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Data envelopment analysis for project efficiency evaluation
Cañavate Quero, E.C.Q. (2025) Data envelopment analysis for project efficiency evaluation.
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| Full Text Status: | Access to this publication is restricted |
| Embargo date: | 9 July 2026 |
| Abstract: | In today’s complex and resource-limited project environments, organizations face increasing challenges in selecting and managing projects efficiently. To address these issues, this study proposes a DEA-based evaluation framework designed to support early-stage project assessment and selection, allowing decision-makers to benchmark and prioritize projects before execution. The framework design was informed by a systematic literature review, which revealed that while DEA is widely used in sectors such as healthcare and education, its application to pre-project evaluation remains unexplored. It was developed in response to the limitations of traditional project evaluation methods, which often overlook the multi-dimensional nature of project efficiency by focusing on single metrics such as cost or financial outcome. By integrating multiple inputs and outputs, the DEA approach provides a comprehensive relative efficiency score for each project among other metrics which allows an objective comparison across projects. Additionally, we propose a set of key requirements for designing a DEA-based framework to support the selection and evaluation of early-stage projects. These requirements were derived from a review of relevant literature, practical considerations in project efficiency evaluation and the methodological constraints of DEA. To ensure practical relevance, we formulated KPI based on DEA results, incorporating inputs such as estimated costs, timelines, and resources alongside projected outputs like probabilities and financial outcomes. The study also compares CCR and BCC models for suitability in pre-execution contexts. A real-world case study validated the framework, demonstrating its ability to improve resource allocation, strategic alignment, and project evaluation. The developed KPIs bridge technical efficiency analysis and managerial decision-making. In conclusion, this research extends DEA use from retrospective to proactive project selection, laying the foundation for future improvements such as real-time data integration and automated decision-making to boost organizational project success and competitiveness. Keywords: Data Envelopment Analysis; Project Selection; Project Management; Efficiency Measurement; Decision Support; Key Performance Indicators |
| Item Type: | Essay (Master) |
| Faculty: | EEMCS: Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science |
| Subject: | 54 computer science, 85 business administration, organizational science |
| Programme: | Business Information Technology MSc (60025) |
| Link to this item: | https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/107607 |
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