors. Four common themes emerged that linked institutional productivity to student success: “Student experience and engagement,” “attrition, retention and progression,” “cross-subsidies,” and “teaching-research effort.” Findings reveal two feasible options for improving productivity estimation for the education function of universities. Findings also reveal leverage points for intervention to improve student success and productivity. The research highlights where mutual interests lie for managing resources and facilitating better student outcomes.