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- Performance evaluation in Portuguese electricity distribution utilitiesPublication . Santos, Sérgio Pereira dos; Amado, Carla; Rosado, Joaquim; Rodrigues, Paulo M. M.; Santos, Sérgio Pereira dos; Ferreira, F. A. F.The Portuguese electricity system has undergone a major transformation in recent years due to its integration in the liberalised Iberian market. The group responsible for the electricity generation and distribution in Portugal (EDP) has been consistently focusing in service quality and efficiency. In the last 3 years, a stringent cost cutting and efficiency improvement program was implemented. This paper conducted a Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) study to measure the relative efficiency of the 14 electricity distribution units belonging to EDP. A dynamic analysis using Malmquist Indices was also conducted in order to evaluate the changes in productivity from 2002 to 2005. Our results show that, on average, we can find evidence of 2% productivity gains in the Portuguese electricity distribution sector. Furthermore, we found evidence of significant discrimination among regional areas, suggesting that a benchmarking exercise based on the DEA results could be valuable for performance improvement in some regions.
- Assessing the efficiency of mother-to-child HIV prevention in low- and middle-income countries using data envelopment analysisPublication . Santos, Sérgio Pereira dos; Amado, Carla; Santos, MauroAIDS is one of the most significant health care problems worldwide. Due to the difficulty and costs involved in treating HIV, preventing infection is of paramount importance in controlling the AIDS epidemic. The main purpose of this paper is to explore the potential of using Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) to establish international comparisons on the efficiency of implementation of HIV prevention programmes. To do this we use data from 52 low- and middle-income countries regarding the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV. Our results indicate that there is a remarkable variation in the efficiency of prevention services across nations, suggesting that a better use of resources could lead to more and improved services, and ultimately, prevent the infection of thousands of children. These results also demonstrate the potential strategic role of DEA for the efficient and effective planning of scarce resources to fight the epidemic.
- Adding value to bank branch performance evaluation using cognitive maps and MCDA: a case studyPublication . Ferreira, F. A. F.; Santos, Sérgio Pereira dos; Rodrigues, Paulo M. M.Bank branch performance evaluation is a difficult endeavour. Some of the main reasons for this difficulty are the complexity inherent in the variety of aspects considered in the evaluation, and the multiple and conflicting interests of the different stakeholders involved. In this paper, we show how cognitive mapping and measuring attractiveness by a categorical-based evaluation technique can be used to support the evaluation of bank branches through the development of multidimensional performance evaluation systems, and to deal explicitly with the trade-offs between the different dimensions of performance and interests of different stakeholders. A case study is discussed where these techniques are used in a constructive way, making the learning activity easier and introducing transparency in the decision-making process. The strengths and weaknesses of the integrated use of these two operational research techniques in this context are also discussed.
- Formative evaluation of electricity distribution utilities using data envelopment analysisPublication . Santos, Sérgio Pereira dos; Amado, Carla; Rosado, JoaquimThe use of Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) in the electricity distribution sector has been prolific in the number of papers published in research journals. However, while numerous studies have been documented, they have mostly been summative. Their aim has been predominantly descriptive and classificatory. This paper argues that evaluations of a formative nature are more effective than summative studies in promoting a better understanding of the structures and processes of electricity distribution utilities and, consequently, are more appropriate to contribute to performance improvement. To illustrate the use of DEA for formative evaluation, and highlight some of the difficulties of using DEA in practice, this paper compares the cost-efficiency of the Portuguese electricity distribution companies from 2002 to 2006. A dynamic analysis using Malmquist Indices is also conducted in order to evaluate the changes in productivity over this period. Our analysis shows that the application of DEA for formative purposes meets some difficulties. In particular it shows that while the modelling of productivity/efficiency scores using DEA is relatively straightforward, it is comparatively more difficult to develop models that are economically valid and that produce results with face validity. On the basis of the insights derived from this analysis, the paper provides some recommendations regarding the successful application of DEA for performance improvement.
- Using data envelopment analysis for formative evaluation of radiotherapy services: an exploratory studyPublication . Santos, Sérgio Pereira dos; Amado, Carla; Tànfani, E.; Testi, A.Radiotherapy is an important element in cancer treatment, both for cure and for palliation. Whilst performance measurement and performance improvement are major concerns of most radiotherapy departments, measuring and managing the performance of these departments is particularly challenging. This article critically explores the use of Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) for formative evaluation of radiotherapy services. Following a review of the literature, a conceptual framework for performance assessment of radiotherapy departments is developed and its use illustrated. Our empirical analysis uses mostly data from 2007 and compares the fairness of access to services, technical efficiency, and clinical effectiveness across the English strategic health authorities. The analysis shows that whilst the application of DEA in this context meets some difficulties, it also has great potential by providing valuable information to improve services, especially if used in a formative mode.
- Measuring active ageing: a Data Envelopment Analysis approachPublication . Amado, Carla; São José, José; Santos, Sérgio Pereira dosThe 'Active Ageing Index' was created with the purpose of helping policy makers implement and monitor active ageing policies both at European and national levels. However, this index has not fully achieved this purpose. In this article we propose a methodological approach based on Data Envelopment Analysis to enhance the measurement of active ageing in the European Union countries. We use a model with 22 indicators grouped into four domains. By introducing different types of virtual weight restrictions, we combine normative judgements with an optimisation procedure, showing each country in the best possible light. Furthermore, we undertake a sensitivity analysis regarding the effect of varying the limits of the relative contribution of each domain.The results show that the proposed approach has great potential in this context, allowing the comparison of countries and the identification of relevant targets and benchmarks, even when there is uncertainty regarding the relative importance of the indicators and domains considered. For most countries, the results are robust regarding different levels of flexibility for the relative contribution of each domain. We identify six countries that represent relevant benchmarks for the underperforming countries. The underperforming countries have some potential for improvement in terms of active ageing, whilst respecting their preferences and specificities for the processes that can be used to actively age. Based on a flexible evaluation of the countries, we contribute to develop a better tool to guide the European Union countries towards the formulation and monitoring of more effective policy measures to promote active ageing. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
- Strategy implementation: what is the failure rate?Publication . Cândido, Carlos; Santos, Sérgio Pereira dosStrategy implementation has attracted the interest of researchers from the strategic management field almost since its foundation and has been the subject of much debate, in part, due to the ‘high’ percentage of organisational strategies that fail. It is often claimed that 50 to 90 percent of strategic initiatives fail to succeed. These claims have often been used to propose new management tools and to dismiss others. As we intend to show, although these claims have had a significant impact in management practice and theory, they are, however, controversial. In this paper we aim to clarify why this is the case and to emphasise that any attempts to produce a generic estimate of the rate of failure based on the current state of affairs are of little practical value. To this purpose an extensive review of the literature is presented and discussed. Based on the analysis of this literature, we conclude that whilst it is widely acknowledged that the implementation of a new strategy can be a difficult task, nobody seems to really know what the true rate of implementation failure is. Much of this uncertainty is due to the fact that some of the estimates presented in the literature are based on evidence that is eitheroutdated, fragmentary, fragile, or just absent. Careful consideration is therefore advised before using these estimates to promote changes in the theory and/or practice of strategic management.
- Comparing trade-off adjustments in credit risk analysis of mortgage loans using AHP, Delphi and MACBETHPublication . Ferreira, Fernando A. F.; Santos, Sérgio Pereira dosDue to the severe restrictions on access to credit resulting from the current economic climate, credit risk analysis of mortgage loans has been considered paramount for banking institutions and is currently accompanied by higher credit underwriting standards. In this paper, we present an empirical comparison of three decision support tools (i.e. Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), Delphi, and Measuring Attractiveness by a Categorical Based Evaluation Technique (MACBETH)) in the specific context of trade-off readjustments in credit risk analysis of mortgage loans. We conducted a panel study with credit analysts and focused on five lines of comparison: ease of use; time-consumption; ease of applicability; accuracy; and overall evaluation. Results indicate that Delphi surpasses AHP and MACBETH in terms of ease of use, time-consumption and ease of applicability. As for accuracy, the differences obtained between AHP and MACBETH are not significant, and both methods perform better than Delphi. Most of the decision makers considered AHP the "overall best" approach.
- Integrating the data envelopment analysis and the balanced scorecard approaches for enhanced performance assessmentPublication . Amado, Carla; Santos, Sérgio Pereira dos; Marques, P.This article presents the development of a conceptual framework which aims to assess Decision Making Units (DMUs)from multiple perspectives. The proposed conceptual framework combines the Balanced Scorecard(BSC)method with the non-parametric technique known as Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) by using various interconnected models which try to encapsulate four perspectives of performance (financial, customers, internal processes,learning and growth). The practical relevance of the conceptual model has been tested by using it to assess the performance of DMUs in a multinational company which operates in two business areas.Various models were developed with the collaboration of the directors of the company in order to conceive an appropriate and consensual framework, which may provide useful information for the company.The application of the conceptual framework provides structured information regarding the performance of each DMU(from multiple perspectives)and ways to improve it.By integrating the BSC and the DEA approaches this research helps to identify where there is room for improving organisational performance and points out opportunities for reciprocal learning between DMUs.In doing so,this article provides a set of recommendations relating to the successful application of DEA and its integration with the BSC,in order to promote a continuous learning process and to bring about improvements in performance.
- An AHP-based approach to credit risk evaluation of mortgage loansPublication . Ferreira, F. A. F.; Santos, Sérgio Pereira dos; Dias, V. M. C.Mortgage loans for home purchase require careful analysis by all parties involved in the transaction, and credit-scoring is usually adopted to assist the decision process. From a credit institution standpoint, credit-scoring for mortgage loan risk evaluation becomes even more important in scenarios of economic turbulence and recession, primarily because of the severe restrictions imposed on credit availability that result from reduced access to both money and debt markets and subsequent decreasing liquidity. Employing an AHP – Analytic Hierarchy Process – based approach in the creditscoring system used by one of the major banks in Portugal, this study proposes a methodological framework conceived to adjust trade-offs among evaluation criteria and provide decision makers with a more transparent mortgage risk evaluation system. Practical implications of our framework are also discussed.