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Alternative efficiency measures for multiple-output production

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Abstract

This paper has two main purposes. Firstly, we develop various ways of defining efficiency in the case of multiple output production. We specifically consider the case where some of the outputs are undesirable, such as pollutants. We investigate how these efficiency definitions relate to one another and to other approaches proposed in the literature. Secondly, we examine the behavior of these definitions in two examples of practically relevant size and complexity. One of these involves banking and the other agricultural data. Our findings are basically encouraging. For a given efficiency definition, efficiency rankings are found to be informative, despite the considerable uncertainty in the inference on efficiencies. It is, however, important for the researcher to select an efficiency concept appropriate to the particular issue under study, since different efficiency definitions can lead to quite different conclusions.

Suggested Citation

  • Carmen Fernandez & Gary Koop & Mark F J Steel, 2003. "Alternative efficiency measures for multiple-output production," Edinburgh School of Economics Discussion Paper Series 65, Edinburgh School of Economics, University of Edinburgh.
    • Handle: RePEc:edn:esedps:65
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    banking; Bayesian inference; dairy farms; pollution; productivity; separability;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C11 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric and Statistical Methods and Methodology: General - - - Bayesian Analysis: General
    • D24 - Microeconomics - - Production and Organizations - - - Production; Cost; Capital; Capital, Total Factor, and Multifactor Productivity; Capacity

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