Serial network DEA models with a single intermediate measure

Abstract

In conventional two-stage network data envelopment analysis (DEA) models involving one single intermediate output, the divisional efficiencies of non-cooperative models and centralized models are equivalent to the standard constant return to scale (CRS) efficiencies of each stage. The current study demonstrates that the above result also holds true for general network structures, including those of more than two stages, with only one intermediate measure linking network components.