Title: Comparative efficiency assessment and strategic benchmarking of smartphone providers with data envelopment analysis

Authors: He-Boong Kwon; Paul Hong

Addresses: Hasan School of Business, Colorado State University-Pueblo, 2200 Bonforte Blvd., Pueblo, CO 81001, USA ' Department of Information, Operations and Technology Management, College of Business and Innovation, The University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43606, USA

Abstract: The purpose of this study is to conduct comparative efficiency assessment and strategic benchmarking of smartphone providers. Data envelopment analysis (DEA) is useful in examining competitive patterns of products and services. Since smartphone products are moved away from functional devices into platform products and services, the new business model focuses on perpetual dynamic value deployment beyond hardware functionality of products. In this research, DEA is utilised as a strategic decision support tool that measures the extent of firm efficiencies based on multiple year performance outcomes. DEA efficiency trend in particular is a significant indicator of a company's near future sustainability. This study is the first attempt of benchmarking smartphone industry where short-term strategy and rapid innovation precedes long term tactics and incremental improvement.

Keywords: data envelopment analysis; DEA; efficiency assessment; business performance; smartphone industry; strategic benchmarking; smartphones; short-term strategy; rapid innovation.

DOI: 10.1504/IJPQM.2015.067762

International Journal of Productivity and Quality Management, 2015 Vol.15 No.2, pp.185 - 202

Published online: 18 Apr 2015 *

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