Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 9, 2026

An Efficient Single-Person Technique for Milk Sampling from Laboratory Mice
Published on: March 28, 2025
Does multi-functionality affect technical efficiency? A non-parametric analysis of the Scottish dairy industry
1Policy and Strategy Group, Department of Land Economy, Research Division, SAC, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK. Andrew.Barnes@sac.ac.uk
Abstract:
Recent policy changes within the Common Agricultural Policy have led to a shift from a solely production-led agriculture towards the promotion of multi-functionality. Conversely, the removal of production-led supports would indicate that an increased concentration on production efficiencies would seem a critical strategy for a country's future competitiveness. This paper explores the relationship between the 'multi-functional' farming attitude desired by policy makers and its effect on technical efficiency within Scottish dairy farming. Technical efficiency scores are calculated by applying the non-parametric data envelopment analysis technique and then measured against causes of inefficiency. Amongst these explanatory factors is a constructed score of multi-functionality. This research finds that, amongst other factors, a multi-functional attitude has a significant positive effect on technical efficiency. Consequently, this seems to validate the promotion of a multi-functional approach to farming currently being championed by policy-makers.
Related Concept Videos
Multiple Regression
Farmers can use multiple regression to determine the crop yield based on more than one factor, such as water availability, fertilizer, soil properties, etc. Here, the crop yield is the response or dependent variable as it depends on the other independent variables. The analysis requires the construction of a scatter plot...
Introduction to Partial Derivatives
Two-Way ANOVA
The two-way ANOVA analysis initially begins by stating the null hypothesis that there is an interaction effect between the two factors of a dataset. This effect can be visualized using line segments formed by joining the means for...
One-Way ANOVA
Methods of Medium Optimization
Factorial Design
