Two-stage DEA in banks: Terminological controversies and future directions.

Given the importance that two-stage Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) models have attained in recent years, this paper presents a systematic review of the literature on the topic focusing on the banking industry. We discuss the two-stage terminology itself, which is not yet not consolidated. We also discuss the current state-of-the-art and present opportunities, as well as challenges, for future studies. We analyse 59 papers, divided them into ten classes that cover various perspectives of two stage DEA studies, such as the economic context, geographic region of the banking units, methodological characteristics, and type of the models, either internal or external. Additionally, we investigate several controversial points regarding two-stage DEA models, such as the variable selection approach, the technique used in the second stage, and the possible impact of non-discretionary variables on efficiency. Results of the literature review indicate the lack of a uniform or universal terminology for two-stage DEA models in the baking industry. Moreover, the main objective of most papers involves extending or improving DEA models. Radial models, with variable returns of scale, and the intermediation approach are the most frequent configurations. Finally, we identify seven gaps in the literature for both internal and external two-stage DEA models and two specific gaps to external ones. Each gap is discussed in depth in the text and can be considered opportunities for future studies.

Determination of server location in emergency care systems: an index proposal using data envelopment analysis and the hypercube queuing model.

The objective of this article is to propose a new composite index (CI) that helps to determine the most effective location of servers in an Emergency Care System (ECS), using Benefit of the Doubt (BoD)/Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) and the Hypercube queuing model. The CI proposed was developed in four stages: (1) definition of a number of possible ECS configurations through the application of mathematical partitions and permutations; (2) application of the hypercube queuing model to determine performance parameters for each ECS configuration; (3) application of DEA/BoD to build the CI and generate performance rankings, and (4) evaluation of the rankings obtained to define the best configuration for the ECS analyzed. Data from two real cases from Brazil were used to assess the CI proposal. The results obtained confirm that: (a) the hypercube model could, relatively quickly, determine the configuration parameters generated; (b) the application of an appropriate DEA/BoD model enabled the different configurations to be ranked with good discrimination; (c) a pattern in the relationship between ambulance concentration and configuration effectiveness could be identified; and (d) the CI proposed would benefit ECS managers who are making resource location decisions.

COVID Health Structure Index: The Vulnerability of Brazilian Microregions.

Many developing countries have highly unequal health systems across their regions. The pandemic of COVID-19 brought an additional challenge, as hospital structures equipped with doctors, intensive care units and respirators are not available to a sufficient extent in all regions. Using Data Envelopment Analysis, we create a COVID Index to verify whether the hospital structures in 543 Brazilian microregions are adequate to deal with COVID-19 and to verify whether public policies were implemented in the right direction. The results indicate that hospital structures in the poorest microregions were the most vulnerable, although the peak of COVID-19 occurred in the richest microregions (Sao Paulo). The Southeast states could relocate hospital resources or even patients between their regions. The relocation was not possible in many states in the Northeast, as the health system poorly assisted the interior of these states. These findings reveal that the heterogeneity of microregions' hospital structures follows the patterns of socioeconomic inequalities. We conclude that it is easier for the wealthier regions to reallocate hospital resources internally than for the poorest regions. By using the COVID Index, policymakers and hospital managers have straightforward information to decide which regions must receive new investments and reallocate underutilized resources.

Evaluation of the relationship between education and sustainability in peasant movements: The experience of the National Education Program in Agrarian Reform.

Brazil is one of the largest agricultural producers in the world. However, its agrarian composition is based on two markedly different production models, particularly in relation to sustainability: a peasant family agriculture, which plays an important role in food production for domestic consumption and advocates agro-ecological practises; and agribusiness, the politically and economically hegemonic model that produces commodities for export based on monoculture and intensive use of pesticides. Therefore, in order to create the means to develop peasant lands, social movements and peasants have engaged themselves politically and defended an education model grounded in sustainable practises of production and social organisation. Taking this into account, the main purpose of this paper is to analyse and assess the Brazilian experience of integration between education and sustainability, in the National Education Program in Agrarian Reform (PRONERA). To accomplish this aim, a survey with a semi-structured questionnaire was carried out among teachers, students, monitors, and coordinators of the course offered by PRONERA. The surveys showed that the courses are promoting the concepts of sustainability among peasants. However, many adjustments need to be taken into consideration during the planning process for the next courses offered by PRONERA.