MEASURING THE EFFICIENCY OF UNIVERSAL POSTAL SERVICE - RADIAL AND NON-RADIAL DEA APPROACHES: RADIAL AND NON-RADIAL DEA APPROACHES

In the initial part of the monograph, the theoretical concept of measuring efficiency is discussed. In addition, the steps that need to be implemented to successfully apply the DEA method are explained. Then, certain DEA models for evaluating efficiency are presented. Input and output oriented radial and non - radial DEA models and their application on a selected numerical example are analyzed. The application of the considered methodology is illustrated by the example of a set of designated postal operators, which represent universal postal service providers. Namely, these operators are an irreplaceable and integral part of postal traffic in every modern country in Europe and the world. The authors point out the specifics of universal service and then discuss new concepts of providing this service. Besides, a model for the segmentation of diverse units of the postal network is considered as a necessary procedure for the implementation of the DEA method, as well as the possibility of applying this model in the case of universal postal service. Finally, the last part of the monograph provides a solution that optimizes the resources used to perform the universal service and identifies examples of good operational practice. This solution detects operators which show intemperance in the use of resources and/or have a deficit in the achieved results and finds guidelines and recommendations for them to improve the performance of universal service. Also, it is shown how to perform the analysis of the productivity of universal service using the MBA (Malmquist Based Approach) concept. This provides a possibility to determine whether there has been an improvement or deterioration in productivity over time, as well as to examine the sources of productivity change in terms of technology and the efficiency of universal postal service.