Using contemporary accounting techniques to measure the financial efficiency of higher education institutions: a case study of Tikrit University

The present work empirically tests the financial efficiency of higher education institutions in Iraq using the budgets of Tikrit University. This empirical testing will enhance higher education's capability in sustainable development. Primary and secondary data sources were employed in this paper to test the hypotheses. Primary data were collected through the distribution of 22 questionnaire forms to the managers and the responsible personnel in the university hierarchy, further, secondary data were collected from the accounting ledger of Tikrit University for 2015-2022. The paper employed the Delphi method, min-max normalisation technique, partial adjustment model, and fixed effect panel data analysis to measure the efficiency of individual budgets. Using the budget as an indicator of financial efficiency the results, therefore, show the high financial efficiency of Tikrit University. The paper has practical implications for both private and public higher education institutions, academics, research scholars, and university leaders in Iraq.