A systematic review of operations research and management science modeling techniques in the study of higher education institutions

Higher education institutions (HEIs) in both developed and developing countries are confronted with increasing pressure to enhance their effectiveness and efficiency while contending with diminishing financial resources and austerity measures. Reductions in governmental budgets allocated to HEIs have resulted in decreased investment in research and infrastructure. Concurrently, HEIs are expected by both societies and governments to demonstrate greater economic and social responsibility, actively engage in addressing local and national socioeconomic challenges and adapt their educational programs to the skills and competencies demanded by diverse industries. Against this background, quantitative operations research and management science (OR/MS) modeling techniques can offer support to higher education policymakers, university leadership teams, and other decision-makers to optimize performance, enhance quality, and minimize costs. Based on a systematic literature review, this study sheds light on the use of quantitative OR/MS modeling techniques in the OR/MS and higher education literature.