Title: Relative efficiency of fire and emergency services in Florida: an application and test of data envelopment analysis

Authors: Sang Ok Choi

Addresses: College of Business Administration and Public Policy, Department of Public Administration and Public Policy, 1000 E. Victoria Street, Carson, CA 90747, USA

Abstract: This study conducts relative efficiency of fire and emergency services using a nonparametic technique called Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA). This study selects a set of inputs and outputs and examines the nature of information obtained from the DEA procedure. The study focuses on the interpretation and practical usefulness of such information for the fire and emergency services. The results of this study help fire and emergency managers and consultants understand how the DEA approach can be used to identify weaknesses and strengths of fire and emergency services and evaluate their efficiency.

Keywords: emergency management; data envelopment analysis; DEA; relative efficiency; fire services; rescue services; emergency services; evaluation; weaknesses; strengths; performance measurement.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEM.2005.007361

International Journal of Emergency Management, 2005 Vol.2 No.3, pp.218 - 230

Published online: 11 Jul 2005 *

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