In this paper, we address several issues related to the use of data envelopment analysis (DEA). These issues include model orientation, input and output selection/definition, the use of mixed and raw data, and the number of inputs and outputs to use versus the number of decision making units...

The constant returns to scale assumption maintained by neoclassical theorists for justifying the black-box structure of production technology in long run does not necessarily allow one to infer that there are no scale benefits available in its sub-technologies. Most of real-life production...

This paper covers some of the past accomplishments of DEA and its future prospects. It starts with the engineering-science definitions of efficiency and uses the duality theory of linear programming to show how, in DEA, they can be related to the Pareto-Koopmens definitions used in welfare...