Benchmarking suppliers’ performance when some factors play the role of both inputs and outputs: a new development to the slacks-based measure of efficiency

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to develop a slack-based measure (SBM) model in the presence of dual-role factor. Then it is applied in supplier selection problem. Design/methodology/approach – The developed model in this paper is based on data envelopment analysis (DEA) technique. Findings – The proposed evaluation platform is capable of identifying ill-performing suppliers which seek to future improvement. The findings provide valuable insights for practitioners, as well as academicians, policy makers and also integrate selection criteria under the supply chain. Originality/value – This is the first time that a non-radial DEA model considers dual-role factors. The proposed model does not deal with dual-role factor as a non-discretionary factor. The proposed model considers dual-role factors on both the input and output sides in a similar manner. The proposed model can fully measure the inefficiency of suppliers. The proposed model can give a complete ranking of suppliers.