A generalized model for data envelopment analysis with interval data

Data envelopment analysis (DEA) is a method to estimate the relative efficiency of decision-making units (DMUs) performing similar tasks in a production system that consumes multiple inputs to produce multiple outputs. So far, a number of DEA models with interval data have been developed. The CCR model with interval data, the BCC model with interval data and the FDH model with interval data are well known as basic DEA models with interval data. In this study, we suggest a model with interval data called interval generalized DEA (IGDEA) model, which can treat the stated basic DEA models with interval data in a unified way. In addition, by establishing the theoretical properties of the relationships among the IGDEA model and those DEA models with interval data, we prove that the IGDEA model makes it possible to calculate the efficiency of DMUs incorporating various preference structures of decision makers. (c) 2008 Published by Elsevier Inc.