Nonparametric efficiency analysis: A multivariate conditional quantile approach

This paper focuses on nonparametric efficiency analysis based on robust estimation of partial frontiers in a complete multivariate setup (multiple inputs and multiple outputs). It introduces α-quantile efficiency scores. A nonparametric estimator is proposed achieving strong consistency and asymptotic normality. Then if α increases to one as a function of the sample size we recover the properties of the FDH estimator. But our estimator is more robust to the perturbations in data, since it attains a finite gross-error sensitivity. Environmental variables can be introduced to evaluate efficiencies and a consistent estimator is proposed. Numerical examples illustrate the usefulness of the approach.     

Are generalized call-spreads efficient?

In order to explain coexistence of a deductible for low values of the loss and an upper limit for high values of the loss in insurance contracts, we consider the exchange of risk between two rank dependent expected utility maximizers. It is shown that if the insurer (insured) takes more into account the lowest outcomes – hence maximal losses – than the insured (insurer), then the optimal contract has an upper limit (includes a deductible for high values of the loss). If furthermore, the insured (insurer) neglects the highest outcomes while the insurer (insured) does not, the optimal contract includes a deductible (full insurance) for low values of the loss.     

DEA evaluations of long- and short-run efficiencies of digital vs. physical product “dot com” companies

This paper applies Data Envelopment Analysis to determine relative efficiencies between internet dot com companies that produce only physical products and those that produce only digital products. To allow for the fact that the latter are relatively inexperienced, a distinction is made between long- and short-run efficiencies and inefficiencies, with a finding of no statistically significant difference in the short run but digital product companies are significantly more efficient in the long run. A new way of distinguishing between long- and short-run performances is utilized that avoids the need for identifying the time periods associated with long-run vs. short-run efficiencies and inefficiencies. In place of “time,” this paper utilizes differences in the “properties” that economic theory associates with long- and short-run performances.     

The productivity of private and social farms: Multilateral Malmquist indices for Slovene dairying enterprises

Applying programming techniques to farm-level panel data for four cooperative and 12 private dairy farms in the Yugoslav Republic of Slovenia gives estimates of technical efficiency, scale efficiency, and technical progress. These are used to construct multilateral Malmquist indices of total factor productivity (TFP). For the cooperatives, TFP growth has been slow and is attributable to technical progress. For the private farms, technical progress was also slow, but TFP growth was faster due to improved efficiency. Scale inefficiency explains the poorer absolute performance of the private farms, indicating the need for land reform as well as technological change.     

Input- and Output-Oriented Technical Efficiency of Ukrainian Collective Farms, 1989–1992: Bayesian Analysis of a Stochastic Production Frontier Model

We propose estimation of a stochastic production frontier model within a Bayesian framework to obtain the posterior distribution of single-input-oriented technical efficiency at the firm level. All computations are carried out using Markov chain Monte Carlo methods. The approach is illustrated by applying it to production data obtained from a survey of Ukrainian collective farms. We show that looking at the changes in single-input-oriented technical efficiency in addition to the changes in output-oriented technical efficiency improves the understanding of the dynamics of technical efficiency over the first years of transition in the former Soviet Union.     

Implications of variant efficiency measures for policy evaluations in UK higher education

Policy goals in UK higher education encourage the publicly funded universities to become more-specialised and larger in size without compromising output quality. Efficiency gains are expected to flow from this increased specialisation in accordance with universities’ comparative research and teaching strengths. Mergers to reap further gains from economies of scale are also being actively encouraged. Given this scenario, the paper investigates whether best-practice efficiency measurement based on data envelopment analysis (DEA) provides empirical support for the current policy goals. It also assesses whether such support is dependent on the specific type of efficiency measure used in the DEA modelling. This assessment finds that a selection of (nine) commonly used, variant efficiency measures generally support the current policy goals. The paper also uses the principal-agent framework to explore the issues involved in using computed DEA-based efficiency scores for policy evaluations and possible funding guidance in UK higher education. This highlights empirically how policy-makers and universities can have very different preferences about which efficiency measure is to be used for policy evaluations and possible funding guidance.     

基于DEA的经济新区投资绩效评价——以天津滨海新区为例

本文利用数据包络分析(DEA)方法,对经济新区投资绩效进行了综合分析,指出各个非DEA有效决策单元中存在的投入冗余与产出不足并提出了相关结论与建议。     

基于相对竞争力比较的零售企业竞争力评价分析

通过对企业竞争力涵义的分析,构建了零售企业竞争力综合评价指标体系;利用功效系数法和综合评价的方法,通过与同行业其它零售企业竞争力比较和零售企业对自身竞争力评判的方式,建立零售企业的竞争力综合评价模型;使企业能够客观、正确地认识和评价企业自身竞争力,为其进一步提高自己市场竞争力提供科学有效的理论依据。     

Understanding resource deployment efficiency for ESG and financial performance: A DEA approach

COVID-19 has stimulated additional research interest on economic sustainability and ESG in both academia and industry. This study adopts a DEA approach to examine the efficiency of achieving ESG targets and their relationships with financial performance. Using MSCI ESG data from 2015 to 2019 on 1108 Chinese firms, we examine the ESG proportional and pillar mix efficiencies. The dominant strategies for our sampled firms are to improve overall ESG performance by enhancing the E and S pillars through sacrificing G’s performance. The second result shows a positive relationship between proportional efficiency and financial performance while a mixed relationship between pillar mix efficiency and financial performance. However, for the technology sector, there exists some trade-offs between ESG performance and financial performance. Specifically, relative to non-technology firms, improving proportional and pillar mix efficiencies for technology firms could result in some sacrifice in stock valuation.     

农机服务规模经营对粮食生产效率的影响机理研究

依据2009—2019年全国31个省（自治区、直辖市）的省级面板数据,运用随机前沿分析方法和Tobit模型,考量农机服务规模经营对粮食生产效率的影响及其作用机理。结果显示：2009—2019年,中国粮食生产效率总体递增,但区域间发展不平衡;农机服务规模经营通过技术引入效应和劳动力替代效应提高粮食生产效率,其中,技术引入效应的发挥受限于农业研发支出水平及其增速,劳动力替代效应在农业劳动力成本高的区域发挥的影响效用更佳。鉴于此,应加快农业科技创新,发展粮食生产全程机械化服务,完善农机社会化服务体系。