The interval efficiency based on the optimistic and pessimistic points of view

Data envelopment analysis (DEA) is a data-oriented approach for evaluating the performances of a set of peer entities called decision-making units (DMUs), whose performance is determined based on multiple measures. The traditional DEA, which is based on the concept of efficiency frontier (output frontier), determines the best efficiency score that can be assigned to each DMU. Based on these scores, DMUs are classified into DEA-efficient (optimistic efficient) or DEA-non-efficient (optimistic non-efficient) units, and the DEA-efficient DMUs determine the efficiency frontier. There is a comparable approach which uses the concept of inefficiency frontier (input frontier) for determining the worst relative efficiency score that can be assigned to each DMU. DMUs on the inefficiency frontier are specified as DEA-inefficient or pessimistic inefficient, and those that do not lie on the inefficient frontier, are declared to be DEA-non-inefficient or pessimistic non-inefficient. In this paper, we argue that both relative efficiencies should be considered simultaneously, and any approach that considers only one of them will be biased. For measuring the overall performance of the DMUs, we propose to integrate both efficiencies in the form of an interval, and we call the proposed DEA models for efficiency measurement the bounded DEA models. In this way, the efficiency interval provides the decision maker with all the possible values of efficiency, which reflect various perspectives. A numerical example is presented to illustrate the application of the proposed DEA models.     

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.     

Evaluating the performances of decision-making units based on interval efficiencies

Efficiency could be not only the ratio of weighted sum of outputs to that of inputs but also that of weighted sum of inputs to that of outputs. When the previous efficiency measures the best relative efficiency within the range of no more than one, the decision-making units (DMUs) who get the optimum value of one perform best among all the DMUs. If the previous efficiency is measured within the range of no less than one, the DMUs who get the optimum value of one perform worst among all the DMUs. When the later efficiency is measured within the range of no more than one, the DMUs who get the optimum value of one perform worst among all the DMUs. If the later efficiency is measured within the range of no less than one, the DMUs who get the optimum value of one perform best among all the DMUs. This paper mainly studies an interval DEA model with later efficiency, in which efficiency is measured within the range of an interval, whose upper bound is set to one and the lower bound is determined by introducing a virtual ideal DMU, whose performance is definitely superior to any DMUs. The efficiencies, obtained from interval DEA model, turn out to be all intervals and are referred to as interval efficiencies, which combine the best and the worst relative efficiency in a reasonable manner to give an overall assessment of performances for all DMUs. Assessor's preference information on input and output weights is also incorporated into interval DEA model reasonably and conveniently. Through an example, some differences are found from the ranking results obtained from interval DEA model and bounded DEA model using the Hurwicz criterion approach to rank the interval efficiencies.     

A generalized model for data envelopment analysis with interval data

Data envelopment analysis (DEA) is a method to estimate the relative efficiency of decision-making units (DMUs) performing similar tasks in a production system that consumes multiple inputs to produce multiple outputs. So far, a number of DEA models with interval data have been developed. The CCR model with interval data, the BCC model with interval data and the FDH model with interval data are well known as basic DEA models with interval data. In this study, we suggest a model with interval data called interval generalized DEA (IGDEA) model, which can treat the stated basic DEA models with interval data in a unified way. In addition, by establishing the theoretical properties of the relationships among the IGDEA model and those DEA models with interval data, we prove that the IGDEA model makes it possible to calculate the efficiency of DMUs incorporating various preference structures of decision makers.     

Ranking DMUs by using interval DEA cross efficiency matrix with acceptability analysis

Cross efficiency method is an extension of data envelopment analysis (DEA), and has been widely used for ranking performance of decision making units (DMUs). To eliminate the non-uniqueness of cross efficiency scores, the aggressive and benevolent strategies have been proposed as secondary goals to determine the unique cross efficiency score. The current paper aims to propose an alternative strategy which does not consider the preference of the decision maker in choosing aggressive or benevolent strategy. Instead, the paper considers all possible weight sets in weight space when computing the cross efficiency and each DMU is given an interval cross efficiency. By using the stochastic multicriteria acceptability analysis (SMAA-2) method, all DMUs in the interval cross efficiency matrix (CEM) could be fully ranked according to the acceptability indices. A numerical example about efficiency evaluation to seven academic departments in a university is illustrated.     

Measuring the performances of decision-making units using interval efficiencies

Efficiency is a relative measure because it can be measured within different ranges. The traditional data envelopment analysis (DEA) measures the efficiencies of decision-making units (DMUs) within the range of less than or equal to one. The corresponding efficiencies are referred to as the best relative efficiencies, which measure the best performances of DMUs and determine an efficiency frontier. If the efficiencies are measured within the range of greater than or equal to one, then the worst relative efficiencies can be used to measure the worst performances of DMUs and determine an inefficiency frontier. In this paper, the efficiencies of DMUs are measured within the range of an interval, whose upper bound is set to one and the lower bound is determined through introducing a virtual anti-ideal DMU, whose performance is definitely inferior to any DMUs. The efficiencies turn out to be all intervals and are thus referred to as interval efficiencies, which combine the best and the worst relative efficiencies in a reasonable manner to give an overall measurement and assessment of the performances of DMUs. The new DEA model with the upper and lower bounds on efficiencies is referred to as bounded DEA model, which can incorporate decision maker (DM) or assessor's preference information on input and output weights. A Hurwicz criterion approach is introduced and utilized to compare and rank the interval efficiencies of DMUs and a numerical example is examined using the proposed bounded DEA model to show its potential application and validity.     

An inverse optimization model for imprecise data envelopment analysis

Inverse data envelopment analysis (InDEA) is a well-known approach for short-term forecasting of a given decision-making unit (DMU). The conventional InDEA models use the production possibility set (PPS) that is composed of an evaluated DMU with current inputs and outputs. In this paper, we replace the fluctuated DMU with a modified DMU involving renewal inputs and outputs in the PPS since the DMU with current data cannot be allowed to establish the new PPS. Besides, the classical DEA models such as InDEA are assumed to consider perfect knowledge of the input and output values but in numerous situations, this assumption may not be realistic. The observed values of the data in these situations can sometimes be defined as interval numbers instead of crisp numbers. Here, we extend the InDEA model to interval data for evaluating the relative efficiency of DMUs. The proposed models determine the lower and upper bounds of the inputs of a given DMU separately when its interval outputs are changed in the performance analysis process. We aim to remain the current interval efficiency of a considered DMU and the interval efficiencies of the remaining DMUs fixed or even improve compared with the current interval efficiencies.     

Unoriented two-stage DEA: The case of the oscillating intermediate products

Data envelopment analysis (DEA) allows us to evaluate the relative efficiency of each of a set of decision-making units (DMUs). However, the methodology does not permit us to identify specific sources of inefficiency because DEA views the DMU as a “black box” that consumes a mix of inputs and produces a mix of outputs. Thus, DEA does not provide a DMU manager with insight regarding the internal source of the organization’s inefficiency.     

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.     

Qualitative and quantitative data envelopment analysis with interval data

In this paper, we investigate DEA with interval input-output data. First we show various extensions of efficiency and that 25 of them are essential. Second we formulate the efficiency test problems as mixed integer programming problems. We prove that 14 among 25 problems can be reduced to linear programming problems and that the other 11 efficiencies can be tested by solving a finite sequence of linear programming problems. Third, in order to obtain efficiency scores, we extend SBM model to interval input-output data. Fourth, to moderate a possible positive overassessment by DEA, we introduce the inverted DEA model with interval input-output data. Using efficiency and inefficiency scores, we propose a classification of DMUs. Finally, we apply the proposed approach to Japanese Bank Data and demonstrate its advantages.     

Identifying the efficiency status in network DEA

Data envelopment analysis (DEA) is commonly employed to evaluate the efficiency performance of a decision making unit (DMU) that transforms exogenous inputs into final outputs. In such a black-box DEA approach, details of an internal production process of the DMU are typically ignored and hence the locations of inefficiency are not adequately provided. In view of this, DEA researchers have recently developed various network approaches by looking into the black box, where the inputs that enter the box and the outputs that come out of it are only considered. However, most of these network approaches evaluate divisional efficiency by using an optimal solution of their respective optimization problem. If such an optimal solution is used in the case when there are multiple optima, then managerial guidance based on this solution alone may be inappropriate because more appropriate targets from the viewpoint of management may be ignored. Taking this fact into account, therefore, we propose a network approach for identifying the efficiency status of each DMU and its divisions. This approach provides a practical computational procedure.     

基于超效率DEA-IAHP的物流企业绩效评价

本文在介绍超效率数据包络分析法及区间数层次分析法的原理和模型,深入研究DEA-AHP评价方法的基础上,提出了超效率DEA-IAHP方法对物流企业绩效进行评价,改进方法引入超效率DEA方法和区间层次分析法弥补了原方法的不足,其中超效率数据包络分析法弥补了原方法不能对效率均为1的决策单元有效排序的问题,可以对所有决策单元进行总排序;区间层次分析法使用区间数判断矩阵来表达各指标因素对总目标的相对重要程度,这有效地解决了决策者因为对物流企业信息掌握不全而导致的点判断矩阵不可靠的问题,更好地体现了决策者偏好。笔者给出了应用超效率DEA-IAHP方法对物流企业进行绩效评价的基本步骤,并用实例分析体现了该方法的实用性及优越性。     

A new method for evaluating decision making units in DEA

This paper provides a new structure in data envelopment analysis (DEA) for assessing the performance of decision making units (DMUs). It proposes a technique to estimate the DEA efficient frontier based on the Arash Method in a way different from the statistical inferences. The technique allows decisions in the target regions instead of points to benchmark DMUs without requiring any more information in the case of interval/fuzzy DEA methods. It suggests three efficiency indexes, called the lowest, technical and highest efficiency scores, for each DMU where small errors occur in both input and output components of the Farrell frontier, even if the data are accurate. These efficiency indexes provide a sensitivity index for each DMU and arrange both inefficient and technically efficient DMUs together while simultaneously detecting and benchmarking outliers. Two numerical examples depicted the validity of the proposed method.     

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.     

Interval cross efficiency for fully ranking decision making units using DEA/AHP approach

Data envelopment analysis (DEA) is a popular technique for measuring the relative efficiency of a set of decision making units (DMUs). Fully ranking DMUs is a traditional and important topic in DEA. In various types of ranking methods, cross efficiency method receives much attention from researchers because it evaluates DMUs by using self and peer evaluation. However, cross efficiency score is usual nonuniqueness. This paper combines the DEA and analytic hierarchy process (AHP) to fully rank the DMUs that considers all possible cross efficiencies of a DMU with respect to all the other DMUs. We firstly measure the interval cross efficiency of each DMU. Based on the interval cross efficiency, relative efficiency pairwise comparison between each pair of DMUs is used to construct interval multiplicative preference relations (IMPRs). To obtain the consistency ranking order, a method to derive consistent IMPRs is developed. After that, the full ranking order of DMUs from completely consistent IMPRs is derived. It is worth noting that our DEA/AHP approach not only avoids overestimation of DMUs’ efficiency by only self-evaluation, but also eliminates the subjectivity of pairwise comparison between DMUs in AHP. Finally, a real example is offered to illustrate the feasibility and practicality of the proposed procedure.     

Sensitivity analysis of inefficient units in data envelopment analysis

One important issue in DEA which has been studied by many DEA researchers is the sensitivity of the results of an analysis to perturbations in the data.This paper develops a procedure for performing a sensitivity analysis of the inefficient decision making units (DMUs). The procedure yields an exact “Necessary Change Region” in which the efficiency score of a specific inefficient DMU changes to a defined efficiency score.In what follows, we identify a new frontier, and prove the efficiency score of each arbitrary unit on it which is defined as the efficiency score.     

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.     

聚类分析在确定广义DEA方法样本单元集中的应用

利用基于BC~2模型的只有输出的DEA模型(D-BC_O~2)来评价决策单元的有效性时,得到的效率值有时会与定性分析存在一定的差异.为了解决这类问题,引入只有产出的广义DEA模型(DG-BC_O~2),并利用聚类分析方法确定样本单元集,给出(DG_(cluster)模型来评价决策单元的有效性.最后通过2009年中国各省市人均经济发展数据进行演示,说明利用聚类分析方法确定样本单元集具有一定的可行性.     

Improvement of efficiency intervals based on DEA by adjusting inputs and outputs

We improve the efficiency interval of a DMU by adjusting its given inputs and outputs. The Interval DEA model has been formulated to obtain an efficiency interval consisting of evaluations from both the optimistic and pessimistic viewpoints. DMUs which are not rated as efficient in the conventional sense are improved so that their lower bounds become as large as possible under the condition that their upper bounds attain the maximum value one. The adjusted inputs and outputs keep each other balanced by improving the lower bound of efficiency interval, since the lower bound becomes small if all the inputs and outputs are not proportioned. In order to improve the lower bound of efficiency interval, different target points are defined for different DMUs. The target point can be regarded as a kind of benchmark for the DMU. First, a new approach to improvement by adjusting only outputs or inputs is proposed. Then, the combined approach to improvement by adjusting both inputs and outputs simultaneously is proposed. Lastly, numerical examples are shown to illustrate our proposed approaches.     

基于公共权重的区间DEA效率评价及其排序方法研究

针对传统区间数据包络分析方法,在确定每一个决策单元区间效率的上界和下界时,存在的评价尺度不一致且计算复杂等问题,本文提出了一种同时最大化所有决策单元的效率上界和下界的公共权重区间DEA模型,并给出了一种考虑决策者偏好信息的可能度排序方法,用以解决区间效率的全排序问题。最后,以中国大陆11个沿海省份工业生产效率测算为例说明了所提方法的有效性和实用性。