A eficiência das organizações militares do sistema de segurança do tráfego aquaviário sob a ótica de custos baseada na análise envoltória de dados

Abstract

Technological advancements and improvements in communication have expanded the distances between production and consumption centers, making waterways essential to global trade. These waterways are also used for a range of activities, including fishing, passenger transport, sports, and leisure, which increases maritime traffic and, consequently, the associated risks. Brazil, with its extensive coastline and numerous inland waterways, faces these challenges, and it is the responsibility of the Brazilian Navy to ensure navigation safety through its military organizations that make up the maritime traffic safety system. These units operate with public resources, which must be used efficiently through effective cost management to avoid waste. However, cost system reports alone may not be sufficient to demonstrate the efficiency of these units in a multivariate analysis. In this context, Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) emerges as a relevant tool, allowing for the comparison and evaluation of organizational efficiency through a mathematical model based on the inputs used and the outputs produced. Thus, the aim of this study is to propose DEA as a method for measuring the cost-based efficiency of the units responsible for ensuring maritime and inland waterway traffic safety under national jurisdiction. This predominantly descriptive and quantitative research applies the Slack-Based Measure DEA model (DEA-SBM), its variation enhanced with the kaizen algorithm, and the dynamic model (DSBM), all input-oriented, to assess efficiency. The analysis is based on primary data regarding inputs and outputs from two groups, consisting of River Captaincies and Port Captaincies, covering the period from 2021 to 2023. The results indicated the average annual efficiency scores for each sample group, as well as the annual efficiency of each individual River and Port Captaincy. Additionally, the study identified the units that achieved efficiency over the three-year period, under three different model variations. These efficient units are suggested as benchmarks for others within their respective groups. Furthermore, the inputs responsible for inefficiencies in both samples were identified, along with the ideal input levels required for each inefficient organization to reach the efficiency frontier while maintaining current output levels. The findings are useful as a basis for decision-making regarding resource allocation, cost-reduction target setting, and the dissemination of best administrative and operational practices among the organizations studied. Therefore, measuring and evaluating efficiency in the public sector from a cost perspective proves to be a valuable indicator for managers in guiding the administration of the limited resources under their responsibility. Academically, this research contributes to the literature by presenting a study on the efficiency of operational military organizations responsible for maintaining national security, particularly in the context of maritime traffic. From a practical standpoint, the study may support improvements in cost management within the Brazilian Navy, an ongoing strategic objective outlined in the Navy’s Strategic Plan.