On considering dual-role factor in supplier selection problem

Mehdi Toloo*, Mona Barat

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

16 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Conventional data envelopment analysis evaluates the relative efficiency of a set of homogeneous decision making units (DMUs), where DMUs are evaluated in terms of a specified set of inputs and outputs. In some situations, however, a performance factor could serve as either an output or an input. These factors are referred to as dual-role factors. The presence of dual-role factor among performance factors gives rise to the issue of how to fairly designate the input/output status to such factor. Several studies have been conducted treating a dual-role factor in both methodological and applied nature. One approach taken to address this problem is to view the dual-role factor as being nondiscretionary and connect it to the returns to scale concepts. It is argued that the idea of classifying a factor as an input or an output within a single model cannot consider the causality relationships between inputs and outputs. In this paper we present a mixed integer linear programming approach with the aim at dealing with the dual-role factor. Model structure is developed for finding the status of a dual-role factor via solving a single model while considering the causality relationships between inputs and outputs. It is shown that the new model can designate the status of a dual-role factor with half calculations as the previous model. Both individual and aggregate points of view are suggested for deriving the most appropriate designation of the dual-role factor. A data set involving 18 supplier selections is adapted from literature review to illustrate the efficacy of the proposed models and compare the new approach with the previous ones.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)107-122
Number of pages16
JournalMathematical Methods of Operations Research
Volume82
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Aug 30 2015
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Data envelopment analysis
  • Dual-role factor
  • Efficiency
  • Mixed integer linear programming

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Software
  • General Mathematics
  • Management Science and Operations Research

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