Visualizing Efficiency and Reference Relations in Data Envelopment Analysis with an Application to the Branches of a German Bank

The interest in Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) as a method for analyzing the productivity of homogeneous Decision Making Units (DMUs) has significantly increased in recent years. One of the main goals of DEA is to measure for each DMU its production efficiency relative to the other DMUs under analysis. Apart from a relative efficiency score, DEA also provides reference DMUs for inefficient DMUs. An inefficient DMU has, in general, more than one reference DMU, and an efficient DMU may be a reference unit for a large number of inefficient DMUs. These reference and efficiency relations describe a net which connects efficient and inefficient DMUs. We visualize this net by applying Sammons mapping. Such a visualization provides a very compact representation of the respective reference and efficiency relations and it helps to identify for an inefficient DMU efficient DMUs respectively DMUs with a high efficiency score which have a similar structure and can therefore be used as models. Furthermore, it can also be applied to visualize potential outliers in a very efficient way.JEL Classification: C14, C61, D24, M2     

Measurement of Dynamic Efficiency in Production: An Application of Data Envelopment Analysis to Japanese Electric Utilities

The purpose of this paper is to measure productive efficiencies when a firm employs quasi-fixed inputs that cannot be instantaneously adjusted to their optimal levels. To this end, data envelopment analysis (DEA) is extended to a dynamic framework so that investment behavior can be modelled with the efficient production frontier. Based on the work of Nemoto and Goto (1999), we show how the efficiencies of quasi-fixed inputs and their adjustment processes are evaluated. An application to Japanese electric utilities over the 1981–1995 period delivers empirically plausible results and proves the usefulness of the procedure.     

A Generalized Goals-achievement Model in Data Envelopment Analysis: an Application to Efficiency Improvement in Local Government Finance in Japan

Abstract

Data envelopment analysis (DEA) has become an established benchmark tool in efficiency strategies in both the public and the private sectors. The aim of this paper is to present and apply a newly developed, emerging from a blend of a Distance Friction Minimization (DFM) and a Goals Achievements (GA), model in DEA. The above-mentioned DFM-GA model is illustrated empirically by using a data set of efficiency indicators for cities in Hokkaido prefecture in Japan. In summary, this paper presents a practical policy instrument that may contribute to efficient decision making of both public and private actors.

Modèle généralisé de réalisation des objectifs dans l'analyse par la méthode d'enveloppe: application dans l'augmentation du rendement dans les finances des administrations régionales au Japon

RÉSUMÉ?La méthode d'enveloppe [data envelopment analysis (DEA)] est un étalon bien établi pour les stratégies d'efficacité tant dans le secteur public que dans le secteur privé. L'objectif de la présente communication est de présenter et d'appliquer un modèle de méthode d'enveloppe nouveau et ajusté. Le modèle DFM-GA susmentionné est illustré de façon empirique au moyen d'un ensemble d'indicateurs d'efficacité pour des villes de la préfecture d'Hokkaido, au Japon. En résumé, la présente communication présente un instrument de politique pratique qui pourrait contribuer à des prises de décision efficaces par des acteurs tant publics que privés.

Un modelo generalizado de logro de objetivos en el análisis envolvente de datos: aplicación a la mejora de la eficiencia en las finanzas de gobiernos locales de Japón

RÉSUMÉN?El análisis envolvente de datos (DEA) se ha convertido en una herramienta de referencia establecida en las estrategias de eficiencia, tanto en el sector público como privado. El objetivo de este trabajo es presentar y aplicar un modelo DEA ajustado y recién desarrollado. El modelo DFM-GA mencionado anteriormente se ilustra empíricamente utilizando un conjunto de datos de indicadores de eficiencia relacionados con ciudades de la prefectura de Hokkaido, Japón. En resumen, este trabajo presenta un instrumento práctico de política que puede contribuir a una toma de decisiones eficiente tanto de actores públicos como privados.

     

The Measurement and Analysis of Poverty and Inequality: An Application to Spanish Conurbations

Poverty as a multidimensional phenomenon can be approached from different points of view. In this paper we study poverty in large towns in Spain taking into consideration three different definitions: a) relative monetary poverty, or scarcity of resources as compared with population averages, b) poverty measured through physical indicators, i.e. deprivation of certain goods, and c) subjective poverty. This last one appears to be related to inequality, which is also considered and analyzed. The source of statistical information used is the Spanish Household Budget Survey of 1990–91. Possibilities and drawbacks of this survey in the analysis of poverty and inequality are also reviewed.