Data-Driven Robust DEA Models for Measuring Operational Efficiency of Endowment Insurance System of Different Provinces in China

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

In this paper, data driven robust DEA model is established to solve the uncertainty problem in endowment insurance system. The overall organizational structure of the article is good, and the research is quite interesting, but some problems need to be improved:

(1) Some details regarding Models (3) and (4) should be provided.

(2) It is better to move proofs to Appendix.

(3) The English quality needs some improvements.

(4) The practical meanings of "Box set, Ellipsoid set and Box-Ellipsoid set" should be analyzed.

(5) There are some symbol and format errors in the references. For instance, Refs. [1], [2] and [35].

(6) The literature review about endowment insurance should be improved by adding more recent studies. 

(7) The meanings of some parameters are not illustrated in some models and thus it is difficult for readers to understand. Please complete.

(8) Why are three forms of uncertainty sets used to model the uncertain cost?

(9) Why is the result in robust DEA model is conservative? How does the data-driven model resolve this problem?

Author Response

Please see the attachment.

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Reviewer 2 Report

The paper is good. It deals with a current topic. The data used in the analysis are current. However, the bibliographic references are very, very old. I recommend updating the bibliographic references with new ones. I recommend publishing the paper after updating the bibliography.

Author Response

Please see the attachment

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Reviewer 3 Report

This is an interesting article that undoubtedly contributes to the generation of scientific knowledge.

 

It deals with an appropriate topic of current interest in China, proposing analyses based on a large amount of statistical data and using more or less innovative methods such as DEA.

In general it does not require major changes and/or adaptations, however, I would like to make a few suggestions.

 

The problem is dealt with in an effective and thorough way, but sometimes the text becomes a bit difficult to read and follow. Sometimes it is recommended to clarify ideas and shorten paragraphs (page 8-9, or end of page 22, for example). In that sense, a re-reading and an exercise of synthesis and clarification is recommended.

In the same vein, it is recommended to clarify the methodology of analysis as much as possible. The working hypotheses are not clear; they should be clearer.

 

It is curious that a case study is incorporated in point 5.4, page 20. The case study is a research methodology in itself, which has steps to be followed, etc. In that respect, perhaps it would be advisable to subtitle point 5.4 differently: For example: "The Beijing case", or something like that.

Finally, the bibliography is not very extensive (35 entries), and much of it is old. It is recommended to better support the article with more impact and more up-to-date bibliography.

 

Regards

 

 

Author Response

Please see the attachment.

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf