On the accuracy of bootstrap confidence intervals for efficiency levels in stochastic frontier models with panel data

We study the construction of confidence intervals for efficiency levels of individual firms in stochastic frontier models with panel data. The focus is on bootstrapping and related methods. We start with a survey of various versions of the bootstrap. We also propose a simple parametric alternative in which one acts as if the␣identity of the best firm is known. Monte Carlo simulations indicate that the parametric method works better than the␣percentile bootstrap, but not as well as bootstrap methods that make bias corrections. All of these methods are valid␣only for large time-series sample size (T), and correspondingly none of the methods yields very accurate confidence intervals except when T is large enough that the identity of the best firm is clear. We also present empirical results for two well-known data sets.      

Meanings of measurement

Abstract

In public domains, performances – also in ambiguous fields like policing – are controlled, by making them transparent, by comparing them, and by linking them to targets. Although this ‘numerical capture' of complex phenomena has been heavily criticized, management by measurement is blossoming and in specific cases, measurements like crime monitoring have played a role in reducing crime. The question, however, is whether such improvements are caused by distinctive measurement methods, or by ‘something else'. This paper will analyze how one particular measurement method, the so-called Rotterdam ‘Safety Index', contributed to safety policies. It will show how this dubious instrument is made meaningful; how, indeed, ‘something else' is at work. Political and administrative key players made certain moves in order to ‘link', ‘store', and ‘advocate' the Safety Index. These acts, moreover, occurred amidst distinctive socio-political conditions. Because of ‘acts in context', the Index became a workable tool, producing tangible effects.     

The effects of sustainability orientation on research and teaching efficiency in German universities

Academic research increasingly focuses on environmental sustainability as a specific societal mission to be addressed. However, the effects of the increasing sustainability orientation on output generation in public research organizations are largely unexplored. In this paper, we analyse the effects of the increasing importance of sustainability-oriented research topics on research and teaching efficiency in German universities in 2018. Our results are mixed. On the one hand, we find that a higher share of publications related to sustainability increases research efficiency. On the other hand, it decreases teaching efficiency. The latter negative effect seems to relate primarily to a notion of teaching efficiency associated with quantity rather than the quality of teaching output. We conclude that the tendency to focus academic research on challenge-driven sustainability orientation can have non-trivial effects on the efficiency of output generation and therefore needs to be considered ex-ante by policy-makers, administrators and university managers.     

Aspects of statistical analysis in DEA-type frontier models

In Grosskopf (1995) and Banker (1995) different approaches and problems of statistical inference in DEA frontier models are presented. This paper focuses on the basic characteristics of DEA models from a statistical point of view. It arose from comments and discussions on both papers above. The framework of DEA models is deterministic (all the observed points lie on the same side of the frontier), nevertheless a stochastic model can be constructed once a data generating process is defined. So statistical analysis may be performed and sampling properties of DEA estimators can be established. However, practical statistical inference (such as test of hypothesis, confidence intervals) still needs artifacts like the bootstrap to be performed. A consistent bootstrap relies also on a clear definition of the data generating proces and on a consistent estimator of it: The approach of Simar and Wilson (1995) is described. Finally, some trails are proposed for introducing stochastic noise in DEA models, in the spirit of the Kneip-Simar (1995) approach.     

The measurement and management of intellectual capital in the public sector

This article compares and contrasts the stage of development reached by the public and private sectors with regard to intellectual capital. Whereas the private sector in many parts of the developed world has still not fully embraced the importance of measuring intangible assets, the public sector, with its different objectives, has always had to focus on non-financial results. This has become more critical in recent years due to successive government initiatives that have required the use of a number of prescribed performance indicators. Having briefly outlined the history of both intellectual capital and the culture of performance measurement this article analyses the results of a survey of public sector organizations in Northern Ireland to assess how they are dealing with both the measurement and management of intellectual capital assets.     

Performance measurement integrated information framework in e-Manufacturing

The implementation of Internet technologies has led to e-Manufacturing technologies becoming more widely used and to the development of tools for compiling, transforming and synchronising manufacturing data through the Web. In this context, a potential area for development is the extension of virtual manufacturing to performance measurement (PM) processes, a critical area for decision making and implementing improvement actions in manufacturing. This paper proposes a PM information framework to integrate decision support systems in e-Manufacturing. Specifically, the proposed framework offers a homogeneous PM information exchange model that can be applied through decision support in e-Manufacturing environment. Its application improves the necessary interoperability in decision-making data processing tasks. It comprises three sub-systems: a data model, a PM information platform and PM-Web services architecture. A practical example of data exchange for measurement processes in the area of equipment maintenance is shown to demonstrate the utility of the model.     

The value of statistical forecasts in the UK association football betting market

In this paper, we evaluate the economic significance of statistical forecasts of UK Association Football match outcomes in relation to betting market prices. We present a detailed comparison of odds set by different bookmakers in relation to forecast model predictions, and analyse the potential for arbitrage across firms. We also examine extreme odds biases. A detailed re-examination of match result odds and a new examination of correct score odds for the period 1993 to 1996 suggest that the market is inefficient.     

企业战略绩效测量指标的构建与运用

随着企业治理理论由委托代理理论向利益相关者理论演进,企业绩效测量也由传统性财务绩效测量逐步向基于利益相关者价值取向的战略性绩效测量发展。本文运用绩效棱柱模型从利益相关者满意、战略、流程、能力和利益相关者贡献五个内在相互匹配的维度为测量组织管理绩效提供一个全面系统的指标框架,最后进行了运用分析。     

On the conceptualization and measurement of dynamic capabilities for sustainability: Building theory through a systematic literature review

We performed a systematic literature review to explore and understand how the 23-year long debate about dynamic capabilities has addressed sustainability issues. Based on this, we propose a unifying framework that distinguishes different facets of dynamic capabilities for sustainability (DCsS) based on the different types of performance they are more suitable to predict. The theoretical contribution is twofold. First, we add to the literature by highlighting the dependence of different forms of DCsS on different levels of the centrality of sustainability outcomes in corporate strategies. Second, we shed light on the operationalizations of DCsS by providing guidance on the adoption of pertinent constructs and measurement models. The review concludes with a discussion of the managerial implications of the proposed conceptual framework to help decision makers better understand, which strategic moves to make to achieve their intended sustainability goals.     

先进技术在测量实际工作中的应用

顺着社会发展,新技术、新设备不断进入我们的视线。测量技术也随之发展,采用GPS或全站仪测量,利用电脑支撑,用Excel代替计算器直接在电脑上计算,并转换为Access通用数据库,并赋值。其通用数据库可直接导入CAD或Mapgis成图。     

Distinctive research patterns on public sector performance measurement of public administration and accounting disciplines

Abstract

This article explores distinctive research patterns of public administration and accounting disciplines concerning public sector performance measurement (PSPM). Our review shows that accounting researchers from Europe investigate reasons for limited PM use and factors explaining a rational or symbolic PM use, inspired by organization theory and institutional theory and conducting case/field studies. Public administration researchers from Europe and the USA prefer to study PM design and PM impact respectively, mainly using surveys in combination with various theories, like political theory. Public administration research from the USA examines the types of performance indicators in PM systems and contingent factors for PM design. Public administration research from Europe shows an interest in evaluating public sector reforms like Best Value and explaining learning processes for improvement. We argue that PSPM research could benefit from interdisciplinary efforts and intensified mutual communication between public administration and accounting.     

Identifying barriers to the application of standardized performance indicators in local government

Abstract

Local governments in many countries are implementing administrative reforms within the framework of New Public Management (NPM) in order to improve the quality and productivity of public services. The use of performance indicators and benchmarking facilitates evaluation of efficiency regarding the provision of such services and favours the acquisition of better practices. The problems that may arise in the introduction of performance indicators in local government mainly concern the consensual design and standardization of indicators for various entities, the method to be used for calculations and the selection of analytical criteria to be applied to the values obtained. In this article, we identify obstacles that may be encountered in achieving a standardized definition of performance indicators within local government and, on the basis of learning from the practical experience of several large city councils in Spain, formulate strategies to resolve these problems, taking note of the viability and real efficacy of the solutions adopted.     

建筑业中价值管理的绩效评价

价值管理(VM)是应付当今建筑业诸多挑战的一个有用的管理工具。价值管理不但能带来节约成本这样有形的好处,也可以带来增进对业主需求的理解,促进项目相关人员的沟通等无形的好处。但是,缺乏可靠的绩效评价模型使我们很难确定价值管理研究成功与否。由于难以得知投入带来的效益,很多潜在用户不愿意在他们的项目中应用价值管理,阻碍了价值管理的推广。本文介绍了一个香港研究资助局资助的研究项目。这个研究项目旨在建立一个适合评价建筑业中价值管理研究绩效的模型。文章分析了部分现有绩效评价模型的优缺点,讨论了模型建立的理论基础,并建立了一个可以评价价值管理研究过程与结果的概念模型。     

A bootstrap analysis to investigate the economic efficiency of the logistics industry in Italy*

As argued by literature and consultancy reports, logistics enhances both productivity and competitiveness of several manufacturing supply chains. The analysis of the efficiency trends of logistics providers may shed light on some relevant aspects that can impact on the competitiveness of national industrial systems. Thus, the paper focuses on the Italian logistics supply, shedding lights on the distribution of the efficiency level within the logistics sector and its causes. The analysis is based on a two-stage methodology aimed at estimating the Italian logistics firms’ efficiency and defining some characteristics impacting the efficiency level. At first, we implement a Data Envelopment Analysis model based on balance sheet data, for the period 2006–2012, then an econometric regression is performed in order to identify the effects of main companies’ characteristics on firms’ efficiency. According to our results, size and geographical location are two of the most impacting variables explaining the efficiency score of the Italian logistics providers.     

基于GIS的长沙市规划建设竣工测量实施方法

规划验收是城市规划行政主管部门对已批准的建设工程进行规划监督检查的基本环节,城市规划建设工程竣工测量是进行规划验收重要的基础工作。文章结合长沙市的具体情况对基于GIS的城市建设工程竣工测量实施方法作了具体的探讨,对规划验收竣工测量工作的流程、作业方法、内业成图处理及成果入库方法等做了较详细的介绍。     

BP神经网络在供应链绩效评价中的应用

首先区分不同主体,权衡成本与收益分层次选择指标,基于流程构建一个供应链绩效评价的指标体系;然后介绍了BP神经网络原理及模型,最后探讨了BP神经网络在供应链绩效评价中的应用。     

The making of imperfect indicators for biodiversity: A case study of UK biodiversity performance measurement

This paper seeks to understand the process by which biodiversity performance indicators can be developed. In doing so, this paper examines how biodiversity performance measurements are inherently imperfect and reflects on the implications of that imperfectness. Using document analysis and semi-structured interviews, this research outlines the case of the UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and their work in developing biodiversity indicators. Based on the concept of imperfect measurements, this paper outlines the conditions under which imperfect biodiversity indicators can be productive measurements leading to fertile debate and constant improvements, rather than flawed measurements that actors ‘make do’ with. This paper concludes the biodiversity indicators construction process requires a collaboration between a broad set of diverse organisations, including NGOs and research centres. Lastly, this paper outlines the need for ongoing and rigorous review of adopted measurements to reduce the potentially harmful nature of imperfect biodiversity performance measurement.     

红外热成像测温中导体材料表面的影响及测温效果改进方法

文章介绍了红外热成像测温的基本原理,通过分析电力设备导体表面的物理特性,阐述了电力设备红外热成像测温中导体材料表面特性对测温工作效果的影响,并通过实践论证的方法提出了提高电力设备红外测温工作效率的方法。     

基于改进的同态滤波方法在光测灰度图像增强中的应用

文章基于光测灰度图像的特点,提出了一种基于改进型的高斯型高通滤波器的同态滤波方法。与常用的光测灰度图像增强的直方图均衡化方法相比,文章方法较好的保留了光测灰度图像中目标的梯度细节与边缘信息,所得到的图像定位精度、图像细节、画面效果等方面与直方图均衡化方法相比表现更好,更适宜于灰度图像的增强处理过程的应用。     

企业绿色竞争力及其评价实证研究——以杭州市重点企业为例

绿色竞争力作为企业长期健康发展的表征和评价依据,与其综合竞争力密切相关.首先结合绿色竞争力的概念,从思维角度和分析层面提出二维分析框架以识别绿色竞争力的四部分内容,综合考虑了企业运作和社会环境的约束;之后以杭州市重点企业为调研对象,对有效回收数据进行探索性因子分析,最终构建包含5个维度18个指标的绿色竞争力评价体系,并在此基础上提出改进建议.相关研究成果对绿色竞争力的识别和评价研究有一定的参考价值.