Determining the effectiveness of countries in combating pandemics: COVID-19 case

Abstract

The aim of this study is to develop a multi-dimensional integrated efficiency analysis (MDIEA) model to be implemented when a pandemic breaks out. The first phase of the model involved the determination of input and output criteria that might affect the course of combat against the pandemic. Two methods were employed in the second phase: CRITIC method, which uses objective values to determine criteria weights; and, Fuzzy SWARA method, which is based on subjective values and decision makers’ opinions due to the assumption that the criteria might not be determined precisely and completely. The subjective and objective criteria weights obtained from these two methods were combined using SOWIA method so that integrated criteria weights could be determined. In the third phase, three separate efficiency rankings were obtained using EATWOS, OCRA and FDEA methods depending on the criteria weights. In the fourth phase, these efficiency rankings were combined by employing TPOP method in order to obtain one single precise ranking.   The model proposed in this study determines countries’ efficiency by employing three different efficiency analysis methods together; i.e. it makes use of different point of views and different calculation procedures of different methods. The previous studies mostly analyzed the efficiency of countries by using one single efficiency method. Urban population ratio, prevalence rate of diabetes, population of people over 65 years old, number of beds in intensive care units and number of vaccination doses are the study-specific criteria that are different from other studies. The present study is expected to contribute to the literature since it is the first study that proposes a model to evaluate the performances of countries during pandemics. The proposed model was implemented to assess OECD countries’ efficiency in their fight against COVID-19, which was a prevailing crisis worldwide.  When all the obtained results are considered, it is difficult to claim that one single criterion is effective in combating against the pandemic. Keeping the rate of infection – thus, the number of infected people- under control is crucial for an effective combat against the pandemic. It is also possible for countries to change their policies or prefer to adopt stricter policies so as to control the spread of the virus.