If a DMU is rated efficient and more or less equal importance has been given to each of its factors, it is said to exhibit well-rounded performance.

Generally taken to mean an odd unit with an input-output mix that significantly differs from the rest of the units. This can be due to a measurement error, or as a result of the outlier having different operating practices. Outliers that are efficient can introduce bias into the analysis. See Epstein and Henderson (1989). [Epstein M K and Henderson J C (1989) ‘Data envelopment analysis for managerial control and diagnosis’, Decision Sciences, 20, pp 90-119.]

The so-called ‘size’ of the DMU, it may be associated with either the inputs or the outputs, depending on the situation.

Tabular method for examining the changes in the efficiencies of a set of units over time. A set of time periods (1 ..t) is chosen and the efficiency of each unit (1..n) is computed separately for each period so that the efficiency of a given unit over each period is treated as a new unit resulting in a total number of tn units.

A factor which describes the amount of goods, services or other outcome obtained as a result of the processing of resources. Also, any factor which describes the qualitative nature of the resulting outcome.

The additional improvement (increase in outputs and/or decrease in inputs) needed for a unit to become efficient.

In an output-oriented model, an inefficient unit is made efficient through the proportional increase of its outputs, while the inputs proportions remain unchanged.

The input and output values that would render an inefficient unit relatively efficient. Thanassoulis and Dyson (1992) examine ways of modifying the DEA model so as to set priorities over which targets should be improved. [Thanassoulis E and Dyson R G (1992) ‘Estimating preferred target input-output levels using data envelopment analysis’, J. of Opi. Res., 56, pp 80-97.]

Same as aggregate efficiency

An efficiency measure that ignores the impact of scale-size by comparing a DMU only to other units of similar scale. Technical efficiency is computed using the BCC model. Overall efficiency is sometimes referred to as technical efficiency as closely follows the concept of technical efficiency developed by Farrell (1957), which technical efficiency as defined here, is known as ‘pure technical efficiency’. [Farrell M J (1957), ‘The measurement of productive efficiency’, J. Roy. Statist. Soc., 120, pp 253-290.]