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Assessing the Impact of Economies of Scale and Uncontrollable Factors on the Performance of U.S. Cities.

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Date Issued:
2012
Abstract/Description:
Despite the increased interest among local governments in collecting data on performance measurement, empirical evidence is still limited regarding the extent to which these data are utilized to assess the impact on efficiency of economies of scale and uncontrollable factors. Data envelopment analysis (DEA) is a linear programming method designed to estimate the relative efficiency of decision-making units. In addition to assessing relative efficiency, DEA can estimate scale efficiency and incorporate the impact of uncontrollable factors. Using data from the International City/County Association (ICMA), this study utilized DEA to evaluate the impact of economies of scale and uncontrollable factors on the relative efficiency of municipal service delivery in the United States. The findings from this doctoral dissertation show that uncontrollable variables such as population density, unemployment, and household income suppress the relative efficiency of local governments. Moreover, the findings imply that the prevalence of economies of scale in city governments depends on the types of services these governments provide.
Title: Assessing the Impact of Economies of Scale and Uncontrollable Factors on the Performance of U.S. Cities.
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Name(s): Allaf, Mamoon, Author
Martin, Lawrence, Committee Chair
Wan, Thomas, Committee Member
Kapucu, Naim, Committee Member
Baker, Paul, Committee Member
University of Central Florida, Degree Grantor
Type of Resource: text
Date Issued: 2012
Publisher: University of Central Florida
Language(s): English
Abstract/Description: Despite the increased interest among local governments in collecting data on performance measurement, empirical evidence is still limited regarding the extent to which these data are utilized to assess the impact on efficiency of economies of scale and uncontrollable factors. Data envelopment analysis (DEA) is a linear programming method designed to estimate the relative efficiency of decision-making units. In addition to assessing relative efficiency, DEA can estimate scale efficiency and incorporate the impact of uncontrollable factors. Using data from the International City/County Association (ICMA), this study utilized DEA to evaluate the impact of economies of scale and uncontrollable factors on the relative efficiency of municipal service delivery in the United States. The findings from this doctoral dissertation show that uncontrollable variables such as population density, unemployment, and household income suppress the relative efficiency of local governments. Moreover, the findings imply that the prevalence of economies of scale in city governments depends on the types of services these governments provide.
Identifier: CFE0004201 (IID), ucf:49002 (fedora)
Note(s): 2012-05-01
Ph.D.
Health and Public Affairs, Dean's Office COHPA
Doctoral
This record was generated from author submitted information.
Subject(s): Performance Measurement -- Efficiency -- Local Governments -- Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) -- Economies of Scale -- Uncontrollable Variables -- Population Density -- Unemployment Rate -- Median Household Income.
Persistent Link to This Record: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004201
Restrictions on Access: public 2012-05-15
Host Institution: UCF

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