Using data envelopment analysis to construct human development index

This chapter addresses problems related to methodological issues, such as data normalization, weighting schemes, and aggregation methods, encountered in the construction of composite indicators to measure socio-economic development and quality of life. It also addresses the use of several Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) models to solve these problems. The models are discussed and applied in constructing a Human Development Index (HDI), derived from the most recent raw and normalized data, using arithmetic and geometric means to aggregate the indices. Issues related to data normalization and weighting schemes are emphasized. Kendall Correlation was applied to analyze the relationship between ranks obtained by DEA models and HDI. Recommendations regarding the advantages and disadvantages of using DEA models to construct HDI are offered.

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