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Statistical inference in efficient production with bad inputs and outputs using latent prices and optimal directions

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  • Atkinson, Scott E.
  • Primont, Daniel
  • Tsionas, Mike G.

Abstract

Researchers employ the directional distance function (DDF) to estimate multiple-input and multiple-output production, firm inefficiency, and productivity growth. We relax restrictive assumptions by computing optimal directions subject to profit maximization and cost minimization, correct for the potential endogeneity of inputs and outputs, estimate latent prices for bad outputs, measure firms’ responses to shadow prices rather than actual prices, and introduce an unobserved productivity term into the DDF. For an unbalanced panel of U.S. electric utilities, a model assuming profit-maximization outperforms one assuming cost-minimization, while lagged productivity and energy price have the greatest effect on productivity.

Suggested Citation

  • Atkinson, Scott E. & Primont, Daniel & Tsionas, Mike G., 2018. "Statistical inference in efficient production with bad inputs and outputs using latent prices and optimal directions," Journal of Econometrics, Elsevier, vol. 204(2), pages 131-146.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:econom:v:204:y:2018:i:2:p:131-146
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jeconom.2017.12.009
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    Cited by:

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    2. De Silva, Dakshina G. & Hubbard, Timothy P. & Schiller, Anita R. & Tsionas, Mike G., 2023. "Estimating outcomes in the presence of endogeneity and measurement error with an application to R&D," The Quarterly Review of Economics and Finance, Elsevier, vol. 88(C), pages 278-294.
    3. Assaf, A. George & Tsionas, Mike & Kock, Florian & Josiassen, Alexander, 2021. "A Bayesian non-parametric stochastic frontier model," Annals of Tourism Research, Elsevier, vol. 87(C).
    4. Vardanyan, Michael & Valdmanis, Vivian G. & Leleu, Hervé & Ferrier, Gary D., 2022. "Estimating technology characteristics of the U.S. hospital industry using directional distance functions with optimal directions," Omega, Elsevier, vol. 113(C).
    5. Scott E. Atkinson & Rong Luo, 2024. "Estimation Of Production Technologies With Output And Environmental Constraints," International Economic Review, Department of Economics, University of Pennsylvania and Osaka University Institute of Social and Economic Research Association, vol. 65(2), pages 755-780, May.
    6. Du, Limin & Lu, Yunguo & Ma, Chunbo, 2022. "Carbon efficiency and abatement cost of China's coal-fired power plants," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 175(C).
    7. Tsionas, Mike G., 2020. "On a model of environmental performance and technology gaps," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 285(3), pages 1141-1152.
    8. Tsionas, Mike G., 2024. "A generalized inefficiency model with input and output dependence," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 312(1), pages 315-323.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Bayesian; Directional distance; Productivity; Bad outputs; Latent prices; Efficiency; Optimal directions; Shadow prices;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C11 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric and Statistical Methods and Methodology: General - - - Bayesian Analysis: General
    • C33 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Multiple or Simultaneous Equation Models; Multiple Variables - - - Models with Panel Data; Spatio-temporal Models
    • D24 - Microeconomics - - Production and Organizations - - - Production; Cost; Capital; Capital, Total Factor, and Multifactor Productivity; Capacity

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