Mean-value at risk portfolio efficiency: approaches based on data envelopment analysis models with negative data and their empirical behaviour

We deal with the problem of an investor who is using a mean-risk model for accessing efficiency of investment opportunities. Our investor employs value at risk on several risk levels at the same time which corresponds to the approach called risk shaping. We review several data envelopment analysis (DEA) models which can deal with negative data. We show that a diversification–consistent extension of the DEA models based on a directional distance measure can be used to identify the Pareto–Koopmans efficient investment opportunities. We derive reformulations as chance constrained, nonlinear and mixed-integer problems under particular assumptions. In the numerical study, we access efficiency of US industry representative portfolios based on empirical distribution of random returns. We employ bootstrap and jackknife to investigate the empirical properties of the efficiency estimators.     

Reformulations of input–output oriented DEA tests with diversification

We deal with diversification-consistent data envelopment analysis (DEA) tests suitable for accessing financial efficiency of investment opportunities. We will show that under nonnegative inputs and outputs, input–output oriented tests with variable return to scale introduced by M. Branda (2013) [7] are equivalent to input oriented tests with nonincreasing return to scale proposed by J.D. Lamb and K.-H. Tee (2012) [14]. Moreover, we will derive a linear programming formulation of the tests with CVaR deviations.     

On relations between DEA-risk models and stochastic dominance efficiency tests

In this paper, several concepts of portfolio efficiency testing are compared, based either on data envelopment analysis (DEA) or the second-order stochastic dominance (SSD) relation: constant return to scale DEA models, variable return to scale (VRS) DEA models, diversification-consistent DEA models, pairwise SSD efficiency tests, convex SSD efficiency tests and full SSD portfolio efficiency tests. Especially, the equivalence between VRS DEA model with binary weights and the SSD pairwise efficiency test is proved. DEA models equivalent to convex SSD efficiency tests and full SSD portfolio efficiency tests are also formulated. In the empirical application, the efficiency testing of 48 US representative industry portfolios using all considered DEA models and SSD tests is presented. The obtained efficiency sets are compared. A special attention is paid to the case of small number of the inputs and outputs. It is empirically shown that DEA models equivalent either to the convex SSD test or to the SSD portfolio efficiency test work well even with quite small number of inputs and outputs. However, the reduced VRS DEA model with binary weights is not able to identify all the pairwise SSD efficient portfolios.     

基于DEA博弈交叉效率和投资者心理的模糊投资组合研究

考虑到投资者并不是完全理性的,本文结合DEA博弈交叉效率方法研究了带有投资者心理因素的多目标模糊投资组合决策问题。首先,为了充分描绘投资者的心理因素和风险感知,本文基于可能性理论推导了带有风险态度的可能性均值和半绝对偏差。其次,将候选的风险资产视为互相竞争的博弈者,采用基于熵权法的DEA博弈交叉效率模型衡量它们的综合表现,从而得到每项资产的博弈交叉效率和奇异指数,并将其分别作为额外的收益和风险决策准则。基于此,提出了更加综合的可能性均值—半绝对偏差—博弈交叉效率—奇异指数模型。最后,通过一个应用实例验证了所提出的模型的合理性和有效性,从而为不同类型的投资者提供具有个性化的投资策略。     

Network DEA pitfalls: Divisional efficiency and frontier projection under general network structures

Data envelopment analysis (DEA) is a method for measuring the efficiency of peer decision making units (DMUs). Recently network DEA models been developed to examine the efficiency of DMUs with internal structures. The internal network structures range from a simple two-stage process to a complex system where multiple divisions are linked together with intermediate measures. In general, there are two types of network DEA models. One is developed under the standard multiplier DEA models based upon the DEA ratio efficiency, and the other under the envelopment DEA models based upon production possibility sets. While the multiplier and envelopment DEA models are dual models and equivalent under the standard DEA, such is not necessarily true for the two types of network DEA models. Pitfalls in network DEA are discussed with respect to the determination of divisional efficiency, frontier type, and projections. We point out that the envelopment-based network DEA model should be used for determining the frontier projection for inefficient DMUs while the multiplier-based network DEA model should be used for determining the divisional efficiency. Finally, we demonstrate that under general network structures, the multiplier and envelopment network DEA models are two different approaches. The divisional efficiency obtained from the multiplier network DEA model can be infeasible in the envelopment network DEA model. This indicates that these two types of network DEA models use different concepts of efficiency. We further demonstrate that the envelopment model’s divisional efficiency may actually be the overall efficiency.     

Measuring overall efficiency and effectiveness using DEA

This paper presents a framework where data envelopment analysis (DEA) is used to measure overall efficiency and show how to apply this framework to assess effectiveness for more general behavioral goals. The relationships between various cone-ratio DEA models and models to measure overall efficiency are clarified. Specifically it is shown that as multiplier cones tighten, the cone-ratio DEA models converge to measures of overall efficiency. Furthermore, it is argued that multiplier cone and cone-ratio model selection must be consistent with the behavioral goals assigned or assumed for purposes of analysis. Consistent with this reasoning, two new models are introduced to measure effectiveness when value measures are represented by separable or linked cones, where the latter can be used to analyze profit-maximizing effectiveness.     

Incorporating performance measures with target levels in data envelopment analysis

Data envelopment analysis (DEA) is a technique for evaluating relative efficiencies of peer decision making units (DMUs) which have multiple performance measures. These performance measures have to be classified as either inputs or outputs in DEA. DEA assumes that higher output levels and/or lower input levels indicate better performance. This study is motivated by the fact that there are performance measures (or factors) that cannot be classified as an input or output, because they have target levels with which all DMUs strive to achieve in order to attain the best practice, and any deviations from the target levels are not desirable and may indicate inefficiency. We show how such performance measures with target levels can be incorporated in DEA. We formulate a new production possibility set by extending the standard DEA production possibility set under variable returns-to-scale assumption based on a set of axiomatic properties postulated to suit the case of targeted factors. We develop three efficiency measures by extending the standard radial, slacks-based, and Nerlove–Luenberger measures. We illustrate the proposed model and efficiency measures by applying them to the efficiency evaluation of 36 US universities.     

Measurement of the worst practice of decision-making units in the presence of non-discretionary factors and imprecise data

The objective of the present paper is to propose a novel pair of data envelopment analysis (DEA) models for measurement of relative efficiencies of decision-making units (DMUs) in the presence of non-discretionary factors and imprecise data. Compared to traditional DEA, the proposed interval DEA approach measures the efficiency of each DMU relative to the inefficiency frontier, also called the input frontier, and is called the worst relative efficiency or pessimistic efficiency. On the other hand, in traditional DEA, the efficiency of each DMU is measured relative to the efficiency frontier and is called the best relative efficiency or optimistic efficiency. The pair of proposed interval DEA models takes into account the crisp, ordinal, and interval data, as well as non-discretionary factors, simultaneously for measurement of relative efficiencies of DMUs. Two numeric examples will be provided to illustrate the applicability of the interval DEA models.     

A classification of DEA models when the internal structure of the Decision Making Units is considered

We classify the contributions of DEA literature assessing Decision Making Units (DMUs) whose internal structure is known. Starting from an elementary framework, we define the main research areas as shared flow, multilevel and network models, depending on the assumptions they are subject to. For each model category, the principal mathematical formulations are introduced along with their main variants, extensions and applications. We also discuss the results of aggregating efficiency measures and of considering DMUs as submitted to a central authority that imposes constraints or targets on them. A common feature among the several models is that the efficiency evaluation of the DMU depends on the efficiency values of its subunits thereby increasing the discrimination power of DEA methodology with respect to the black box approach.     

基于决策者选择偏好的网络DEA模型——以我国若干家商业银行为例

本文从决策者选择偏好的角度构建了一类两阶段链形系统的关联网络DEA模型,用于测算系统以及各阶段的纯技术效率.并从理论上证明了系统DEA有效的充分必要条件是链上的每个子过程都是DEA有效的.结合我国商业银行的特点,将银行运营过程分为存款过程和投资过程,根据建立的三种选择偏好模型,测算了我国13家商业银行2007年的系统效率及其两个运营过程的纯技术效率,分析出了各商业银行运营无效率的内在原因.     

基于相关性分析与DEA模型的寿险公司效率分析

选取国内较有影响力的八家寿险公司作为研究对象,提出了基于相关性分析的DEA组合评价方法,该方法综合了相关性分析和DEA两种方法的优点.利用相关性分析的方法设计出评价寿险公司经营效率的投入和产出指标.然后综合运用DEA模型对这八家公司的经营效率进行研究,分析影响效率有效性的因素.     

关于DEA有效性“新方法”的探讨

主要指出文献[1],[2]中所用的"新方法"不能完全区分决策单元的DEA有效性和弱DEA有效性.同时,"新方法"中所使用的DEA模型(即文献[3]中超效率DEA模型)的最优解不一定存在,这也是"新方法"使用中的一大缺陷.本文同时指出"新方法"虽然是可以扩充的,但扩充后,某些"新模型"仍然会出现上述问题.如果单纯的去评价决策单元的DEA有效性、弱DEA有效性和非弱DEA有效性时,建议还是使用传统的经典模型为好;如果需要进一步对DEA有效性再进行分析,是可以象最早提出超效率DEA模型的文献[3]中那样去应用超效率DEA模型。     

Validation and generalization of DEA and its uses

Summary Rapidly expanding uses of DEA have been accompanied by developments which have enhanced its power and enlarged its utility for additional applications. Developments covered in the present paper include simulation studies comparing DEA with competing forms of statistical regressions. Other studies covered show how these two approaches can be combined in complementary fashion. Another part of this paper deals with Chance Constrained Programming formulations which incorporate probabilistic elements into DEA. Included also are discussions of statistical characterizations with accompanying tests of statistical significance for DEA efficiency evaluations. This paper concludes with uses of DEA in “discovery processes”-processes that need strengthening (and encouragemnt) in contemporary social science and management science research. Suggestions are made for additional research on further developments which extend to uses of DEA to provide new approaches in economics (including econometrics), management and psychology and an Appendix introduces new or recently developed efficiency measures for use in DEA. Invited by J. T. Pastor     

Enhancement of equity portfolio performance using data envelopment analysis

This paper examines the applicability of data envelopment analysis (DEA) as a basis of selection criteria for equity portfolios. It is the first DEA application for constructing a combined equity investment strategy that aims to integrate the benefits of both value investing and momentum investing. The 3-quantile portfolios are composed of a comprehensive sample of Finnish non-financial stocks based on their DEA efficiency scores that are calculated using three variants of DEA models (the constant returns-to-scale, the super-efficiency, and the cross-efficiency models). The performance of portfolios is evaluated on the basis of the average return and several risk-adjusted performance metrics throughout the 1994–2010 sample period.     

Cost,Revenue and Profit Efficiency Models in Generalized Fuzzy Data Envelopment Analysis

One of the most important information given by data envelopment analysis models is the cost, revenue and profit efficiency of decision making units (DMUs). Cost efficiency is defined as the ratio of minimum costs to current costs, while revenue efficiency is defined as the ratio of maximum revenue to current revenue of the DMU. This paper presents a framework where data envelopment analysis (DEA) is used to measure cost, revenue and profit efficiency with fuzzy data. In such cases, the classical models cannot be used, because input and output data appear in the form of ranges. When the data are fuzzy, the cost, revenue and profit efficiency measures calculated from the data should be uncertain as well. Fuzzy DEA models emerge as another class of DEA models to account for imprecise inputs and outputs for DMUs. Although several approaches for solving fuzzy DEA models have been developed, numerous deficiencies including the $\alpha$-cut approaches and types of fuzzy numbers must still be improved. This scheme embraces evaluation method based on vector for proposed fuzzy model. This paper proposes generalized cost, revenue and profit efficiency models in fuzzy data envelopment analysis. The practical application of these models is illustrated by a numerical example.     

Resampling DEA estimates of investment fund performance

Data envelopment analysis (DEA) is attractive for comparing investment funds because it handles different characteristics of fund distribution and gives a way to rank funds. There is substantial literature applying DEA to funds, based on the time series of funds’ returns. This article looks at the issue of uncertainty in the resulting DEA efficiency estimates, investigating consistency and bias. It uses the bootstrap to develop stochastic DEA models for funds, derive confidence intervals and develop techniques to compare and rank funds and represent the ranking. It investigates how to deal with autocorrelation in the time series and considers models that deal with correlation in the funds’ returns.     

Overall performance evaluation: new bounded DEA models against unreachability of efficiency

Data envelopment analysis (DEA) performance evaluation can be implemented from either optimistic or pessimistic perspectives. For an overall performance evaluation from both perspectives, bounded DEA models are introduced to evaluate decision making units (DMUs) in terms of interval efficiencies. This paper reveals unreachability of efficiency and distortion of frontiers associated with the existing bounded DEA models. New bounded DEA models against these problems are proposed by integrating the archetypal optimistic and pessimistic DEA models into a model with bounded efficiency. It provides a new way of deriving empirical estimates of efficiency frontiers in tune with that identified by the archetypal models. Without distortion of frontiers, all DMUs reach interval efficiencies in accordance with that determined by the archetypal models. A unified evaluation and classification result is derived and the efficiency relationships between DMUs are preserved. It is shown that the newly proposed models are more reliable for overall performance evaluation in practice, as illustrated empirically by two examples.     

A game theoretical model of DEA efficiency

Motivated by the inherent competitive nature of the DEA efficiency assessment process, some effort has been made to relate DEA models to game theory. Game theory is considered not only a more natural source of representing competitive situations, but also beneficial in revealing additional insights into practical efficiency analysis. Past studies are limited to connecting efficiency games to some particular versions of DEA models. The generalised DEA model considered in this study unifies various important DEA models and presents a basic formulation for the DEA family. By introducing a generalised convex cone constrained efficiency game model in assembling the generalised DEA model, a rigorous connection between game theory and the DEA family is established. We prove the existence of optimal strategies in the generalised efficiency game. We show the equivalence between game efficiency and DEA efficiency. We also provide convex programming models for determination of the optimal strategies of the proposed games, and show that the game efficiency unit corresponds to the non-dominated solution in its corresponding multi-objective programming problem. Our study largely extends the latest developments in this area. The significance of such an extension is for research and applications of both game theory and DEA.     

Cost,revenue and profit efficiency measurement in DEA: A directional distance function approach

Estimation of efficiency of firms in a non-competitive market characterized by heterogeneous inputs and outputs along with their varying prices is questionable when factor-based technology sets are used in data envelopment analysis (DEA). In this scenario, a value-based technology becomes an appropriate reference technology against which efficiency can be assessed. In this contribution, the value-based models of Tone (2002) are extended in a directional DEA set up to develop new directional cost- and revenue-based measures of efficiency, which are then decomposed into their respective directional value-based technical and allocative efficiencies. These new directional value-based measures are more general, and include the existing value-based measures as special cases. These measures satisfy several desirable properties of an ideal efficiency measure. These new measures are advantageous over the existing ones in terms of (1) their ability to satisfy the most important property of translation invariance; (2) choices over the use of suitable direction vectors in handling negative data; and (3) flexibility in providing the decision makers with the option of specifying preferable direction vectors to incorporate their preferences. Finally, under the condition of no prior unit price information, a directional value-based measure of profit inefficiency is developed for firms whose underlying objectives are profit maximization. For an illustrative empirical application, our new measures are applied to a real-life data set of 50 US banks to draw inferences about the production correspondence of banking industry.