An integrated fuzzy DEA algorithm for efficiency assessment and optimization of wireless communication sectors with ambiguous data

This paper presents an integrated algorithm for efficiency assessment of wireless communication sectors with imprecise data. It is based on standard indicators as defined by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). It uses data envelopment analysis (DEA) and fuzzy data envelopment analysis (FDEA) for efficiency assessment and optimization. The DEA models are verified and validated by principal component analysis and Spearman correlation technique. Eight standard indicators pertaining to wireless communication sector were identified from the ITU database. To present the usability of the algorithm, data for 42 countries with respect to three inputs and five outputs were collected through ITU. The results show weak and strong points of each country identifying inputs or outputs having a major impact on performance. Finally, FDEA is used for the performance assessment of wireless communication industry in seven different regions, namely, Central and South Africa, Central America, Central Asia, East Asia, European Union, Middle East, and North Africa. This is the first study that uses DEA and FDEA for the performance assessment and optimization of the wireless communication sector.