This textbook introduces essential topics and techniques in production and efficiency analysis and shows how to apply these methods using the statistical software R. Numerous small simulations lead to a deeper understanding of random processes assumed in the models and of the behavior of estimation techniques. Step-by-step programming provides an understanding of advanced approaches such as stochastic frontier analysis and stochastic data envelopment analysis. The text is intended for master students interested in empirical production and efficiency analysis. Readers are assumed to have a general background in production economics and econometrics, typically taught in introductory microeconomics and econometrics courses.

Prof. Dr. Andreas Behr has held a chair for Statistics at the University Duisburg-Essen since 2009. He studied economics and business administration in Frankfurt/Main, where he received his doctoral degree for a thesis on intra-industry trade. After spending three months as visiting researcher in Fukuoka, Japan, he completed his postdoctoral thesis on investment and liquidity constraints in Frankfurt. From 2003-2008 he taught at Muenster University. His research interests include efficiency analysis, economics statistics, panel data analysis and survey methods.

Introduction.- Linear Production Model.- Production Functions.- Production Functions with Panel Data.- Introduction to Linear Programming.- Data Envelopment Analysis.- Stochastic Data Envelopment Analysis.- Stochastic Frontier Analysis.- Panel Data Stochastic Frontier Analysis.