Choice of Methodologies to Estimation of Total Factor Productivity Growth

Authors

  • Supawat Rungsuriyawiboon The author is lecturer at Faculty of Economics, Chiang Mai University, Thailand.

Abstract

Abstract

            This study presents two methodologies to estimation of total factor productivity (TFP) growth. One is referred to Tornqvist index number technique and the other is a parametric technique using a dual approach of a stochastic cost frontier function. This study provides a discussion of their relative merits and illustrates the use of these two techniques in an empirical analysis using panel data (1986-1998) on 61 U.S. electricity generation businesses. The main purpose is to examine the sensitivity of the estimates obtained to the choice of TFP measurement methodology. The results indicate that the TFP growth indices between these two techniques are quite different. Therefore, researches who are interested in measuring TFP growth must choose the choice of alternative methodologies to estimation of TFP growth with care.

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