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Inference in the nonparametric stochastic frontier model

Author

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  • Christopher F. Parmeter
  • Léopold Simar
  • Ingrid Van Keilegom
  • Valentin Zelenyuk

Abstract

This article is the first in the literature to discuss in detail how to conduct various types of inference in the stochastic frontier model when it is estimated using nonparametric methods. We discuss a general and versatile inferential technique that allows for a range of practical hypotheses of interest to be tested. We also discuss several challenges that currently exist in this framework in an effort to alert researchers to potential pitfalls. Namely, it appears that when one wishes to estimate a stochastic frontier in a fully nonparametric framework, separability between inputs and determinants of inefficiency is an essential ingredient for the correct empirical size of a test. We showcase the performance of the test with a variety of Monte Carlo simulations.

Suggested Citation

  • Christopher F. Parmeter & Léopold Simar & Ingrid Van Keilegom & Valentin Zelenyuk, 2024. "Inference in the nonparametric stochastic frontier model," Econometric Reviews, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 43(7), pages 518-539, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:emetrv:v:43:y:2024:i:7:p:518-539
    DOI: 10.1080/07474938.2024.2339193
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    1. Pagan,Adrian & Ullah,Aman, 1999. "Nonparametric Econometrics," Cambridge Books, Cambridge University Press, number 9780521355643, October.
    2. Christian M. Hafner & Hans Manner & Léopold Simar, 2018. "The “wrong skewness” problem in stochastic frontier models: A new approach," Econometric Reviews, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 37(4), pages 380-400, April.
    3. Carlos Martins-Filho & Feng Yao, 2015. "Semiparametric Stochastic Frontier Estimation via Profile Likelihood," Econometric Reviews, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 34(4), pages 413-451, April.
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    Cited by:

    1. Tsionas, Mike & Parmeter, Christopher F. & Zelenyuk, Valentin, 2023. "Bayesian Artificial Neural Networks for frontier efficiency analysis," Journal of Econometrics, Elsevier, vol. 236(2).
    2. Centorrino, Samuele & Parmeter, Christopher F., 2024. "Nonparametric estimation of stochastic frontier models with weak separability," Journal of Econometrics, Elsevier, vol. 238(2).
    3. Mike Tsionas & Christopher F. Parmeter & Valentin Zelenyuk, 2021. "Bridging the Divide? Bayesian Artificial Neural Networks for Frontier Efficiency Analysis," CEPA Working Papers Series WP082021, School of Economics, University of Queensland, Australia.

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    JEL classification:

    • C1 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric and Statistical Methods and Methodology: General
    • C14 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric and Statistical Methods and Methodology: General - - - Semiparametric and Nonparametric Methods: General
    • C13 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric and Statistical Methods and Methodology: General - - - Estimation: General

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