SCALE EFFICIENCY OF FOREST CONTRACTORS IN SLOVAK FORESTRY

In this work, the Data Envelopment Analysis as non-parametric approach for measuring efficiency of many homogenous entities was used for the valuation of scale efficiency of the forest contractors. Forest services are provided by small and medium-sized enterprises employing up to 50 employees and individuals self-employed persons. Results of the efficiency analysis by Data Envelopment Analysis show the average efficiency in range of 63-80%, depending on the model. Assessment of dependence on efficiency and others in the model of non-included variables (such as the business region, length of business) confirmed the presumption of their significant impact on the resulting efficiency within the chosen sample. Differences in the average efficiency of forest contractors among the regions are quite significant. Average efficiency of forest contractors was highest in the Nitra region and lowest in the Kogice region. The efficiency with the length of business is slightly increasing and this dependence is also statistically significant.