This paper analyzes the relationship between efficiency and innovation activity in Spanish industrial and service sectors by introducing a new methodology framework. A new model combining principal component analysis (PCA) and data envelopment analysis (DEA) is applied in order to obtain an efficiency score. To achieve a more comprehensive evaluation, a large dataset is included, but a large number of variables compared with the number of decision-making units (DMUs) may diminish the discriminatory power of DEA. To avoid this effect, we first apply PCA to separately obtain the input and output main factors. We then apply DEA to the new variables. The PCA–DEA model allows us to identify 5 efficient sectors out of 42. If only DEA were applied, 16 sectors would turn out to be efficient. This shows that the model improves the discriminatory capability of DEA. Methodologically, this work contributes to the literature by proposing an efficiency measurement using a large number of inputs and outputs that could be applied in different fields. Likewise, this analysis allows for the evaluation and interpretation of innovation activity in the different sectors, which can be taken into account in the management and allocation of resources by institutions.
Likert scales traditionally used in student evaluations of teaching (SET) suffer from several shortcomings, including psychometric deficiencies or ambiguity problems in the interpretation of the results. Assessment instruments with Behavioral Anchored Rating Scales (BARS) offer an alternative to Likerttype questionnaires. This paper describes the construction of an appraisal tool with BARS generated with the participation of 974 students and 15 teachers. The resulting instrument eliminates ambiguity in the interpretation of results and gives objectivity to the evaluation due to the use of unequivocal behavioral examples in the final scale. However, BARS methodology presents the problem of losing behavioral information during scale construction. The BARS methodology presented by the authors introduces an additional step to the traditional procedure, which significantly reduces the loss of information during the scale construction. The authors conclude that the qualitative approach of the proposed instrument facilitates the application of the formative function of the evaluation.
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