Using data envelopment analysis (DEA) as a tool for purchasing control

Today we observe an continuing challenge to develop performance measures that evaluate purchasing effectiveness relative to the organization's objectives and to extend conventional measurement systems to an entreprise-wide purchasing control function that detects the 'weak sports' in the purchasing function. In this paper we address the observed challenge by presenting a conceptual framework for purchasing control that identifies different possible control-configurations. Furthermore, we show how data envelopment (DEA), can be used as a supporting tool in purchasing control by explicitly relating the resources employed in purchasing to the goals achieved