A review of network DEA models based on slacks-based measure: Evolution of literature, applications, and further research direction

This paper presents a literature review on network models in data envelopment analysis (DEA) focused on the slack-based network model called slacks-based measure-network data envelopment analysis (SBM-NDEA). The search was carried out in an international database, resulting in 97 publications in the period from 2009 to 2021. From these publications, a descriptive analysis is performed, the evolution of the literature is mapped, the articles are organized into categories, and the main methodological references for the models and applications used are identified. Also, the most used models and their main characteristics are described, in addition to the analysis of the applications. Moreover, the sectors and countries with the highest number of applications are also identified. Through this review, it was possible to observe an increase in the number of network studies using the SBM-NDEA in recent years. Finally, directions for future research in SBM-NDEA are suggested.