In the standard framework of data envelopment analysis (DEA) models, the returns to scale are fully characterized using the multiplier on the convexity constraint of inefficient decision making units (DMU) using the projection of the input-output vector on the frontier. In this note, we investigate how the returns to scale measurements in DEA models are affected by the presence of regulatory co...

We analyse the impact of ICT spillovers on productivity using company data for the U.S. We account for interand intra-industry spillovers and assess the role played by firm’s absorptive capacity. Our results show that intra-industry ICT spillovers have a contemporaneous negative effect that turns positive 5 years after the initial investment. For inter-industry spillovers both contemporaneous a...

We document the evolution of productivity in a steel mini mill with fixed capital, producing an unchanged product with Leontief technology working 24/7. Despite—almost—unchanged production conditions, output doubled within the sample period (12 years). We decompose the gains into downtime reductions, more rounds of production per time, and more output per run. After attributing productivity gai...

For a stable supply of electricity power plants are required to provide ancillary services in addition to energy production. This paper suggests a solution for optimal bidding strategy for hydroelectric units operating in markets where both energy and ancillary services are priced simultaneously. The model is illustrated on a numerical example of a hydro unit operating in such markets of New Yo...

In this paper we present new measures for the bias in an import price index due to outsourcing. The m easure is developed fi rst for a high ly simplif ied case for the purpose of conveying the rationale for the measure. It is then generalized, yielding a m eaasure that could b e used in empirical stu dies. Before taking up this bias measurement problem , however, we expl ain the m easurement co...

This study presents the results of an extensive Monte Carlo experiment to compare di erent methods of e ciency analysis. In addition to traditional parametric-stochastic and nonparametric-deterministic methods recently developed robust nonparametric-stochastic methods are considered. The experimental design comprises a wide variety of situations with di erent returns-to-scale regimes, substitut...

We develop a methodology to analyze capital misallocation (dispersion in static marginal products) measure the contributions of technological/informational frictions and a rich class of firm-specific factors. An application to Chinese manufacturing firms reveals that adjustment costs and uncertainty, while significant, generate only a modest amount of MPK dispersion, which stems largely from ot...

This article examines learning-by-doing that is specific not just to individual firms but to pairs of firms working together in a contracting relationship. Using data from the oil and gas industry, I find that the productivity of an oil production company and its drilling contractor increases with their joint experience. This learning is relationship-specific: drilling rigs cannot fully appropr...

We review the econometric literature on measuring the returns to R&D. The theoretical frameworks that have been used are outlined, followed by an extensive discussion of measurement and econometric issues that arise when estimating the models. We then provide a series of tables summarizing the major results that have been obtained and conclude with a presentation of R&D spillover returns measur...

We propose a Laplace stochastic frontier model as an alternative to the traditional model with normal errors. An interesting feature of the Laplace model is that the distribution of inefficiency conditional on the composed error is constant for positive values of the composed error, but varies for negative values. Therefore, it may be ideally suited for analyzing industries with many forms on o...