Sensitivity analysis incorporating fuzzy evaluation for scaling constants of multiattribute utility functions

A multiattribute utility function can be represented by a function of single-attribute utility functions if the decision maker’s preference satisfies additive independence or mutually utility independence. Additive independence is a preference condition stronger than mutually utility independence, and the multiattribute utility function is in the additive form if the former condition is satisfied, otherwise it is in the multiplicative form. In this paper, we propose a method for sensitivity analysis of multiattribute utility functions in multiplicative form, taking into account the imprecision of the decision maker’s judgment in the procedures for determining scaling constants (attribute weights).     

Value-based DEA models: application-driven developments

Data envelopment analysis (DEA) is an approach based on linear programming to assess the relative efficiency of peer decision-making units (DMUs). Typically, each DMU is free to choose the weights of the factors used in its evaluation. However, the evaluator's preferences may not warrant so much freedom. Several approaches have been proposed to allow the incorporation of managerial preferences in DEA, but few address the additive DEA model specifically. This paper presents additive DEA models that use multi-criteria decision analysis concepts to incorporate managerial preferences, and presents the corresponding preference elicitation protocols. The models developed allow the incorporation of preferences at different levels: on valuing performance improvements, on introducing weight restrictions, and on finding adequate targets. These were application-driven developments, resulting from discussing modelling options and preliminary results with the top-level management of a retail chain in the context of an assessment of stores’ performance, also described in this paper.     

Validating absolute weight bounds in Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) models

The Charnes, Cooper and Rhodes (CCR) DEA model and its linear forms maximise the efficiency of the assessed decision making unit (DMU) and, at the same time, the ratio of this efficiency to the maximum efficiency taken across all the DMUs, the latter naturally always being equal to one. It has been shown recently that, in the presence of absolute weight bounds, these models may not maximise the ratio of these efficiencies, a fact that may cause problems with the interpretation and use of the optimal primal and dual solutions. For example, an inefficient DMU may have greater efficiency than its target unit for some weights. This paper investigates the problem in greater detail; it shows that, in the linear DEA model maximising the total virtual output of the assessed DMU, the problem occurs only if upper bounds are imposed on the output weights. A similar result is established for the model that minimises the total virtual input.     

An epsilon-free approach for finding the most efficient unit in DEA

Data envelopment analysis (DEA), considering the best condition for each decision making unit (DMU), assesses the relative efficiency and partitions DMUs into two sets: efficient and inefficient. Practically, in traditional DEA models more than one efficient DMU are recognized and these models cannot rank efficient DMUs. Some studies have been carried out aiming at ranking efficient DMUs, although in some cases only discrimination of the most efficient unit is desirable. Furthermore, several investigations have been done for finding the most CCR-efficient DMU. The basic idea of the majority of them is to introduce an integrated model which achieves an optimal common set of weights (CSW). These weights help us identify the most efficient unit in an identical condition.     

On finding the most BCC-efficient DMU: A new integrated MIP–DEA model

This paper proposes a new integrated mixed integer programing – data envelopment analysis (MIP–DEA) model to improve the integrated DEA model which was introduced by Toloo & Nalchigar [M. Toloo, S. Nalchigar. A new integrated DEA model for finding most BCC–efficient DMU. Appl. Math. Model. 33 (2009) 597–60]. In this study some problems of applying Toloo & Nalchigar’s model are addressed. A new integrated MIP–DEA model is then introduced to determine the most BCC-efficient decision making unit (DMU). Moreover, it is mathematically proved that the new model identifies only a single BCC-efficient DMU by a common set of optimal weights. To show applicability of proposed models, a numerical example is used which contains a real data set of nineteen facility layout designs (FLDs).     

Assessing the relative efficiency of decision making units using DEA models with weight restrictions

In models of data envelopment analysis (DEA), an optimal set of input and output weights is generally assumed to represent the assessed decision making unit (DMU) in the best light in comparison to all the other DMUs. The paper shows that this may not be correct if absolute weight bounds or some other weight restrictions are added to the model. A consequence may be that the model will underestimate the relative efficiency of DMUs. The incorporation of weight restrictions in a maximin DEA model is suggested. This model can be further converted to more operational forms, which are similar to the classical DEA models.     

链式网络DEA模型

数据包络分析(DEA)是评价决策单元(DMU)相对有效性的一种工具,现已得到广泛的应用.传统的DEA不考虑系统内部结构,而是将系统作为一个"黑箱"来度量效率.针对多阶段网络结构提出一个新的网络DEA模型—链式网络DEA模型.研究网络决策单元的网络DEA有效性及各个阶段的弱DEA有效性之间的关系,给出了网络DEA有效的充分必要条件.若网络决策单元不是网络DEA有效的,根据模型可以指出系统在哪些阶段是无效的.     

基于SMAA和公共权重的决策单元效率评价与排序

在数据包络分析(DEA)中,公共权重模型是决策单元效率评价与排序的常用方法之一。与传统DEA模型相比,公共权重模型用一组公共的投入产出权重评价所有决策单元,评价结果往往更具有区分度且更为客观。本文考虑决策单元对排序位置的满意程度,提出了基于最大化最小满意度和最大化平均满意度两类新的公共权重模型。首先,基于随机多准则可接受度分析(SMAA)方法,计算出每个决策单元处于各个排名位置的可接受度;然后,通过逆权重空间分析,分别求得使最小满意度和平均满意度最大化的一组公共权重;最后,利用所求的公共权重,计算各决策单元的效率值及相应的排序。算例分析验证了本文提出的基于SMAA的公共权重模型用于决策单元效率评价与排序的可行性。     

Data Envelopment Analysis with Preference Structure

It is important to consider the decision making unit (DMU)'s or decision maker's preference over the potential adjustments of various inputs and outputs when data envelopment analysis (DEA) is employed. On the basis of the so-called Russell measure, this paper develops some weighted non-radial CCR models by specifying a proper set of ‘preference weights’ that reflect the relative degree of desirability of the potential adjustments of current input or output levels. These input or output adjustments can be either less or greater than one; that is, the approach enables certain inputs actually to be increased, or certain outputs actually to be decreased. It is shown that the preference structure prescribes fixed weights (virtual multiplier bounds) or regions that invalidate some virtual multipliers and hence it generates preferred (efficient) input and output targets for each DMU. In addition to providing the preferred target, the approach gives a scalar efficiency score for each DMU to secure comparability. It is also shown how specific cases of our approach handle non-controllable factors in DEA and measure allocative and technical efficiency. Finally, the methodology is applied with the industrial performance of 14 open coastal cities and four special economic zones in 1991 in China. As applied here, the DEA/preference structure model refines the original DEA model's result and eliminates apparently efficient DMUs.     

A new integrated DEA model for finding most BCC-efficient DMU

In many applications of widely recognized technique, DEA, finding the most efficient DMU is desirable for decision maker. Using basic DEA models, decision maker is not able to identify most efficient DMU. Amin and Toloo [Gholam R. Amin, M. Toloo, Finding the most efficient DMUs in DEA: an improved integrated model. Comput. Ind. Eng. 52 (2007) 71–77] introduced an integrated DEA model for finding most CCR-efficient DMU. In this paper, we propose a new integrated model for determining most BCC-efficient DMU by solving only one linear programming (LP). This model is useful for situations in which return to scale is variable, so has wider range of application than other models which find most CCR-efficient DMU. The applicability of the proposed integrated model is illustrated, using a real data set of a case study, which consists of 19 facility layout alternatives.     

指标可取负值的基于输入与输出的DEA模型

有关基于输入与输出的DEA模型,本文与现有文献的不同之处,一是模型中的评价指标可取负值,二是被评的决策单元可以不是所给的n个决策单元之一,三是模型并非由多目标规划模型推得.此外,给出了有关此模型的三个定理.因此,可知有关此模型的最优解存在的充分条件;在求解此模型后就能在判断决策单元的DEA有效性的同时计算出其相对效率,并能计算出其在DEA相对有效面上的"投影".     

广义与传统BC~2模型效率评价差异及其几何刻画

传统DEA方法相对于决策单元全体对决策单元进行评价,广义DEA方法相对于样本单元全体对决策单元进行评价.由于参照系的不同,对不同决策单元的相对效率评价结果可能不同.针对这种情况,对基于BC2模型的只有投入或只有产出的传统和广义DEA模型进行说明,并通过样本前沿面的移动对广义DEA模型中相对效率值进行几何刻画.     

A generalized additive, categorical model in data envelopment analysis

This paper considers efficiency of a Decision Making Unit (DMU) in Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) with a generalized additive model and a categorical structure. Specifically, it extends the categorical framework in DEA for controllable and noncontrollable situations, and it gives simple, but powerful, tests to determine whether or not a given DMU is efficient.     

Sensitivity analysis of DEA models for simultaneous changes in all the data

In data envelopment analysis (DEA) efficient decision making units (DMUs) are of primary importance as they define the efficient frontier. The current paper develops a new sensitivity analysis approach for the basic DEA models, such as, those proposed by Charnes, Cooper and Rhodes (CCR), Banker, Charnes and Cooper (BCC) and additive models, when variations in the data are simultaneously considered for all DMUs. By means of modified DEA models, in which the specific DMU under examination is excluded from the reference set, we are able to determine what perturbations of the data can be tolerated before efficient DMUs become inefficient. Our approach generalises the usual sensitivity analysis approach developed in which perturbations of the data are only applied to the test DMU while all the remaining DMUs remain fixed. In our framework data are allowed to vary simultaneously for all DMUs across different subsets of inputs and outputs. We study the relations of the infeasibility of modified DEA models employed and the robustness of DEA models. It is revealed that the infeasibility means stability. The empirical applications demonstrate that DEA efficiency classifications are robust with respect to possible data errors, particularly in the convex DEA case.     

Hyperbolic frontier model: a parametric DEA approach for the distribution of a total fixed output

This paper addresses the problem of assigning shares of a new total fixed output to a group of decision making units (DMUs) using data envelopment analysis (DEA), by assuming the existence of a predefined hyperbolic locus of points that characterizes the DEA frontier. The problem of redistributing an already existing output is then addressed, where the total value of this output may vary, so that no DMU is required to decrease its current output value in the new distribution.     

基于C~2R模型的广义链式网络DEA模型

传统网络DEA方法是将传统DEA方法评价过程中的"黑箱"打开,考虑输入到输出的中间环节,对生产过程中的各个环节分别评价。传统网络DEA方法获得的是相对于有效决策单元评价的结果,但有时可能要相对于非有效决策单元或者非决策单元进行评价,传统网络DEA方法无法解决该类问题。为此给出相对于非有效决策单元或者非决策单元进行评价的基于C~2R模型的广义链式网络DEA模型,并探讨相关性质.     

Measuring super-efficiency in DEA in the presence of infeasibility

Super-efficiency data envelopment analysis (DEA) model is obtained when a decision making unit (DMU) under evaluation is excluded from the reference set. Because of the possible infeasibility of super-efficiency DEA model, the use of super-efficiency DEA model has been restricted to the situations where constant returns to scale (CRS) are assumed. It is shown that one of the input-oriented and output-oriented super-efficiency DEA models must be feasible for a any efficient DMU under evaluation if the variable returns to scale (VRS) frontier consists of increasing, constant, and decreasing returns to scale DMUs. We use both input- and output-oriented super-efficiency models to fully characterize the super-efficiency. When super-efficiency is used as an efficiency stability measure, infeasibility means the highest super-efficiency (stability). If super-efficiency is interpreted as input saving or output surplus achieved by a specific efficient DMU, infeasibility does not necessary mean the highest super-efficiency.     

有关判断决策单元的DEA有效性的新方法的探讨

为了判断决策单元是否(弱)DEA有效并克服现有的模型及[1]中模型在解决上述问题时的不足之处,本文将讨论的新模型是由CCR模型与CCGSS模型变来的,且定理的证明不同于[1]．还讨论了文中新模型的最优解的存在性,此外,研究了所有决策单元的输入输出的变化对某决策单元有效性的影响．     

DEA models for resource reallocation and production input/output estimation

This paper discusses the “inverse” data envelopment analysis (DEA) problem with preference cone constraints. An inverse DEA model can be used for a decision making unit (DMU) to estimate its input/output levels when some or all of its input/output entities are revised, given its current DEA efficiency level. The extension of introducing additional preference cones to the previously developed inverse DEA model allows the decision makers to incorporate their preferences or important policies over inputs/outputs into the production analysis and resource allocation process. We provide the properties of the inverse DEA problem through a discussion of its related multi-objective and weighted sum single-objective programming problems. Numerical examples are presented to illustrate the application procedure of our extended inverse DEA model. In particular, we demonstrate how to apply the model to the case of a local home electrical appliance group company for its resource reallocation decisions.     

Finding common weights based on the DM's preference information

Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) is basically a linear programming-based technique used for measuring the relative performance of organizational units, referred to as Decision Making Units (DMUs). The flexibility in selecting the weights in standard DEA models deters the comparison among DMUs on a common base. Moreover, these weights are not suitable to measure the preferences of a decision maker (DM). For dealing with the first difficulty, the concept of common weights was proposed in the DEA literature. But, none of the common weights approaches address the second difficulty. This paper proposes an alternative approach that we term as ‘preference common weights’, which is both practical and intellectually consistent with the DEA philosophy. To do this, we introduce a multiple objective linear programming model in which objective functions are input/output variables subject to the constraints similar to the equations that define production possibility set of standard DEA models. Then by using the Zionts–Wallenius method, we can generate common weights as the DM's underlying value structure about objective functions.