A combined goal programming and inverse DEA method for target setting in mergers

This paper suggests a novel method to deal with target setting in mergers using goal programming (GP) and inverse data envelopment analysis (InvDEA). A conventional DEA model obtains the relative efficiency of decision making units (DMUs) given multiple inputs and multiple outputs for each DMU. However, the InvDEA aims to identify the quantities of inputs and outputs when efficiency score is given as a target. This study provides an effective method that allows decision makers to incorporate their preference in target setting of a merger for saving specific input(s) or producing certain output(s) as much as possible. The proposed method is validated through an illustrative application in banking industry. (C) 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.