Analysis and integration of mixed method in efficiency studies: Best practices and applications in the renewable energy sector.

Mixed-method research is based on multiple methodological strategies, prioritizing high technical rigor with scientific solidity and contributing to practical improvements. Therefore, this study aimed to present a mixed method with analysis and integration in efficiency studies in the renewable energy sector through the relationship between productivity and optimization of results. This mixed-method methodology was proposed in: (i) theoretical mathematical model, (ii) efficiency model (DEA, SFA), technique, definition of ranking and sampling criteria, (iii) variables that influence this efficiency, which will be the bases for research instrument applied at case studies (quanti-quali integration), and (iv) identification of best practices from case studies. The efficiency of each DMU established a ranking (scores), which was used as independent variable in the regression and identified the variables that impact on efficiency. These results enabled the creation of an instrument to identify the best practices that impacts on the efficiency score. Notably, this method can help stakeholders of the sugar-energy production chain achieve their efficiency through best practices generated. It has been applied in other economic sectors, such as education, banking, healthcare, and solid waste, and replication in different periods and countries using variables from public or private databases.•Develop stakeholders of sugar-energy production chain to achieve and improve their efficiency through best practices generated through production analysis.•It has been applied in other economic sectors, such as education, banking, healthcare and solid waste.•There are opportunities for replication in different periods and countries using variables from public or private databases.