A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal
Optimal resource allocation : Convex quantile regression approach
Authors: Dai, Sheng; Kuosmanen, Natalia; Kuosmanen, Timo; Liesiö, Juuso
Publisher: Elsevier
Publication year: 2025
Journal: European Journal of Operational Research
Journal name in source: European Journal of Operational Research
ISSN: 0377-2217
eISSN: 1872-6860
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejor.2025.01.003
Web address : https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejor.2025.01.003
Self-archived copy’s web address: https://research.utu.fi/converis/portal/detail/Publication/491299970
Optimal allocation of resources across sub-units in the context of centralized decision-making systems such as bank branches or supermarket chains is a classical application of operations research and management science. In this paper, we develop quantile allocation models to examine how much the output and productivity could potentially increase if the resources were efficiently allocated between units. We increase robustness to random noise and heteroscedasticity by utilizing the local estimation of multiple production functions using convex quantile regression. The quantile allocation models then rely on the estimated shadow prices instead of detailed data of units and allow the entry and exit of units. Our empirical results on Finland’s business sector show that the marginal products of labor and capital largely depart from their respective marginal costs and also reveal that the current allocation of resources is far from optimal. A large potential for productivity gains could be achieved through better allocation, especially for the reallocation of capital, keeping the current technology and resources fixed.
Funding information in the publication:
An earlier version of this paper has been published as Ch. 3 of the non-reviewed report Kuosmanen (2022) commissioned by the Prime Minister’s Office of Finland. The financial support from the Prime Minister’s Office of Finland is gratefully acknowledged.