Abstract:
The subject of this dissertation is performance measurement and the development of a methodological framework to provide a sound theoretical basis for applications using Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) The viewpoint of the dissertation is that performance measurement is embodied in a system comprising a structure of measures, methods of analysis and a process of evaluation. The thesis proposes that an accountability/performance evaluation based on frontier methods of analysis within an input/output/outcome framework, extends performance measurement knowledge and practice. The specific components of this claim are supported by a methodological framework, which is applied to field settings to establish the validity of the methodology and its claim.
An extensive review of the literature pertaining to performance measurement provides the insights used to develop postulates and principles for a testable methodology of performance measurement. Key components of this methodology are a structure of performance measures to complement performance analysis and evaluation, and a rationale for the preferred method of analysis, DEA. The field settings in which the methodology is tested include highway maintenance, airline maintenance and nursing.
The new technology in this research is a holistic framework of performance measurement with DEA as the preferred method of performance analysis. An aim of the research was to develop vigorous, theoretical methods and techniques which are also capable of addressing problems encountered in practice.
This technology has been successfully transferred to two of the organisations studied and with partial success to the third. The diverse nature of these three settings ensures a wide applicability of this technology for other, similar organisations.
Limitations of the study and an extensive range of areas identified as future areas of research, are provided in the final chapter.