Centralized resource allocation BCC models

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal articleResearchpeer-review

In two recent papers, Lozano and Villa [Centralized resource allocation using data envelopment analysis. Journal of Productivity Analysis 2004;22:143-61. [1]] and Lozano et al. [Centralized target setting for regional recycling operations using DEA. OMEGA 2004;32:101-10. [2]] introduce the concept of "centralized" data envelopment analysis (DEA) models, which aim at optimizing the combined resource consumption by all units in an organization rather than considering the consumption by each unit separately. This is particularly relevant for situations where some variables are controlled by a central authority (e.g. Head Office) rather than individual unit managers. In this paper we reconsider one of the centralized models proposed by the above-mentioned authors and suggest modifying it to only consider adjustments of previously inefficient units. We show how this new model formulation relate to a standard DEA model, namely as the analysis of the mean inefficient point. We also provide a procedure that can be used to generate alternative optimal solutions, enabling a decision maker to search through alternate solution possibilities in order to select the preferred one. We then extend the model to incorporate non-transferable as well as strictly non-discretionary variables and illustrate the models using an empirical example of a public service organization.

Original languageEnglish
JournalOmega
Volume37
Issue number1
Pages (from-to)40-49
Number of pages10
ISSN0305-0483
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Feb 2009
Externally publishedYes

    Research areas

  • Allocation, DEA, Efficiency, LP, Mathematical programming, Operations Research/OR, Resource management

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