PREFACE TO TOPICS IN DATA ENVELOPMENT ANALYSIS*.

This paper serves as an introduction to a series of three papers which are directed to different aspects of DEA (Data Envelopment Analysis) as follows: (1) uses and extensions of 'window analyses' to study DEA efficiency measures with an illustrative applications to maintenance activities for U.S. Air Force fighter wings, (2) a comparison of DEA and regression approaches to identifying and estimating sources of inefficiency by means of artificially generated data, and (3) an extension of ordinary (linear programming) sensitivity analyses to deal with special features that require attention in DEA. Background is supplied in this introductory paper with accompanying proofs and explanations to facilitate understanding of what DEA provides in the way of underpinning for the papers that follow. An attempt is made to bring readers abreast of recent progress in DEA research and uses. A synoptic history is presented along with brief references to related work, and problems requiring attention are also indicated and possible research approaches also suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]