An efficiency measurement framework for multi-stage production systems

Abstract

We develop an efficiency measurement framework for systems composed of two subsystems arranged in series that simultaneously computes the efficiency of the aggregate system and each subsystem. Our approach expands the technology sets of each subsystem by allowing each to acquire resources from the other in exchange for delivery of the appropriate (intermediate or final) product, and to form composites from both subsystems. Managers of each subsystem will not agree to “vertical integration” initiatives unless each subsystem will be more efficient than what each can achieve by separately applying conventional efficiency analysis. A Pareto Efficient frontier characterizes the acceptable set of efficiencies of each subsystem from which the managers will negotiate to select the final outcome. Three proposals for the choice for the Pareto efficient point are discussed: the one that achieves the largest equiproportionate reduction in the classical efficiencies; the one that achieves the largest equal reduction in efficiency; and the one that maximizes the radial contraction in the aggregate consumption of resources originally employed before integration. We show how each choice for the Pareto efficient point determines a derived measure of aggregate efficiency. An extensive numerical example is used to illustrate exactly how the two subsystems can significantly improve their operational efficiencies via integration beyond what would be predicted by conventional analysis.