Unleashing efficiency potential: The power of non-convex double frontiers in sustainable transportation supply chains

Abstract

This study introduces an innovative technique to assess the sustainability of transportation supply chains by incorporating a unique free disposal hull (FDH) approach within a network data envelopment analysis (NDEA) framework. Unlike traditional DEA models that often overlook Supply chains' internal complexities, our proposed model is specifically designed to capture the intricate network structures of decision-making units (DMUs). This work extends FDH applicability by introducing a double frontier model that enables evaluation under both optimistic and pessimistic sustainability scenarios. Additionally, our model uniquely handles undesirable outputs and non-discretionary inputs, providing a more comprehensive assessment of supply chain sustainability. To demonstrate its real-world relevance, we apply our model in a case study focused on the transportation industry, yielding insights into environmental, economic, and social performance aspects and uncovering potential areas for improvement.