A model for the application of data envelopment analysis (DEA) in activity-based management (ABM)

The objective of this work is to provide a quantitative model for activity-based management (ABM). The model developed is based on data envelopment analysis (DEA), an established operational research technique for productivity and efficiency determinations. Activity centres are considered as decision-making units (DMUs) whose efficiencies are determined by solution of the ABM/DEA model. ABM follows from activity-based costing (ABC) whereby ABC information is employed in improvement and cost reduction programmes. A real case study of an oilrig drill factory is used to illustrate the application of the model.