Providing a systematic and comprehensive treatment of recent
developments in efficiency analysis, this readable book makes available
an intuitive yet rigorous presentation of advanced nonparametric and
robust methods. This flexible toolbox can be used in theories based on
the neoclassical theory of production and its alternatives, including
evolutionary theories. The methods are complemented by empirical
analysis of three different economic fields: scientific research, mutual
funds industry and the insurance sector. The research demonstrates the
utility of the toolbox for a wide range of economic issues, including
the analysis of economies of scale and scope, dynamics of age and
agglomeration effects, trade-offs in production and service activities,
and explanations of efficiency differentials. Of interest to applied
economists broadly, this book will also be of interest to those focused
on Operations Research and/or Management Science.