Proper modelling of industrial production systems with unintended outputs: a different perspective

Abstract The question of how to properly model production systems with unintended outputs has proven both controversial and particular interest the productivity efficiency community. paper explains why some arguments put forward in these controversies are hardly convincing for industrial other processes. Among things, there is a lack clear conceptual labelling different types joint production, especially coupled which main source undesirable outputs, unless neglected. It largely ignored that desirability such by-products may depend on quantity produced. This also true reduction processes as waste incineration or end-of-life vehicle dismantling, turn generate new outputs. As rule, material energy balances modelled implicitly. Koopmans’ activity analysis standard approach modelling literature business economics sustainable supply chain management. With data envelopment (DEA), instead entire possibilities, it sufficient know only certain local properties relevant range input output quantities observed activities. lowers challenge verify their empirical validity.