Chilean primary healthcare practice is analyzed using a Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) multiple stage approach. We estimate the efficiency level of 259 municipalities nationwide. Since the efficiency score by itself is of limited value for decision making, we use a multivariate tool to help explain the effect of relevant factors. First, we use a cluster analysis to homogenize the units under study. Second, we use DEA to estimate the efficiency levels, which varies from 61% to 71% for urban municipalities, and from 51% to 56% in rural ones. Third, we use bootstrap to estimate confidence intervals for the efficiency scores, and a Biplot method to identify adequate variables to include in the Tobit Model, which is our last stage. We identify six factors associated with rural municipalities' operational efficiency, and two with urban ones. Knowing the efficiency level of municipalities can help determine ways to improve their efficiency.
Commitment planning reliability at an operational level is a key factor for improving project performance. In the last 15 years, the Last Planner System, a production planning and control system based on lean production principles, has improved commitment planning reliability in the construction industry. However, many construction decision makers continue to rely on their experience and intuition when planning their commitments, which hinders their reliability. The reliable commitment model ͑RCM͒ is proposed to improve commitment planning reliability at the operational level by using statistical models. RCM is an operational decision-making tool based on lean principles that supports short-term forecasting commitment planning using common-site information such as workers, buffers, and plans. RCM was tested in several case studies, demonstrating its production forecasting capabilities and its ability to help increase commitment planning reliability and improve project performance. RCM also supports workload and labor capacity matching decisions. RCM has the potential of becoming a useful production decision-making tool.
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