A generalisation of the Farrell cost efficiency measure applicable to non-fully competitive settings

This paper enhances cost efficiency measurement methods to account for situations where the input prices can depend on negotiation or tend to qualitatively differentiate the resources available at each decision making unit. In these circumstances, there are some shortcomings in the cost efficiency measure described in the data envelopment analysis (DEA) literature. This paper proposes new models and measures for cost efficiency evaluation that overcome the limitations of the existing DEA models. The applicability of the measures developed is illustrated in the context of the analysis of bank branch performance.     

Revisiting the determinants of local government performance

Managing financial resources efficiently is a requirement for all levels of government. However, measuring the performance of governments or other public authorities is usually highly complex. The results of this type of assessment are likely to be biased or perverse. This study attempts to identify non-discretionary or exogenous variables that are associated with better/worse economic performance of local governments (the determinants of efficiency). Based on past research, the paper starts by providing a classification for the different types of determinants of local government performance. Afterwards, using data from all Portuguese municipalities, the relationship between a large number of factors and the efficiency scores is assessed. To accomplish this, several Tobit, OLS and double-bootstrap models were implemented. The efficiency scores are computed through non-parametric frontier methodologies. The results indicate that analysts must be prudent while interpreting the economic results achieved by each municipality. To be impartial and robust any performance evaluation model should (at least) consider the effects of the determinants of cost efficiency identified in this paper.     

区域创新能力及其制约因素解析——基于1997～2007省际面板数据检验

根据我国各省、自治区、直辖市1997～2007年的创新活动面板数据,以专利的授权数量作为创新产出的指标,实证检验区域创新环境对区域创新能力的影响,并解释我国区域创新能力存在差异的原因.实证结果表明:中国30个省(区、市)创新绩效存在显著差异,这种现象的存在不仅是由于各地区研发人员和研发费用的投入差异,也是由于各地区以FDI、市场化程度、累积知识存量和知识流动能力等因素组成的创新环境的差异.在此基础上,提出增强区域创新能力和克服其"瓶颈"的政策建议.     

Applying data envelopment analysis on accounting data to assess and optimize the efficiency of Greek local governments

The efficiency and effectiveness of local governments has become one of the main points of interest in public sector administration, as decision and policy making gradually move from the central to the local level. This paper introduces an efficiency analysis framework based on accrual accounting data obtained from the local governments’ financial statements. Data envelopment analysis is used to obtain efficiency estimates, which are analyzed through a second stage regression against a set of efficiency explanatory factors. Furthermore, the optimal reallocation of the municipalities’ inputs and outputs is explored to provide policy recommendations that a central government could implement in a budget reduction context. Detailed empirical results are presented from a panel data set of Greek municipalities over the period 2002–2009.     

Economic efficiency when prices are not fixed: disentangling quantity and price efficiency

This paper proposes an approach to compute cost efficiency in contexts where units can adjust input quantities and to some degree prices so that through their joint determination they can minimise the aggregate cost of the outputs they secure. The model developed is based on the data envelopment analysis (DEA) framework and can accommodate situations where the degree of influence over prices ranges from minimal to considerable. When units cannot influence prices at all the model proposed reduces to the standard cost efficiency DEA model for the case where prices are taken as exogenous. In addition to the cost efficiency model, we introduce an additive decomposition of potential cost savings into a quantity and a price component, based on Bennet indicators.     

Improving MIS project selection

Organizations develop and install computer-based information systems because they expect their benefits to exceed their costs. Benefits come in all varieties, but our measurement skills are best developed in the area of efficiency improvement—reducing the cost of data processing. Since there are normally more potential projects than available resources, this imbalance in our capacity to measure the full range of benefits can lead to accepting projects of lower overall value than that of some which are rejected. This paper analyzes the impact of present benefits measurement practices, and suggests some possible improvements.     

我国上市公司董事会效率与公司绩效的实证研究

董事会效率是指董事会各项职能发挥的效果,包括董事会的制度建设、董事会的结构设置、董事会战略决策能力以及对管理层经营行为的监控效率。本文从影响董事会效率的因素出发,以我国上市公司2000-2003年样本公司为统计数据,对董事会效率进行了实证研究。首先,通过董事会效率的各因素与公司绩效之间的多元回归分析,建立了董事会效率的测评模型,借助该模型可对我国上市公司的董事会效率实施测评。利用董事会效率测评结果,对我国上市公司的董事会效率与公司绩效的关联关系进行实证研究。研究结果显示,董事会效率与公司绩效之间存在正相关关系,公司绩效会随着董事会效率的增强而提高。同时结果表明,目前我国上市公司董事会效率普遍偏低。因而,提高我国上市公司董事会效率需要设置合理的董事会规模、保持适当的独立董事比例、提高董事会决策效率、增大董事持股比例以及提升董事会对管理层的监控效率。     

基于DEA和方向性距离函数的中国省际能源效率测度

基于全要素能源效率框架,利用数据包络分析(DEA)和方向性距离函数建立2类能源效率测度新模型,分析比较了2004～2008年中国29个省份、全国整体及三大区域的全要素能源效率和节能潜力;同时,在新模型的基础上,结合单要素能源效率和全要素能源效率,引入"目标能源强度"指标并测算了2004～2008我国各省份的能源强度效率。实证分析结果表明:中国能源效率整体水平较低,节能形势严峻,各省份、区域之间的能源效率差异显著,能源节约和产出增长还具有很大的潜力和空间,因此,提升科技实力,实现经济增长方式由"粗放型"向"集约型"转变仍然是中国今后相当长时期的战略重点。     

Multinationality and performance: A synthetic review and research agenda

This paper provides a reflective and synthetic review of the literature on the relationship between a firm's multinationality and performance. It revisits the main theories and demonstrates a gradual shift from the traditionally equilibrium‐oriented theorization to the recent dynamics‐oriented perspectives. It also examines the current status of empirical inquiry and identifies some important voids. The following areas are highlighted for further conceptual development and empirical investigation: (1) conceptual refinement and measurement of multinationality as a construct; (2) cost‐efficiency implications of multinationality; (3) impact of internationalization motivations on both multinationality and performance; (4) two‐way relationships between multinationality and performance; and (5) moderating roles of important external and internal contextual factors.     

TQM implementation: organisation practices and information infrastructures

This paper provides deeper exploration of the attitudes and perceptions of senior executives reported in an earlier paper. In particular, it investigates two issues; (a) differences in TQM implementation practices due to organisation size and (b) inconsistencies between the senior executives' attitudes and perceptions and their organisations' practices. The method used is to compare the attitudes and perceptions from earlier work with actions, practices and behaviours, including the propensity for measurement and information management. The results underline the central role of data and information, and hence measurement, in successful TQM implementations. Further questions arise which suggest the need for still deeper investigation via in-company case research. The data did not support the interim prediction that TQM implementation is poorer in small firms. Moreover, the more optimistic perceptions of TQM reported in medium and large firms were not sustainable when compared with their actual practices. The paper also provides a foundation for the next phase of this longitudinal research programme, which will track this cohort of firms (n=113) beyond the so-called “two year barrier” to see how many are still practising TQM thereafter. Finally the data shows TQM for this regional sample to be predominantly internally focused on cost reduction at operational levels.     

基于超效率CCR-DEA的中国港口上市公司成本效率评价研究

本文在选取固定资产净值、员工人数等为投入指标,每股收益等产出指标构建港口上市公司成本效率评价指标体系的基础上,建立了基于超效率CCR-DEA(SUP-CCR-DEA)的港口上市公司成本效率评价模型.本研究特点一是构建了一套包含固定资产净值等投入、每股收益等产出的中国港口上市公司成本效率评价指标体系,解决了现有文献缺乏对港口上市公司的成本效率评价指标体系不足,也为合理评价成本效率奠定基础.特点二是借助超效率CCR-DEA思想,对有效率(效率值1)的港口上市公司进一步评价,解决了以往在港口上市公司成本效率的评价研究中无法对有效率的单元进一步排序的弊端.特点三是采用国内13家港口上市公司2004年和2005年数据进行了实证研究,并计算得出我国港口上市企业的连续2年成本效率评价结果与相对排序,对比分析了港口上市公司的成本效率的随时间变化趋势,得出了如下结论:1)2004年和2005年的国内港口上市公司成本效率高的企业都约占整个样本数量的50%,而G上港在效率值1的港口中则位居首位.2)2004年和2005年的国内港口上市公司成本效率整体上比较稳定,但G盐田港大幅上升以及北海港和G天津港则下跌较深,其成本效率变化远高于其他港口上市公司.     

Improving the efficiency of IT help-desk service by Six Sigma management methodology (DMAIC) – a case study of C company

Six Sigma concept depicts a ‘Triangle Relationship’ that integrates three attributes such as customer quality, science manners and team work. By employing this concept with the required survey and data collection to carry out the continuous improvement, a company can truly take advantage of the minimum set of operational variables and the lowest cost procedures, and hence, result in an increasing competitive value for/to the company. This research is conducted based on the Six Sigma methodology, DMAIC (definition, measurement, analysis, improvement and control) principle, and it deals with project-related issues to improve the efficiency of information technology (IT) help-desk service through an eHelp-desk system. It is the authors’ belief that the use of eHelp-desk system can help case company to improve its service quality and efficiency. In addition, managerial implications and research limitations are discussed at the end of this article.     

Integration and efficiency convergence in EU banking markets

Evidence of financial integration and convergence are considered of importance in assessing the outcome of EU deregulation policies aimed at improving the efficiency and performance of banking sectors. This paper evaluates the recent dynamics of bank cost efficiency by means of data envelopment analysis (DEA). Borrowing from the growth literature, we apply dynamic panel data models (GMM) to the concepts of β-convergence and σ-convergence to assess the speed at which banking markets are integrating. We also employ a partial adjustment model to evaluate convergence towards best practice. Results seem to provide supporting evidence of convergence of efficiency levels towards an EU average. Nevertheless, there is no evidence of an overall improvement of efficiency levels towards best practice.     

烟草商业企业数字仓库的基本流程与系统功能设计研究

数字仓库的应用将协助企业保证供应、压缩库存、提高货物周转效率、节约成本。本文介绍了数字仓库的概念,研究了烟草商业企业数字仓库的基本流程与系统功能结构与设计,并对数字仓库的效益进行了评价。对这些问题的深入研究将有利于提高烟草商业企业的物流水平和服务效率。     

Blunt tools: Performance measurement in policies for health care

Throughout the Western world governments have been obliged to address the tension between the continuously rising cost of publicly-financed health care and the perceived need to restrain aggregate public expenditure. In several countries recent developments have included attempts to apply ‘performance indicators’ to health care programmes. This paper examines the nature of the main US and UK indicators and argues that, though they may help to legitimate expenditure restraint, they will probably tell us little about the effectiveness (or even efficiency) of present practice. Some directions are indicated for an alternative approach to performance measurement.     

Measuring operational excellence: an operational excellence profitability (OEP) approach

The pursuit of operational excellence in the manufacturing industry is at rise but its measurement still lacks of appropriate indicators to determine its financial benefits. The ambiguity is due to the impact arisen from manufacturing fluctuations such as price and cost, production mix and direct and indirect parameters variations. Manufacturing fluctuations distort the cost benefit of operational excellence. This paper, therefore, proposes the OEP (Operational Excellence Profitability) indicators to isolate the impact of manufacturing fluctuation and distinctly identify the payback of operational excellence strategies and initiatives through cost benefits of achieving higher efficiency and yield. The paper presents the conceptual and mathematical development of the proposed OEP indicators and the formulas used for their calculation. Hypothetical and industrial-based investigations and applications of the OEP indicators are conducted for their validation. The results obtained from the hypothetical exercise and industrial case suggest that OEP indicators can provide an effective cost-benefit analysis of operational excellence. This would contribute in providing manufacturing organizations with more complete information regarding the performance of their processes, which will allow their directors and managers to take better decisions related to the management and improvement of their processes.     

系统性风险约束下的商业银行成本、利润效率比较研究

本文基于16家中国上市银行2006~2012年的非平衡面板数据,运用随机边界分析方法,对系统性风险约束下的银行成本、利润效率及其无效率效应进行了比较研究。结果发现:中国银行业的风险主要来源于系统性风险;不考虑风险因素将导致效率值的明显低估;在成本、利润效率模型中,系统性风险越高,其所造成的无效率效应越大。加强风险管理,防止系统性风险的爆发,有利于商业银行效率的提高。     

Efficiency determinants in retail stores: a Bayesian framework

This paper analyzes the impact of vertical integration, age, geographic expansion, and low price strategy on the cost efficiency of retail stores. We test our hypotheses using the innovative Bayesian frontier methodology. The data involve a sample of Spanish retail stores that operate in a highly competitive and dynamic environment. From the results, it is clear that cost efficiency is higher for stores that have: longer years in business, stronger geographical presence, and lower price offerings. Vertical integration, on the other hand, is negatively related to efficiency. Further discussions of these findings and related managerial implications are provided in the paper.     

Money and Journal of Organizational Behavior Management Interventions: A Review

Practitioners and business leaders can use monetary data to quantify the financial outcomes of interventions in organizational behavior management (OBM). The primary purpose of this review was to investigate the occurrence and classification of monetary data in the OBM literature. Other purposes were to demonstrate ways in which such data contribute to the measurement of value and to provide recommendations for its reporting and publication. Accordingly, a review was conducted of publications in the Journal of Organizational Behavior Management. Cumulative yearly results showed that cost data were reported more often than cost plus benefit data, and cost plus benefit data were reported more often than benefit data alone. More cost than benefit data were reported, most often with social validity, followed by institutionalization, then maintenance measures. However, more cost plus benefit data were reported than either cost or benefit data with a maintenance measure. It is concluded that reporting cost and benefit data would be beneficial to the field of OBM.     

Evaluating leadership coaching: A review and integrated framework

Leadership coaching reflects an evolving dynamic between the client and coach that is qualitatively different from most approaches to leadership development and therefore holds particular challenges for evaluation. Based on reviews of academic and practitioner literatures, this paper presents an integrated framework of coaching evaluation that includes formative evaluations of the client, coach, client–coach relationship, and coaching process, as well as summative evaluations based on coaching outcomes. The paper also includes a quantitative synthesis examining evaluation methodologies in 49 leadership coaching studies. The results revealed that self-reported changes in clients' leadership behaviors are the most frequently assessed coaching outcome, followed by clients' perceptions of the effectiveness of coaching. Recommendations to advance coaching evaluation research include the creation of collaborative partnerships between the evaluation stakeholders (client, coach, client's organization, and coaching organization) to facilitate systematic formative evaluations, the collection of multi-source and multi-level data, and the inclusion of distal outcomes in evaluation plans.