Economic efficiency analysis has received considerable worldwide attention in the last few decades, with Stochastic Frontier Analysis (SFA) and Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) establishing themselves as the two dominant approaches in the literature. This book, by combining cutting-edge theoretical research on DEA and SFA with attractive real-world applications, offers a valuable asset for professors, students, researchers, and professionals working in all branches of economic efficiency analysis, as well as those concerned with the corresponding economic policies. The book is divided into three parts, the first of which is devoted to basic concepts, making the content self-contained. The second is devoted to DEA, and the third to SFA. The topics covered in Part 2 range from stochastic DEA to multidirectional dynamic inefficiency analysis, including directional distance functions, the elimination and choice translating algorithm, benefit-of-the-doubt composite indicators, and internal benchmarking for efficiency evaluations. Part 3 also includes exciting and cutting-edge theoretical research on e.g. robustness, nonparametric stochastic frontier models, hierarchical panel data models, and estimation methods like corrected ordinary least squares and maximum entropy.

A must-read guide for every businessman.Which abilities' needs today a businessman working for a company that claims not only in domestic market but also in the German market? This book aims to raise awareness of the environment and the German typical errors that can be easily avoided if there is some concern in trying to understand the German mentality, the German market and the situations you will encounter when approaching the market. Doing business with Germans can be difficult, but it need not be. This guide to doing business in Germany is intended to highlight some important key areas that one may encounter in Germany. After ten years in Germany, I know the country inside out. Readers should understand that this book, although it concentrates on business culture, is intended to be useful to anybody planning to deal with Germans in any way.