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[alpha]-Returns to scale and multi-output production technologies

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  • Boussemart, Jean-Philippe
  • Briec, Walter
  • Peypoch, Nicolas
  • Tavéra, Christophe

Abstract

This contribution proposes a specification of strictly increasing and decreasing returns to scale in multi-output technologies. Along this line a notion of [alpha]-returns to scale is derived from that of homogeneous multi-output technology. For a large class of technologies we establish necessary and sufficient conditions characterizing strictly increasing and strictly decreasing returns to scale to scale. Furthermore, a relationship between input, output and graph distance functions is established. These connections lead naturally to a link between the various Malmquist indexes and the Chavas-Cox productivity index. Finally, we show that these concepts can be implemented in a DEA context using a piecewise homogeneous constant elasticity substitution-transformation model due to [Färe, R., Grosskopf, S., Njinkeu, D., 1988b. On piecewise reference technologies. Management Science 34, 1507-1511].

Suggested Citation

  • Boussemart, Jean-Philippe & Briec, Walter & Peypoch, Nicolas & Tavéra, Christophe, 2009. "[alpha]-Returns to scale and multi-output production technologies," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 197(1), pages 332-339, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ejores:v:197:y:2009:i:1:p:332-339
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

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    2. Leleu, Hervé & Moises, James & Valdmanis, Vivian, 2012. "Optimal productive size of hospital's intensive care units," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 136(2), pages 297-305.
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    4. J-P Boussemart & W Briec & H Leleu, 2009. "Linear programming solutions and distance functions under a constant returns to scale technology," Journal of the Operational Research Society, Palgrave Macmillan;The OR Society, vol. 60(1), pages 72-78, January.
    5. Rosa, Franco & Weaver, Robert D. & Vasciaveo, Michela, 2015. "Structural Changes and Dairy Chain Efficiency in Italy," International Journal on Food System Dynamics, International Center for Management, Communication, and Research, vol. 6(3), pages 1-21, July.
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    D24 Returns to scale Distance function Productivity growth Malmquist index;

    JEL classification:

    • D24 - Microeconomics - - Production and Organizations - - - Production; Cost; Capital; Capital, Total Factor, and Multifactor Productivity; Capacity

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