Multi-output profit efficiency and directional distance functions

We extend a recently developed DEA methodology for cost efficiency analysis towards profit efficiency settings. This establishes a novel DEA toolkit for profit efficiency assessments in situations with multiple inputs and multiple outputs. A distinguishing feature of our methodology is that it assumes output specific production technologies. In addition, the methodology accounts for the use of joint inputs, and explicitly includes information on the allocation of inputs to individual outputs. We also establish a dual relationship between our multi-output profit inefficiency measure and a technical inefficiency measure that takes the form of a multi-output directional distance function. Finally, we demonstrate the empirical usefulness of our methodology by an empirical application to a large service company. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.