QUANTITATIVE EVALUATION OF ERASMUS+ SPORT CALLS: COOPERATION PARTNERSHIPS AND CAPACITY BUILDING USING AN INPUT-ORIENTED DEA VRS MODEL
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.46793/ManagSport17-2.074BKeywords:
project management, sport, Erasmus+, operations management, change management, Data Envelopment AnalysisAbstract
This paper presents a quantitative evaluation of the effectiveness of Erasmus+ projects within the “Cooperation Partnerships” and “Capacity Building” strands in the field of sport. The primary objective is to assess the operational efficiency of these projects to identify best practices (benchmarking) and explore opportunities for resource optimization. Methodologically, Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) was employed using an input-oriented VRS (Variable Returns to Scale) model, allowing for an objective comparison of heterogeneous decision-making units (DMUs). The project budget served as the primary input, while the outputs comprised eight variables categorized into reach, relevance, and sustainability.
Analyzing a sample of 534 partnership projects and 42 capacity building projects, the results reveal significant disparities in efficiency. Findings indicate that projects with smaller budgets (approximately €120,000) often demonstrate higher technical efficiency than those receiving maximum funding, where budget increases are not proportionately matched by measurable outputs. For capacity building projects, an average DEA score of 0,697 suggests a potential for 30,3% budget savings while maintaining current output levels. The paper concludes that the DEA model offers a robust framework for the transparent evaluation and strategic allocation of funds within EU sports policy.
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