Attaining robust performance targets in data envelopment analysis with application to efficiency evaluation of airports

• Published in: Computers & industrial engineering 2024-04, Vol.190, p.110065, Article 110065
• Main Authors: Grynia, Dariusz, Kadziński, Miłosz, Stamenković, Mladen
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Data envelopment analysis; Evolutionary algorithms; Multiple objective optimization; Performance targets; Robustness analysis
• ISSN: 0360-8352; 1879-0550
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cie.2024.110065

We consider a ratio-based efficiency analysis in view of achieving performance targets by Decision Making Units. The targets refer to the efficiency scores or ranks and the truth of pairwise preference relations. These outcomes can be instantiated for at least one or all feasible weights associated with inputs and outputs. We discuss Multiple Objective Optimization problems that minimize the required reductions of consumed resources or increases of produced results needed to reach the pre-defined aims. The proposed models offer great flexibility to the Decision Maker, who can indicate which factors should be modified and to which extent. The evolutionary optimization algorithm computes a set of solutions that exhibit the trade-offs between expected modifications of various factors. They can serve as the basis for interactively selecting the most preferred solution to be implemented in practice. The use of the proposed framework is illustrated in the problem of analyzing the efficiency of Polish airports. •We propose optimization models for attaining the designated performance targets.•The targets refer to the robustness of efficiency scores, ranks, or relations.•The minimal performance changes are determined using the evolutionary algorithm.•The models are used on real-world data concerning the evaluation of Polish airports.•We cross-fertilize Data Envelopment Analysis and Multiple Objective Optimization.