Silke Huettel

Measuring dynamic efficiency under uncertainty

In this paper we develop a theoretical model that links dynamic efficiency measurement and optimal investment under uncertainty. It is widely acknowledged that uncertainty has an impact on the optimal factor use of a profit maximizing firm. This is particularly true for the optimal adjustment of the firm’s capital stock. While uncertainty has been considered in the static efficiency measurement literature it has been ignored so far in the context of dynamic efficiency measurement. This paper targets at closing this gap. For that purpose we take up a dynamic efficiency model which embeds a stochastic intertemporal duality model into a shadow cost framework and allows for measuring technical and allocative inefficiency. We derive hypotheses on how uncertainty affects the measurement of efficiency. The factor demand equations, which we derive, may serve as a starting point for an empirical validation of these hypotheses.

The Role of Small Farms in Structural Change

This paper explains regionally differentiated patterns of structural change based on a theoretical framework dealing with strategic interaction of farms on the land market. The main research question focuses on the causes of regionally persistent structures. An empirical Markov chain model is defined for the West German agricultural sector. Thereby it is possible to explain the probabilities of farm growth, decline or exit in terms of the current and former regional farm size structure. Further, the impact of variables describing the regional farm structure, thereby indicating market power of the large, the potential of high competition for land within a region and possibly high rents of the status quo in combination with sunk costs, is quantified. The results confirm the relevance of strategic interaction as a crucial determinant of regionally different structural change and persistent regional differences in the farm size structure over time.