Using Data Envelopment Analysis to Assess Performance of Manufacturing ExtensionCenters

摘要

This report describes how Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) may be applied toassist the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) Program and its network of Manufacturing Extension Centers (MECs) in assessing performance. DEA is an approach to performance assessment which uses linear programming and principles of frontier analysis. DEA provides an integrated method for performance assessment which computes a single measure of performance based on multiple outputs and inputs. The second purpose is to apply data from the current NIST/MEP Management Information Reporting System to illustrate ways in which DEA can help MEP headquarters and its network of MECs to measure their performance. Operating data from 51 MECs are analyzed via a series of performance assessment models; each model is a unique combination of inputs and outputs. The third purpose is to stimulate feedback and discussion among those engaged in MEP performance assessment. DEA provides a method which MEP and its network of MECs can use jointly to make sense of the multi-dimensional nature of MEC performance data.