Typically, the error term in stochastic frontier models is assumed to be positively skewed; however, efficiency scores are biased if this assumption is violated. This paper considers the case in which also negative skewness is allowed in the model. In contrast to other approaches, this skewness is...

This paper explores the link between the presence of unions in the workplace, the adoption of decentralized labor agreements and technical efficiency, using a large sample of Italian manufacturing firms. We apply the Data Envelopment Analysis, and its robust version based on bootstrap theory, to...

In the country-wide providing the efficiency will only be provided by distributing the resources in the non-efficient provinces and regions well-balanced by correcting the deficiencies and by building separate plans. For this purpose, the efficiency of Turkey’s agriculture sector in 2009 on...

This paper studies the technical efficiencies of the textile manufacturing industries in Pakistan using 5-digit level industry data. Technical efficiencies are computed by the Data Envelopment Analysis technique assuming constant as well as variable returns to scale. The efficiency scores thus...

This paper explores the link between the presence of unions in the workplace, the adoption of decentralized labor agreements and technical efficiency, using a large sample of Italian manufacturing firms. We apply the Data Envelopment Analysis, and its robust version based on bootstrap theory, to...

This paper surveys four distinct approaches to frontier estimation of multi-output (and simultaneously multi-input) technologies, when nothing but noisy quantity data are available. Parametrized distributions for inefficiency and noise are necessary for identification of inefficiency, when only...

In January 2009 Germany introduced incentive regulation for the electricity distribution sector based on results obtained from econometric and nonparametric benchmarking analysis. One main problem for the regulator in assigning the relative efficiency scores are unobserved firm-specific factors...

In January 2009 Germany introduced incentive regulation for the electricity distribution sector based on results obtained from econometric and nonparametric benchmarking analysis. One main problem for the regulator in assigning the relative efficiency scores are unobserved firm-specific factors...

This paper investigates the forces driving output growth, namely technological, efficiency, and input changes, in 80 countries over the period 1970-2000. Relevant past studies typically assume that: (i) countries use resources efficiently, and (ii) the underlying production technology is the...