This book describes the method of data envelopment analysis that uses mathematical programming techniques to obtain measures of efficiency of individual forms from their observed input and output quantities. The method permits setting up realistic input-output targets for the firm's managers. A firm is considered to be technically inefficient when it fails to yield the maximum quantity of output producible from the input bundle it uses. Measurement of technical efficiency is important for performance evaluation and provides an objective basis for differential rewards in the context of...

This book provides a detailed introduction to the theoretical and methodological foundations of production efficiency analysis using benchmarking. Two of the more popular methods of efficiency evaluation are Stochastic Frontier Analysis (SFA) and Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA), both of which are based on the concept of a production possibility set and its frontier. Depending on the assumed objectives of the decision-making unit, a Production, Cost, or Profit Frontier is constructed from observed data on input and output quantities and prices. While SFA uses different maximum likelihood...

The 2-volume handbook would include surveys of the state of the art in different areas of neoclassical production economics. Volume 1 will cover theoretical and methodological issues only. Volume 2 will include surveys of empirical applications in different areas like manufacturing, agriculture, banking, energy and environment, etc.