Finite Mixture Estimation of Multiproduct Cost Functions
提出一种基于有限混合分布的成本函数估计方法，允许研究者在不清楚哪些观测对应哪种技术的情况下，同时存在多种生产技术。该方法估计使用不同技术的企业比例，便于技术比较，并保留传统成本估计的解释。
This paper presents a technique of cost-function estimation, based on the theory of finite mixture distributions, which allows for the simultaneous existence of multiple technologies of production when the researcher does not know which observations correspond to which technologies. The finite mixture technique provides estimates of the proportions of firms using the various technologies, facilitates comparisons between technologies, and preserves the traditional interpretations of cost estimation. After describing the mixture procedure, the technique is illustrated on a large sample of savings and loan associations, and it is concluded that this industry exhibits multiple technologies of production. Copyright 1991 by MIT Press.