DEA, DFA AND SFA - A COMPARISON

The nonparametric data envelopment analysis (DEA) model has become inc reasingly popular in the analysis of productive efficiency, and the nu mber of empirical applications is now very large. Recent theoretical a nd mathematical research has also contributed to a deeper understandin g of the seemingly simple but inherently complex DEA model. Less effor t has, however, been directed toward comparisons between DEA and other competing efficiency analysis models. This paper undertakes a compari son of the DEA, the deterministic parametric (DFA), and the stochastic frontier (SFA) models. Efficiency comparisons across models in the ab ove categories are done based on 15 Colombian cement plants observed d uring 1968-1988.