A new approach in modelling undesirable output in DEA model

With an increasing attention on the environment, one of the major research thrusts in Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) based performance evaluation is the undesirable output in the conventional DEA model. There is considerable research published on the undesirable aspects of production outputs. However, the economic implications and the suitability of the DEA models for incorporating the undesirable outputs are less carefully investigated and discussed. In this paper, a comparative study is conducted of typical eco-DEA models to illustrate this issue. We propose a ratio model to evaluate the undesirable as well as the desirable outputs simultaneously. We apply the specially developed model to investigate the impact of production pollutants while conducting the efficiency evaluation in the textile industry of China. The results reveal that the production output-oriented efficiency evaluation can be significantly altered once the environmental aspects are factored into the model.     

A generalized inefficiency model with input and output dependence

In this paper we propose a general inefficiency model, in the sense that technical inefficiency is, simultaneously, a function of all inputs, outputs, and contextual variables. We recognize that change in inefficiency is endogenous or rational, and we propose an adjustment costs model with firm-specific but unknown adjustment cost parameters. When inefficiency depends on inputs and outputs, the firm's optimization problem changes as the first order conditions must take into account the dependence of inefficiency on the endogenous variables of the problem. The new formulation introduces statistical challenges which are successfully resolved. The model is estimated using Maximum Simulated Likelihood and an empirical application to U.S. banking is provided.     

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.     

A chance-constrained portfolio selection model with risk constraints

The paper by Huang [Fuzzy chance-constrained portfolio selection, Applied Mathematics and Computation 177 (2006) 500-507] proposes a fuzzy chance-constrained portfolio selection model and presents a numerical example to illustrate the proposed model. In this note, we will show that Huang’s model produces optimal portfolio investing in only one security when candidate security returns are independent to each other no matter how many independent securities are in the market. The reason for concentrative solution is that Huang’s model does not consider the investment risk. To avoid concentrative investment, a risk constraint is added to the fuzzy chance-constrained portfolio selection model. In addition, we point out that the result of the numerical example is inaccurate.     

A new robust DEA model and super-efficiency measure

Applications of traditional data envelopments analysis (DEA) models require knowledge of crisp input and output data. However, the real-world problems often deal with imprecise or ambiguous data. In this paper, the problem of considering uncertainty in the equality constraints is analyzed and by using the equivalent form of CCR model, a suitable robust DEA model is derived in order to analyze the efficiency of decision-making units (DMUs) under the assumption of uncertainty in both input and output spaces. The new model based on the robust optimization approach is suggested. Using the proposed model, it is possible to evaluate the efficiency of the DMUs in the presence of uncertainty in a fewer steps compared to other models. In addition, using the new proposed robust DEA model and envelopment form of CCR model, two linear robust super-efficiency models for complete ranking of DMUs are proposed. Two different case studies of different contexts are taken as numerical examples in order to compare the proposed model with other approaches. The examples also illustrate various possible applications of new models.     

Using a group support system to aid input–output identification in DEA

In data envelopment analysis (DEA), operating units are compared on their outputs relative to their inputs. The identification of an appropriate input–output set is of decisive significance if assessment of the relative performance of the units is not to be biased. This paper reports on a novel approach used for identifying a suitable input–output set for assessing central administrative services at universities. A computer-supported group support system was used with an advisory board to enable the analysts to extract information pertaining to the boundaries of the unit of assessment and the corresponding input–output variables. The approach provides for a more comprehensive and less inhibited discussion of input–output variables to inform the DEA model.     

A new robust mixed integer-valued model in DEA

The mixed integer linear programming (MILP) models are proposed to estimate the performance of decision making units (DMUs) including both integer and real values in data envelopment analysis (DEA). There are several studies to propose MILPs in the literature of DEA; however, they have some major shortcomings unfortunately. This study firstly mentioned the shortcomings in the previous researches and secondly suggests a robust MILP based on the Kourosh and Arash Method (KAM). The proposed linear model, integer-KAM (IKAM), has almost all capabilities of the linear KAM and significantly removes the shortcomings in the current MILPs. For instance, IKAM benchmarks and ranks all technically efficient and inefficient DMUs at the same time. It detects outliers, and estimates the production frontier significantly. A numerical example of 39 Spanish airports with four integer inputs and three outputs including two integer values and a real value also represents the validity of the statements.     

Analysis of a chance-constrained new product risk model with multiple customer classes

We consider the non-convex problem of minimizing a linear deterministic cost objective subject to a probabilistic requirement on a nonlinear multivariate stochastic expression attaining, or exceeding a given threshold. The stochastic expression represents the output of a noisy system featuring the product of mutually-independent, uniform random parameters each raised to a linear function of one of the decision vector’s constituent variables. We prove a connection to (i) the probability measure on the superposition of a finite collection of uncorrelated exponential random variables, and (ii) an entropy-like affine function. Then, we determine special cases for which the optimal solution exists in closed-form, or is accessible via sequential linear programming. These special cases inspire the design of a gradient-based heuristic procedure that guarantees a feasible solution for instances failing to meet any of the special case conditions. The application motivating our study is a consumer goods firm seeking to cost-effectively manage a certain aspect of its new product risk. We test our heuristic on a real problem and compare its overall performance to that of an asymptotically optimal Monte-Carlo-based method called sample average approximation. Numerical experimentation on synthetic problem instances sheds light on the interplay between the optimal cost and various parameters including the probabilistic requirement and the required threshold.     

A comparison of chance-constrained DEA and stochastic frontier analysis: bank efficiency in Taiwan

We employed both chance-constrained data envelopment analysis (CCDEA) and stochastic frontier analysis (SFA) to measure the technical efficiency of 39 banks in Taiwan. Estimated results show that there are significant differences in efficiency scores between chance-constrained DEA and stochastic frontier production function. The advanced setting of the chance-constrained mechanism of DEA does not change the instinctive differences between DEA and SFA approaches. We further find that the ownership variable is still a significant variable to explain the technical efficiency in Taiwan, irrespective of whether a DEA, CCDEA or SFA approach is used.     

An ellipsoidal frontier model: Allocating input via parametric DEA

This paper presents the ellipsoidal frontier model (EFM), a parametric data envelopment analysis (DEA) model for input allocation. EFM addresses the problem of distributing a single total fixed input by assuming the existence of a predefined locus of points that characterizes the DEA frontier. Numeric examples included in the paper show EFM’s capacity to allocate shares of the total fixed input to each DMU so that they will all become efficient. By varying the eccentricities, input distribution can be performed in infinite ways, gaining control over DEA weights assigned to the variables in the model. We also show that EFM assures strong efficiency and behaves coherently within the context of sensitivity analysis, two properties that are not observed in other models found in the technical literature.     

Adjusted spherical frontier model: allocating input via parametric DEA

This paper presents the adjusted spherical frontier model (ASFM), a parametric data envelopment analysis (DEA) model for input allocation. Following a common principle from other solutions found in the literature, ASFM considers that the process of allocating the new input is fair if it ends in such a way that all decision-making units will become DEA-CCR efficient. ASFM's main assumption is the spherical shape of the efficiency frontier. It is because of that assumption that ASFM is called a parametric DEA model. Numeric examples are presented showing that, within the context of sensitivity analysis, ASFM reaches more coherent results than other models found in the literature. This numeric evidence leads to a theorem which formally states this more coherent behaviour. The proof of this theorem is included in this paper.     

Buffers with correlated input and output interruptions

The letter considers a discrete buffered system with one randomly interrupted output channel and stochastic interruptions of the arrival stream which are correlated to the output interruptions. The behaviour of this buffer system is studied, and in particular the influence of the correlation is derived.     

A directional distance based super-efficiency DEA model handling negative data

This paper develops a new radial super-efficiency data envelopment analysis (DEA) model, which allows input–output variables to take both negative and positive values. Compared with existing DEA models capable of dealing with negative data, the proposed model can rank the efficient DMUs and is feasible no matter whether the input–output data are non-negative or not. It successfully addresses the infeasibility issue of both the conventional radial super-efficiency DEA model and the Nerlove–Luenberger super-efficiency DEA model under the assumption of variable returns to scale. Moreover, it can project each DMU onto the super-efficiency frontier along a suitable direction and never leads to worse target inputs or outputs than the original ones for inefficient DMUs. Additional advantages of the proposed model include monotonicity, units invariance and output translation invariance. Two numerical examples demonstrate the practicality and superiority of the new model.     

DEA production games with fuzzy output prices

In DEA production models the technology is assumed to be implicit in the input-output data given by a set of recorded observations. DEA production games assess the benefits to different firms of pooling their resources and sharing their technology. The crisp version of this type of problems has been studied in the literature and methods to obtain stable solutions have been proposed. However, no solution approach exists when there is uncertainty in the unit output prices, a situation that can clearly occur in practice. This paper extends DEA production games to the case of fuzzy unit output prices. In that scenario the total revenue is uncertain and therefore the corresponding allocation among the players is also necessarily uncertain. A core-like solution concept is introduced for these fuzzy games, the Preference Least Core. The computational burden of obtaining allocations of the fuzzy total profit reached through cooperation that belong to the preference least core is high. However, the results presented in the paper permit us to compute the fuzzy total revenue obtained by the grand coalition and a fuzzy allocation in the preference least core by solving a single linear programming model. The application of the proposed approach is illustrated with the analysis of two cooperative production situations originated by data sets from the literature.     

Network DEA efficiency in input–output models: With an application to OECD countries

We undertake network efficiency analysis within an input–output model that allows us to assess potential technical efficiency gains by comparing technologies corresponding to different economies. Input–output tables represent a network where different sectoral nodes use primary inputs (endowments) to produce intermediate input and outputs (according to sectoral technologies), and satisfy final demand (preferences). Within the input–output framework it is possible to optimize primary inputs allocation, intermediate production and final demand production by way of non-parametric data envelopment analysis (DEA) techniques. DEA allows us to model the different subtechnologies corresponding to alternative production processes, to assess efficient resource allocation among them, and to determine potential output gains if inefficiencies were dealt with. The proposed model optimizes the underlying multi-stage technologies that the input–output system comprises identifying the best practice economies. The model is applied to a set of OECD countries.     

A second-order fluid queue with subordinator input and Markov-modulated linear output

We consider an infinite capacity second-order fluid queue with subordinator input and Markovmodulated linear release rate. The fluid queue level is described by a generalized Langevin stochastic differential equation （SDE）. Applying infinitesimal generator, we obtain the stationary distribution that satisfies an integro-differential equation. We derive the solution of the SDE and study the transient level＇s convergence in distribution. When the coefficients of the SDE are constants, we deduce the system transient property.     

An exact decomposition algorithm for a chance-constrained new product risk model

We use the generalized two-sided Chebyshev inequality to reformulate a certain nonlinear, chance-constrained new product risk model. The problem has a linear cost objective and a constraint set featuring a probabilistic lower bound on an event which depends on a collection of mutually-independent, uniform random parameters. Our reformulation permits a reduction of the problem to a sequence of second-order cone programs. We, therefore, identify a new family of non-convex programs whose members are amenable to convex programming solution techniques.     

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.     

A new non-oriented model for classifying flexible measures in DEA

In conventional data envelopment analysis (DEA), measures are classified as either input or output. However, in some real cases there are variables which act as both input and output and are known as flexible measures. Most of the previous suggested models for determining the status of flexible measures are oriented. One important issue of these models is that unlike standard DEA, even under constant returns to scale the input- and output-oriented model may produce different efficiency scores. Also, can be expected a flexible measure is selected as an input variable in one model but an output variable in the other model. In addition, in all of the previous studies did not point to variable returns to scale (VRS), but the VRS assumption is prevailed on many real applications. To deal with these issues, this study proposes a new non-oriented model that not only selects the status of each flexible measure as an input or output but also determines returns to scale status. Then, the aggregate model and an extension with the negative data related to the proposed approach are presented.     

A storage model with self-similar input

A storage model with self-similar input process is studied. A relation coupling together the storage requirement, the achievable utilization and the output rate is derived. A lower bound for the complementary distribution function of the storage level is given.