Title: An application of DEA in efficiency evaluation of universities

Authors: K. Hamdi; Farhad Hosseinzadeh Lotfi; Z. Moghaddas

Addresses: Department of Management, Islamic Azad University, Science and Research Branch, Hesarak St., Ashrafi Esfahani St., Tehran, Iran ' Department of Mathematics, Islamic Azad University, Science and Research Branch, Hesarak St., Ashrafi Esfahani St., Tehran, Iran ' Department of Electrical, Computer and Biomedical Engineering, Islamic Azad University, Qazvin Branch, Qazvin, Iran

Abstract: In order to demonstrate the helpfulness of data envelopment analysis (DEA) modelling to conduct decision making units (DMUs), here a case study has been developed to efficiency evaluation of departments of a university. The slack-based measure (SBM) model has been used in order for efficiency assessment and also benefiting from the advantages of non-radial models. This model has been developed in presence of trade-off technology. Also, some modifications are made in this model due to the existence of subset of input and (or) outputs which can only take integer values. Among the chosen input and output factors, there exist explanatory factors thus we use the theory of fuzzy DEA in order to deal with these factors. Finally, the acquired results show the necessary alterations for the inefficient units and generate guidance for using resources and plans effective strategy.

Keywords: data envelopment analysis; DEA; decision making units; DMUs; university efficiency; trade-offs; fuzzy numbers; efficiency evaluation; universities; modelling; slack-based measure; SBM; higher education.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMOR.2014.064841

International Journal of Mathematics in Operational Research, 2014 Vol.6 No.5, pp.550 - 566

Received: 12 Nov 2012
Accepted: 19 Apr 2013
Published online: 11 Oct 2014 *

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