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Using the Survivor Technique to Estimate Returns to Scale and Optimum Firm Size

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  • Giordano James N

    (Villanova University)

Abstract

The survivor technique for estimating returns to scale and optimum firm size has generated a slow but steady literature since its 1958 pilot presentation by George Stigler. This article (1) integrates advances in its application into a complete demonstration of how the technique works, (2) distinguishes a survivor analysis from the related but different analyses of individual firm growth and size distribution as addressed, for example, by Gibrat's Law of Proportionate Effect, (3) surveys a few exemplary survivor analyses, highlighting their alternative measures of scale and survival, and (4) unifies the scattered discussion of criticisms and qualifications that surround the technique. Accordingly, this essay seeks to reposition the survivor technique as a viable statistical option for research on those industries which meet its criteria.

Suggested Citation

  • Giordano James N, 2003. "Using the Survivor Technique to Estimate Returns to Scale and Optimum Firm Size," The B.E. Journal of Economic Analysis & Policy, De Gruyter, vol. 3(1), pages 1-23, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:bpj:bejeap:v:topics.3:y:2003:i:1:n:14
    DOI: 10.2202/1538-0653.1081
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    Cited by:

    1. Yerzhan Raushanov & Turekhan B. Akhmetov, 2023. "Industrial policy impact on competitiveness of companies and sustainable development in post-communist Kazakhstan," RIVISTA DI STUDI SULLA SOSTENIBILITA', FrancoAngeli Editore, vol. 0(1), pages 167-186.
    2. Cucculelli, Marco & Marchionne, Francesco, 2012. "Market opportunities and owner identity: Are family firms different?," Journal of Corporate Finance, Elsevier, vol. 18(3), pages 476-495.
    3. John Howard Brown, 2018. "Establishment Survivorship in U.S. Manufacturing, 1987–1992," Review of Industrial Organization, Springer;The Industrial Organization Society, vol. 53(2), pages 347-366, September.
    4. James N. Giordano, 2008. "Economies of scale after deregulation in LTL trucking: a test case for the survivor technique," Managerial and Decision Economics, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 29(4), pages 357-370.

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