This paper develops a method based on data envelopment analysis (DEA) for efficiency assessments taking into account the effect of non-discretionary factors. A typology that classifies the non-discretionary factors into two groups is proposed: the factors that characterize the external conditions where the decision making units (DMUs) operate (external factors), and the factors that are interna...

Efficient use of assets in agriculture is a goal for policy-makers and farmers. Agricultural input resources are scarce therefore optimum use of inputs in different agricultural operations is important. Mathematical programming technique such as data envelopment analysis (DEA) is a well-known approach for estimation efficiency of agricultural DMUs. In this study, efficiency of kidney bean produ...

This paper proposes a new resource allocation model which is based on data envelopment analysis (DEA) and concerns systems with several homogeneous units operating under supervision of a central unit. The previous studies in DEA literature deal with reallocating/allocating organizational resource to improve performance or maximize the total amount of outputs produced by individual units. In tho...

The technique for efficiency measurement known as Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) has been extended to allow on-discretionary inputs that affect production. Several methods exist for measuring efficiency to control these factors in production. This paper review these approaches, providing a discussion of strengths and weaknesses and highlighting potential limitations. In addition, a new approac...

We evaluate, by means of mathematical programming formulations, the relative technical and scale efficiencies of decision making units (DMUs) when some of the inputs or outputs are exogenously fixed and beyond the discretionary control of DMU managers. This approach further develops the work on efficiency evaluation and on estimation of efficient production frontiers known as data envelopment a...

In this paper, we discuss three-stage models that control for exogenous, non-discretionary inputs in data envelopment analysis. In a recent article in this journal, Monte Carlo analysis was employed to compare and contrast alternative DEA models that measure efficiency in the presence of exogenous variables. The methodology for comparison was flawed, calling into question the results presented....