The p-efficient problem in location analytics: Definitions, formulations, applications, and future research directions

Abstract

This paper aims to demonstrate the need for more extensive collaboration between two broad research areas: location analytics and performance analytics. We present a concise but comprehensive overview of the location analytics fundamental and its evolution, including a historical perspective, early challenges, seminal contributions, and a classification of the problems. The p-efficient problem in location analytics is introduced, where the primary objective is improving the overall efficiency of the network of facilities. We exemplify how performance analytics methods could be used in location analytics. Theoretical discussions are supported with real-world examples in healthcare. The perspective and techniques in this paper can enhance our ability to make location decisions more efficient and effective and give rise to new research questions and methodological approaches in both location and performance analytics.

Keywords

• Location analytics
• Performance analytics
• p-median problem
• p-efficient problem
• Data envelopment analysis
• Healthcare