Flávia Barbosa

Abstract
This paper focuses on the comprehensive assessment of regional performance in attaining the 2030 Strategic Framework for Education and Training (ET2030) established by the European Union. To this end, we propose a composite indicator framework based on robust Benefit-of-the-doubt models empirically validated through an extensive analysis of data spanning 32 countries and 101 NUTS-I level regions for 2019. We integrate contextual variables into a robust conditional model to ensure an equitable evaluation among regions grappling with distinct circumstances. Specifically, the unemployment rate and the percentage of the population holding national citizenship are considered. Moreover, the research identifies best practices from high-performing regions that can serve as benchmarks for underperforming areas. Analyzing regional-level data is crucial for understanding disparities between European regions and within countries.

Abstract
This paper proposes an innovative directional Benefit-of-the-Doubt (BoD) model for setting benchmarking targets on the frontier of the Production Possibility Set (PPS) in alignment with strategic goals defined a priori by experts or decision makers. The proposed model iteratively adjusts the directional vectors assigned to each Decision Making Unit (DMU) ensuring that once specific goals are achieved, further improvement efforts are directed towards indicators with remaining performance gaps. This mechanism enables a dynamic prioritization of improvement consistent with strategic objectives. Additionally, we define a Composite Indicator (CI) that measures the overall effectiveness of each DMU relative to a strategy-based reference. The CI can be decomposed into a technical score - reflecting proximity to the PPS frontier - and a strategical score - capturing the extent to which goals remain unmet upon reaching the frontier. The framework proposed is illustrated and validated through an empirical assessment of 27 European countries using 2022 data from the 'Education and Training 2030' indicators.

Abstract
The Benefit of the Doubt (BoD) is a non-parametric frontier model derived from Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA), used to construct composite indicators in various sectors of economic activity, with a particular focus on macroeconomic assessments. Based on documents published in the Web of Science from 1991 to 2025, we conduct a systematic bibliometric review on this topic, proposing future research directions derived from the bibliographic coverage of the most recurrent concepts, areas, and problems addressed in the current BoD literature. We identify core publication networks for non-parametric frontier composite indicators, highlighting trends, hot topics, and clusters of applications. As a result, we offer three different and comprehensive BoD research agendas based on a practical knowledge discovery exercise from expert knowledge and Large Language Models (LLM), highlighting attractive topics, theoretical contributions, concepts, methods, and potential applications. © 2025 The Author(s)

Abstract

Abstract
The efficient management of assets delivers value and is essential for achieving service objectives, managing risks, and reducing costs. This paper proposes decision-support methods to help capital-intensive industries manage their assets and optimise their life cycle. Optimisation approaches were developed to support longterm investment planning by maximising the value created and minimising the budget used. Also, the trade-off for both objectives was analysed. Using the proposed models will lead to efficient management of available capital and excellent service delivery. Thus, water companies will fulfil the regulator's requirements and present well-founded decision-making. This study was applied to a Portuguese water utility.