Influence of University Characteristics on Education Resource Allocation: A Moderated Mediation Model

Purpose: This study empirically investigates the impact of university characteristics on the efficiency of resource allocation through financial funds, with university size considered as a moderating factor. Design/methodology/approach: A quantitative research approach was employed, utilizing secondary data from 60 provincial colleges and universities in Sichuan Province, China, covering the period from 2017 to 2022. The entropy method a nd DEA-BCC m odel w ere applied for data a nalysis. A dditionally, SP SS P ROCESS Models 4 a nd 5 8 were used to examine moderated mediation effects. Findings: The analysis results indicate that university characteristics significantly and positively influence the efficiency of educational resource allocation. Moreover, the effect of university characteristics on the efficiency of educational resource allocation, mediated by financial funds, is moderated by university size. Large universities play a crucial role in enhancing the impact of university characteristics on resource allocation efficiency through financial funds. The moderating effect of university size strengthens the efficiency of educational resource allocation, while smaller universities can increase the impact of financial funds on resource allocation. A high level of financial funds in smaller universities can significantly enhance educational outcomes. Research limitations/implications: The sample size of this study was limited and focussed on specific provincial universities, and there were limitations in the selection of variables and the time span of the data, and the data collection methods may have introduced bias. Future research should expand the sample and time span and optimise data collection methods. Originality/value: This research emphasizes the importance of managing university characteristics and financial funds and suggests considering university size when optimizing resource allocation and enhancing educational outcomes.