Joint Production and the Structure of Technology: A Generalization

Abstract

In this paper, we have a peek inside the black box of technology in an attempt to get a better understanding of the concept of joint production. We introduce the notion of input and output subtechnologies; these are then used as building blocks to define various types of production processes, either joint or nonjoint. Thus, in the 2 Â 2 case, we are able to identify up to 36 different production structures, some of which are well known, but most of which are new. These are all described in the primal quantity space as well as in the dual price space. Comparative statics results for the 2 Â 2 joint production process are derived.

Network activity analysis for arbitrary production structures and technologies: Generic approach with application to network DEA

“…The number of all DEA papers (including those without a network view) that are linked to production theory or activity analysis is also rather low, namely at 73.4 Early contributions are byHildenbrand (1966) andWittmann (1968).5 An exception isKohli's (2005) treatment of technology structures. Although it is "related to the activity analysis literature, and in particular to the network technology approach" (p. 103), it strongly differs from our approach presented here.…”