Strategic choice and data envelopment analysis: comparing computers across many attributes

Abstract

A linear programming approach (Data Envelopment Analysis) is described to determine the relative merits of a set of multi-input, multi-output systems, in which more output for less input is considered good. The method is applied to benchmarks of microcomputers, and is contrasted with a multiple regression analysis of the same data. It is also argued that the essence of two opposing strategic outlooks can be captured within the method.