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D
ata envelopment analysis (DEA) where
is receiving increasing importance k = 1 to s,
as a tool for evaluating and im-
j = 1 to m,
proving the performance of manufactur-
ing and service operations. It has been i = 1 to n,
extensively applied in performance evalu- yki = amount of output k produced by
ation and benchmarking of schools, hospi- DMU i,
tals, bank branches, production plants, etc. xji = amount of input j utilized by
(Charnes et al., 1994). This paper provides DMU i,
an introduction to DEA and some impor-
vk = weight given to output k,
tant methodological extensions that have
improved its effectiveness as a productiv- uj = weight given to input j.
ity analysis tool. The fractional program shown as (2)
DEA is a multi-factor productivity can be converted to a linear program as
analysis model for measuring the relative shown in (3). For more details on model
efficiencies of a homogenous set of decision development see Charnes et al. (1978).
making units (DMUs). The efficiency score
in the presence of multiple input and out-
put factors is defined as:
weighted sum of outputs
Efficiency = weighted sum of inputs (1)
Krishna S. Dhir, Pennsylvania State University Joseph Sarkis, Clark University, has been awarded one of the
at Harrisburg, was awarded the 2000 Excellence 1999 Reviewer Excellence Awards by the Journal of Operations
in Teaching Award by the provost of the uni- Management, the E&R Foundation, and Elsevier Science. This
versity in March 2000. This competitive award award is based on quality of review, timeliness of responses,
is given annually to a faculty member at the volume of reviews, and reviewing consistency criteria.
university who has demonstrated sustained ex-
cellence and lasting impact in the areas of gen-
eral teaching, enthusiasm, commitment, academic advising, DSI members can share their promotions, awards, publica-
and overall career guidance to the students. Dr. Dhir also re- tions, photos, and other news of interest to the membership
ceived the Best Applications Paper Award at the DSI Interna- by contacting:
tional Conference in Athens, Greece, in July 1999. He was Carol Latta, Executive Director, Decision Sciences Institute,
awarded the Best Theoretical/Empirical Research Paper award J. Mack Robinson College of Business, Georgia State University,
at the 1993 DSI Annual Meeting in Washington, DC. Atlanta, GA 30303, fax: (404) 651-2804, email: clatta@gsu.edu.