Benchmarking management in military organizations: A non-parametric frontier approach

Abstract

Assessing the military organization’s performance is an important yet complex issue. It is important to
know whether the policy is effective in achieving its goal to advance the operating efficiency; and at the
execution level. The aim of this paper is to explore the operating efficiency and the benchmarks of the
military outlets by using a non-parametric frontier method: data envelopment analysis. Furthermore, the
factor-specific measure and variable returns to scale model are combined together not only to identify
the inputs/outputs that are most important but also to distinguish those military outlets which can be
treated as benchmarks. The assessment can assist the Ministry of National Defense to improve the
military operational management and to help the military outlets in delivering better and efficient
services to soldiers, veterans, and their dependents. The potential applications and strengths of DEA in
assessing the military organizations are also highlighted.