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Article
Publication date: 19 November 2018

Claudia Affonso Silva Araujo, Peter Wanke and Marina Martins Siqueira

The purpose of this paper is to estimate the performance of Brazilian hospitals’ services and to examine contextual variables in the socioeconomic, demographic and institutional…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to estimate the performance of Brazilian hospitals’ services and to examine contextual variables in the socioeconomic, demographic and institutional domains as predictors of the performance levels attained.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper applied a two-stage approach of the technique for order preference by similarity to the ideal solution (TOPSIS) in public hospitals in 92 Rio de Janeiro municipalities, covering the 2008–2013 period. First, TOPSIS is used to estimate the relative performance of hospitals in each municipality. Next, TOPSIS results are combined with neural networks in an effort to originate a performance model with predictive ability. Data refer to hospitals’ outpatient and inpatient services, based on frequent indicators adopted by the healthcare literature.

Findings

Despite a slight performance increase over the period, substantial room for improvement is observed. The most important performance predictors were related to the demographic and socioeconomic status (area in square feet and GDP per capita) and to the juridical nature and type of ownership of the healthcare facilities (number of federal and private hospitals).

Practical implications

The results provide managerial insights regarding the performance of public hospitals and opportunities for better resource allocation in the healthcare sector. The paper also considers the impact of external socioeconomic, demographic and institutional factors on hospitals’ performance, indicating the importance of integrative public health policies.

Originality/value

This study displays an innovative context for applying the two-stage TOPSIS technique, with similar efforts not having been identified in the healthcare literature.

Details

International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management, vol. 67 no. 9
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1741-0401

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 29 July 2014

Peter F. Wanke

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the issue of efficiency in the Brazilian motor carrier industry, which has undergone significant transformations since the economy…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the issue of efficiency in the Brazilian motor carrier industry, which has undergone significant transformations since the economy deregulation in the mid-1990s. The main research objective is to determine whether or not different types of cargoes and geographic regions serviced significantly impact trucking managerial efficiency levels.

Design/methodology/approach

Research objectives are accomplished by applying a two-stage data envelopment analysis model with bootstrapped estimates. Based on an unbalanced panel model, secondary data from the annual study published by Transporte Moderno (years 2002-2010) were collected and analyzed.

Findings

Results support anecdotal evidence regarding a heterogeneous impact of cargo mix and route mix on efficiency levels.

Research limitations/implications

A major limitation of this work concerns the fact of working with secondary data instead of primary data, especially with respect to the set of inputs and outputs used in the analysis, which may not cover all aspects relevant to building an efficiency frontier. Despite this limitation, the study has made an important contribution in its use of panel data to demonstrate the impacts of different types of cargoes and geographic regions serviced on managerial efficiency levels in the trucking industry.

Practical implications

Managerial impacts in terms of mergers and acquisitions are addressed.

Originality/value

The contribution of this study is twofold. On the theoretical side, a valuable scale for the measurement of managerial efficiency was built and validated, representing an index toward the most productive cargo/route mix. On the other hand, the managerial implication of this possibility of measuring the efficiency levels is that motor carriers can use it as a basis for establishing future action plans.

Keywords

Brazil, DEA, Longitudinal study, Efficiency drivers, Trucking industry, Unbalanced panel

Paper type

 Research paper

Resumen Objetivo

El estudio investiga el tema de la eficiencia en la industria del transporte Brasileña, la cual ha experimentado cambios significativos desde la desregulación de la economía a mediados de los años noventa. El objetivo principal de la investigación es determinar si los diferentes tipos de cargas y regiones geográficas que han recibido los servicios impactan significativamente o no los niveles de eficiencia administrativa de las empresas de camiones.

Diseño/metodología/enfoque

Los objetivos de la investigación se lograron usando un modelo DEA de dos etapas con estimaciones bootstrap. Basado en un modelo de panel no balanceado, se obtuvieron y analizaron datos secundarios del estudio anual publicados por Transporte Moderno (años 2002-2010).

Hallazgos

Los resultados apoyan la evidencia anécdota en lo relacionado con el impacto heterogéneo de mezcla de cargas y una combinación de rutas en los niveles de eficiencia.

Limitaciones/implicaciones del estudio

La limitación más grande de este trabajo es el hecho de trabajar con datos secundarios en vez de usar datos primarios, especialmente en relación con el set de inputs y outputs usados en este análisis, que podrían no cubrir todos los aspectos relevantes en la construcción de una frontera eficiente. A pesar de esta limitación, este estudio hace una importante contribución al usar datos de panel para demostrar los impactos de los diferentes tipos de cargas y regiones geográficas atendidas, en los niveles de eficiencia de la administración de la industria de transporte de camiones.

Implicaciones prácticas

Se discuten los impactos de administración en términos fusiones y adquisiciones.

Originalidad/valor

La contribución de este estudio es doble. Por el lado teórico, una escala relevante para medir la eficiencia de la administración fue construida y validada, que representa un índice hacia la combinación carga/ruta más efectiva. Por otro lado, las implicaciones administrativas de la posibilidad de medir niveles de eficiencia es que las empresas de transportes pueden usarloa como base para establecer planes futuros de acción.

Palabras claves

Estudio longitudinal, Industria camionera, Brasil, DEA, Promotores de eficiencia, Panel no balanceado

Tipo de papel

 Trabajo de investigación

Resumo Objetivo

A pesquisa investiga o tema da eficiência na indústria brasileira de transporte rodoviário, a qual tem experimentado mudanças significativas desde a desregulamentação da economia em meados dos anos noventa. O objetivo principal da pesquisa é determinar se os diferentes tipos de cargas e de regiões geográficas atendidas impactam significativamente ou não nos níveis de eficiência na gestão de cargas rodoviárias.

Desenhos/metodologia/enfoque

Os objetivos da pesquisa foram atingidos usando um modelo DEA de dois estágios com estimativas bootstrap. Baseados em um modelo de painel, foram recolhidos e analisados dados secundários publicados no estudo anual da publicação Transporte Moderno (anos 2002-2010).

Achados

Os resultados apoiam a evidência baseada no senso comum relacionada ao impacto heterogêneo do mix de cargas e do mix de rotas nos níveis de eficiência.

Limitações/implicações da pesquisa

A maior limitação de esta pesquisa concerne ao fato de trabalhar com dados secundários em vez de dados primários, especialmente em relação com a série de inputs e outputs utilizados na análise, que não puderam cobrir todos os aspectos relevantes para definição da fronteira de eficiência. Apesar dessa limitação, esta pesquisa traz uma importante contribuição ao utilizar dados de painel para demonstrar os impactos dos diferentes tipos de cargas e de regiões geográficas atendidas sobre os níveis de eficiência na gestão do transporte de cargas rodoviárias.

Implicações práticas

Os impactos da gestão em termos de fusão e aquisição são abordados.

Originalidade/valor

A contribuição deste estudo é dupla. Pelo lado teórico, foi construída e validada uma escala relevante para medir a eficiência de gestão de cargas rodoviárias, que indica um índice para a combinação mais efetiva da combinação entre cargas e rotas. Por outro lado, quanto às implicações gerenciais, a possibilidade de medir os níveis de eficiência criam a possibilidade das empresas de transportes utilizá-los como base para futuros planos de ação.

Palavras-chave

Estudo longitudinal, Setor de transporte rodoviário, Brasil, DEA, Condutores de eficiência, Dados em painel

Tipo de papel

 Trabalhos de pesquisa

Details

International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management, vol. 44 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0960-0035

Article
Publication date: 19 June 2017

Abul Kalam Azad, Kwek Kian-Teng and Muzalwana Abdul Talib

This paper aims to examine the efficiency of Islamic vs conventional banks in Malaysia by unveiling the traditional efficiency concept – black box – with a three-stage network…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the efficiency of Islamic vs conventional banks in Malaysia by unveiling the traditional efficiency concept – black box – with a three-stage network structure of bank operations.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper applies data envelopment analysis (DEA) for examining bank efficiency. An adaptive three-step network DEA (NDEA) model is demonstrated for redefining the traditional black box of banking operations. Slack-based variable returns to scale approach is used. Data from all 43 commercial banks in Malaysia are examined over a six-year study period (2010-2015). Inputs and outputs of the model are selected based on CAMELS rating. Undesired output is also considered in time of examining bank efficiency in Malaysia.

Findings

The empirical results of this study signify that only a few banks in Malaysia have been performing well in converting deposits and equities into profit as well as minimizing loan loss provisions. Islamic banks in Malaysia have performed better both in production (converting deposits and equities into earning assets) and profitability (converting loans into net income). Conventional banks, however, have over scored in intermediation (converting earning assets into loans).

Originality/value

An adaptive NDEA approach proposed in this paper defines the core banking process instead of traditional approaches in examining bank efficiency based on individual functions (nodes in the network model). This approach has proven to provide better benchmark capacity.

Details

International Journal of Islamic and Middle Eastern Finance and Management, vol. 10 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1753-8394

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 19 June 2017

Jin-Li Hu, Yang Li and Hsin-Jing Tung

For strategic and competitive insights, the purpose of this paper is to measure and benchmark the comparative operating efficiencies of Association of Southeast Asian Nations’…

Abstract

Purpose

For strategic and competitive insights, the purpose of this paper is to measure and benchmark the comparative operating efficiencies of Association of Southeast Asian Nations’ (ASEAN) major airlines and present a new interpretation along with managerial implications.

Design/methodology/approach

This research statistically tests returns to scale and the equality of mean efficiencies for 15 ASEAN airlines covering the period 2010-2014. The disaggregate input efficiency of ASEAN airlines is computed by comparing the target and actual inputs.

Findings

The disaggregate input efficiency of ASEAN airlines shows that aircraft efficiency is the lowest, operating cost efficiency is better, and available seat efficiency is the best.

Originality/value

This paper applies data envelopment analysis models, disaggregated input efficiency measures, and bootstrapping approaches to compute the operational efficiency of ASEAN airlines. Strategic suggestions are made to improve the operational efficiency of ASEAN airlines.

Details

Management Decision, vol. 55 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0025-1747

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 14 November 2016

Abdul Latif Alhassan and Nicholas Biekpe

The purpose of this paper is to examine the empirical effect of competition on cost and profit efficiency in the South African non-life insurance market in a three-stage analysis.

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the empirical effect of competition on cost and profit efficiency in the South African non-life insurance market in a three-stage analysis.

Design/methodology/approach

Using annual firm level data on 80 non-life insurance companies from 2007 to 2012, the authors first employ the stochastic frontier analysis (SFA) to estimate cost and profit efficiency scores. In the second stage, the authors measure insurance market competition using the Panzar-Rosse (P-R) H-statistics. In the final stage, the authors estimate a fixed-effects panel regression model which controls for heteroskedasticity to examine the effect of competition on the estimated efficiency scores. Firm size, diversification, age, risk, reinsurance and leverage are employed as control variables.

Findings

From the SFA, the authors find average cost and profit efficiency of 80.08 and 45.71 per cent, respectively. This suggests that non-life insurers have high levels of efficiency in cost and low efficiency in profit. The annual estimates of the P-R H-statistics also suggest that firms in the market earn revenues under conditions of monopolistic competition. The authors find a positive effect of competition on cost and profit efficiency to validate the “quiet-life” hypothesis which posits that competition improves efficiency.

Practical implications

Regulatory policies should be directed towards enhancing competition to improve on the low profit earning potential of firms in the non-life market.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study presents the first application of a non-structural measure of competition to examine the empirical relationship between competition and efficiency in insurance markets.

Details

Journal of Economic Studies, vol. 43 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0144-3585

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 31 May 2016

Chunyan Yu

This chapter provides a survey of alternative methodologies for measuring and comparing productivity and efficiency of airlines, and reviews representative empirical studies. The…

Abstract

This chapter provides a survey of alternative methodologies for measuring and comparing productivity and efficiency of airlines, and reviews representative empirical studies. The survey shows the apparent shift from index procedures and traditional OLS estimation of production and cost functions to stochastic frontier methods and Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) methods over the past three decades. Most of the airline productivity and efficiency studies over the last decade adopt some variant of DEA methods. Researchers in the 1980s and 1990s were mostly interested in the effects of deregulation and liberalization on airline productivity and efficiency as well as the effects of ownership and governance structure. Since the 2000s, however, studies tend to focus on how business models and management strategies affect the performance of airlines. Environmental efficiency now becomes an important area of airline productivity and efficiency studies, focusing on CO2 emission as a negative or undesirable output. Despite the fact that quality of service is an important aspect of airline business, limited attempts have been made to incorporate quality of service in productivity and efficiency analysis.

Article
Publication date: 1 May 2007

Peter Wanke, Rebecca Arkader and Maria Fernanda Hijjar

To investigate the relationship between the choice of integrated or functional logistics providers by Brazilian shippers and: the type of their manufacturing process structure…

3417

Abstract

Purpose

To investigate the relationship between the choice of integrated or functional logistics providers by Brazilian shippers and: the type of their manufacturing process structure, and the level of sophistication of their logistics function, as well as the impact on that choice of possible interactions between these two characteristics of the shippers.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected in a comprehensive survey on the use of 3PL service providers in Brazil using a sample of 93 large Brazilian shippers; The analysis tests three research questions on the individual and combined relationships of logistics sophistication, measured on a logistics sophistication index (LSI), and process type (according to Goldratt's V‐A‐T classification for materials flow analysis) with the choice of type of 3PL provider; the methods of analysis were cluster and logistics regression analysis.

Findings

The paper finds: support for an association of sophisticated logistics functions and a preference for integrated 3PLs; support for an association between the A‐type production process structure and preference for integrated 3PLs; and of V and T types for functional 3PLs. However, it also finds that shippers with type T process structure and more sophisticated logistics tend to favor integrated 3PLs.

Research limitations/implications

One limitation is that logistics performance is not considered; future studies may further refine the proposed framework for segmentation.

Practical implications

The paper advocates the use of models by providers to segment their customers, and better understanding by shippers of prevailing trends in logistics outsourcing according to their process structure and characteristics of their logistics function.

Originality/value

The paper unveils significant relationships between shipper sophistication of logistics function, manufacturing process structures, and the choice of type of 3PL. It also proposes a new framework for segmenting the 3PL service provider market in terms of sophistication of the logistics function and the logistics task implied by the type of operation.

Details

International Journal of Operations & Production Management, vol. 27 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0144-3577

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 27 April 2022

Marhanum Che Mohd Salleh, Mohammad Abdul Matin Chowdhury, Eko Fajar Cahyono and Tika Widiastuti

The main purpose of this study is to evaluate the performance of takaful operators in Malaysia.

Abstract

Purpose

The main purpose of this study is to evaluate the performance of takaful operators in Malaysia.

Design/methodology/approach

The study applied the data envelopment analysis (DEA) technique and the ratio analysis, using secondary data available on Malaysian Takaful operators’ annual reports. The study period for the analysis ranged from 2013 to 2016.

Findings

Based on both analyses, the performance of Takaful operators was affected due to the additional cost imposed by the goods and services tax (GST) implementation. Results showed a decline in average technical efficiency for takaful operators upon GST implementation.

Research limitations/implications

The data were taken from the annual audited reports for selected firms that were available on the firm’s website only, which was limited. The data were taken till 2016, even though the GST is omitted from Malaysia on 1 June 2018. This study has applied Ratio analysis and DEA constant returns to scale (CRS) technique; the future study may adopt both DEA CRS and DEA carrying returns to scale model to evaluate along with other methods to identify the specific factors.

Practical implications

These findings may associate policymakers in identifying the shortcomings of GST or new tax implementation in a new and emerging industry. So, the policymakers and central banks may adopt necessary initiatives to support the industry. Because the Malaysian government is trying to push the takaful industry along with Islamic banking and finance in the competitive market, takaful operators may be exempted from the current sales and service tax (SST). In addition, takaful operators may use these findings to enhance their operational activities efficiently to improve performance. This paper might help the researchers and practitioners to learn the impact of GST. Even though GST seems not relevant anymore as the government has replaced it with SST, the trick is still the same as it is a kind of tax or costs incurred by the Takaful operators in running their business. Takaful managers may identify their efficient level in managerial aspects as well as the optimal scale of resources by the findings of this study.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this research is original in terms of data that is gathered directly from the annual report of the company during the GST period.

Details

Journal of Islamic Accounting and Business Research, vol. 13 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1759-0817

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 4 January 2023

Sanaz Vatankhah, Mahlagha Darvishmotevali, Roya Rahimi, Seyedh Mahboobeh Jamali and Nader Ale Ebrahim

Multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) techniques are decision support systems that provide systematic approaches to solve hospitality and tourism (H&T) problems while minimizing…

Abstract

Purpose

Multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) techniques are decision support systems that provide systematic approaches to solve hospitality and tourism (H&T) problems while minimizing the risk of failure. However, less is known about the application of MCDM techniques in H&T research. This study aims to systematically assess the use of MCDM techniques in H&T research to classify its current application and determine its application potential for H&T research.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used bibliometric analysis to examine all published MCDM studies focused on H&T industries, since 1997. In addition, topic modelling was used to discover key concepts. Finally, top cited studies in terms of total citations per year and total citations were qualitatively reviewed for more insights.

Findings

The findings revealed an ongoing interest in applying MCDM techniques in H&T research. Specifically, the extension of fuzzy theory in MCDM techniques is burgeoning among H&T researchers. However, a certain number of MCDM techniques seem to be ignored in this field with a repetitive application of MCDM techniques in particular areas.

Research limitations/implications

The data for the current research was solely retrieved from Scopus and other databases were not included. Therefore, future research is called for to re-examine the study by considering data from various databases.

Originality/value

This study contributes to extant H&T literature by identifying the most prolific and influential countries, journals, publications and trends by applying MCDM techniques in H&T research, and elucidating the implications and characteristics of MCDM techniques in H&T research.

Details

International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, vol. 35 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0959-6119

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 27 March 2023

Clinton Ohis Aigbavboa, Andrew Ebekozien and Nompumelelo Mkhize

Aerospace is a demanding technological and industrial sector. Several regulations and policies via innovative digital transformation have been integrated to impact production…

3380

Abstract

Purpose

Aerospace is a demanding technological and industrial sector. Several regulations and policies via innovative digital transformation have been integrated to impact production systems and supply chains, including safety measures. Studies demonstrated that the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) technologies could enhance productivity growth and safety measures. The 4IR role in influencing airlines’ growth is yet to receive in-depth studies in South Africa. Thus, this study aims to investigate the role of 4IR technologies in influencing airlines’ growth in South Africa.

Design/methodology/approach

This research used a qualitative research method. Primary data were compiled via 56 face-to-face semi-structured interviews with major stakeholders. The study achieved saturation. A thematic method was used to analyse the collected data.

Findings

Findings reveal the nine major factors influencing South African airlines’ growth in the 4IR era. This includes investment in ergonomics applications and research, governance is driven by 4IR, collaboration and incorporation of 4IR concepts, partnership with drone technology and high precision and efficiency with 4IR. Others are reskilling and upskilling, investment in 4IR software, policies to promote 4IR usage in the industry and policies to reduce human interface.

Originality/value

Understanding the relative significance of 4IR technologies’ role in airlines’ growth can assist critical stakeholders in promoting innovative policies and regulations tailored towards digitalised aerospace. Thus, the study contributes to strategies to improve digital innovation, airline growth and safety as components of the air travel demands in South Africa.

Details

Journal of Facilities Management , vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1472-5967

Keywords

11 – 20 of 432