Department of Mathematics, University of Technology, Shiraz, Iran , h.rostamzadeh@sutech.ac.ir
Abstract: (26 Views)
Existing merger approaches in data envelopment analysis integrate decision-making units in a single stage, but in practice, merging units may not be possible or affordable at once. We propose a finite multi-stage framework for the gradual merger of decision-making units that incorporates practical constraints. The model determines input and output contributions of the merged units at each stage and constructs a strictly increasing efficiency sequence that converges to a Pareto-efficient state. Each new unit is optimized using both input and output orientation while preserving a uniform return to scale type across stages. The framework is validated through a multi-stage merger application on a subset of Iranian banks.