This paper applies the mathematical technique of Data Envelopment Anal
ysis to the problem of appraisal in Higher Education. The technique ca
n be understood as an idealised self and peer appraisal: evaluating ot
hers in the same way that we would optimally evaluate ourselves relati
ve to those others. The technique is applied to examples of student an
d staff appraisal. Although the main focus of this article is on the t
echnique itself (its rationale, the prerequisites for use, and the ins
ights that it yields), we also discuss the wider implications of havin
g and using such a technique to assist appraisal.