Title: A new super-efficiency dual-role FDH procedure: an application in dairy cold chain for vehicle selection

Authors: Amir Shabani; Seyed Mohammad Reza Torabipourv; Reza Farzipoor Saen

Addresses: Young Researchers and Elite Club, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran ' Young Researchers and Elite Club, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran ' Department of Industrial Management, Faculty of Management and Accounting, Karaj Branch, Islamic Azad University, P.O. Box 31485-313, Karaj, Iran

Abstract: Cold chain management (CCM) is a system in which perishable products are managed. For the success of transportation system of CCM, optimal selection of vehicle is a significant subject. Data envelopment analysis (DEA) can be used for vehicle selection problems. However, in this particular area, conventional DEA models are faced with difficulties. The problem are: 1) dual-role factors which classical DEA models cannot deal with them; 2) comparing decision making units (DMUs) with virtual DMUs (not with actual DMUs); 3) tie between DMUs (i.e., many DMUs are recognised efficient; 4) infeasibility of DEA ranking model for certain data. In this paper, a new procedure is developed to rectify the mentioned shortcomings. The proposed procedure, which utilises free disposal hull (FDH) technology, is a super-efficiency approach to provide a full ranking of efficient DMUs in the presence of dual-role factors. A case study illustrates application of the proposed procedure.

Keywords: cold chain management; CCM; vehicle selection; data envelopment analysis; DEA; dual-role factors; free disposal hull; FDH; perishable products; perishable goods; decision making units; DMUs; DMU efficiency; efficiency ranking.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSTL.2015.069678

International Journal of Shipping and Transport Logistics, 2015 Vol.7 No.4, pp.426 - 456

Received: 30 Jan 2014
Accepted: 15 Sep 2014
Published online: 29 May 2015 *

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