A Statistical Estimation of an Operating Cost Function for Municipal Refuse Collection

1976 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 56-76 ◽  
Author(s):  
Harry M. Kitchen

This study is both an attempt to isolate those factors which contribute to the variation in average unit costs of collecting refuse and an attempt to examine the extent to which economies of scale exist. The model employed states that the average per capita cost to a municipality is a function of five categories of factors. Within the categories, a number of variables were postulated to have some significant effect on the per unit cost. However, the unavailability of some data and lack of variation in other data reduced the actual model so that in the final analysis ten variables were found to significantly affect costs. The results from the sample indicated that average costs increased in municipalities with populations of up to 324,000 and only began to fall when cities exceeded this size. A number of other variables exerted in one direction or another a significant effect on costs. A further statistical analysis of this sort may prove to be rather fruitless. What is perhaps needed is a more in-depth descriptive analysis of the institutional implications of the factors affecting the whole operation of refuse collection.

1995 ◽  
Vol 117 (3) ◽  
pp. 171-178 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Lazzaretto ◽  
A. Macor

Most of the thermoeconomic accounting and optimization methods for energy systems are based upon a definition of the productive purpose for each component. On the basis of this definition, a productive structure of the system can be defined in which the interactions among the components are described by their fuel product. The aim of this work is to calculate marginal and average unit costs of the exergy flows starting from their definitions by a direct inspection of the productive structure. As a main result, it is noticed that the only differences between marginal and average unit cost equations are located in the capital cost terms of input-output cost balance equations of the components.


Author(s):  
Duncan W. Allen

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s commercial feasibility study (CFS) of high-speed ground transportation (HSGT) included a detailed estimate of operating and maintenance (O&M) costs for eight HSGT technologies across nine intercity corridors in the United States. The number of cases examined in detail provides a wealth of information that can support general conclusions about HSGT O&M costs under the normative assumptions of the CFS. These conclusions are expressed primarily in terms of six parameters: the nominal maximum authorized speed of the technology; revenue seat-miles; revenue seat-hours; corridor passenger traffic density; specific trip length; and corridor length. The total O&M unit costs per passenger-mile estimated for the CFS are related to these parameters: It is concluded that most of the variation among operating and maintenance cost estimates can be explained by a set of four descriptive parameters in conjunction with a choice of technology option; for a given corridor length and amount of transportation provided, the total O&M costs for other than maintenance of way increase only modestly with higher speeds and more advanced technologies; maintenance of way costs exhibit economies of scale but can vary widely among corridors, depending on the ownership and operating arrangement for the corridor, the lowest unit-cost option for a corridor is strongly determined by traffic density and by the potential for market growth with increased operating speeds; the importance of specific trip length relative to passenger traffic density increases with density; and generalizations drawn from CFS results in terms of corridor length or density alone do not necessarily apply to other corridors, particularly when one or more of the other four parameters differ.


2011 ◽  
Vol 1 (3) ◽  
pp. 179-193 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gustavo Ferro ◽  
Emilio J. Lentini ◽  
Augusto C. Mercadier

The issue of the most favorable size and optimal industry structure in the water sector is a relevant topic in many countries, due to fragmentation of the water sector and the key role played by municipalities. Important debates are taking place worldwide about how to provide universal access to the water supply and offer an efficient service. Regarding efficiency, the possibility of exploiting economies of scale would imply better resource allocation, the potential for lower water charges, and greater geographical coverage. By surveying the empirical research from different parts of the world, we aim to shed some light on the topic of economies of scale, and to provide a synthesis of the literature. We also aim to determine whether there is a tradeoff between centralization and decentralization. Our survey shows that, for several countries, variations in efficiency of water provision due to economies of scale do exist. Increases in efficiency related to economies of scale are found for populations in the range of 100,000 to 1 million people served. For larger populations, volume- or density-constant returns to scale are observed, followed by decreasing returns to scale; the reverse occurs for smaller values, suggesting that cost savings are derived from consolidation of providers. [Returns to scale refer to changes in output resulting where all inputs increase by a constant factor. If output increases by that same proportional change, then there are constant returns to scale. If output increases by less than that proportional change, there are decreasing returns to scale. If output increases by more than that proportional change, there are increasing returns to scale. Returns to scale is a technological phenomenon, due to the relationship between inputs and outputs in the production function. Economies of scale refer to reductions in unit cost as the scale of production increases. Diseconomies of scale are the opposite: increasing in unit costs as the scale of production increases. Scale changes mean a proportional increase in all factors of production. Economies of scale are a economical phenomenon, due to the relationship between unit costs and the level of production.]


2017 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
pp. 104
Author(s):  
Petra Skolilova

The article outlines some human factors affecting the operation and safety of passenger air transport given the massive increase in the use of the VLA. Decrease of the impact of the CO2 world emissions is one of the key goals for the new aircraft design. The main wave is going to reduce the burned fuel. Therefore, the eco-efficiency engines combined with reasonable economic operation of the aircraft are very important from an aviation perspective. The prediction for the year 2030 says that about 90% of people, which will use long-haul flights to fly between big cities. So, the A380 was designed exactly for this time period, with a focus on the right capacity, right operating cost and right fuel burn per seat. There is no aircraft today with better fuel burn combined with eco-efficiency per seat, than the A380. The very large aircrafts (VLAs) are the future of the commercial passenger aviation. Operating cost versus safety or CO2 emissions versus increasing automation inside the new generation aircraft. Almost 80% of the world aircraft accidents are caused by human error based on wrong action, reaction or final decision of pilots, the catastrophic failures of aircraft systems, or air traffic control errors are not so frequent. So, we are at the beginning of a new age in passenger aviation and the role of the human factor is more important than ever.


2021 ◽  
pp. 1357633X2098277
Author(s):  
Molly Jacobs ◽  
Patrick M Briley ◽  
Heather Harris Wright ◽  
Charles Ellis

Introduction Few studies have reported information related to the cost-effectiveness of traditional face-to-face treatments for aphasia. The emergence and demand for telepractice approaches to aphasia treatment has resulted in an urgent need to understand the costs and cost-benefits of this approach. Methods Eighteen stroke survivors with aphasia completed community-based aphasia telerehabilitation treatment, utilizing the Language-Oriented Treatment (LOT) delivered via Webex videoconferencing program. Marginal benefits to treatment were calculated as the change in Western Aphasia Battery-Revised (WAB-R) score pre- and post-treatment and marginal cost of treatment was calculated as the relationship between change in WAB-R aphasia quotient (AQ) and the average cost per treatment. Controlling for demographic variables, Bayesian estimation evaluated the primary contributors to WAB-R change and assessed cost-effectiveness of treatment by aphasia type. Results Thirteen out of 18 participants experienced significant improvement in WAB-R AQ following telerehabilitation delivered therapy. Compared to anomic aphasia (reference group), those with conduction aphasia had relatively similar levels of improvement whereas those with Broca’s aphasia had smaller improvement. Those with global aphasia had the largest improvement. Each one-point of improvement cost between US$89 and US$864 for those who improved (mean = US$200) depending on aphasia type/severity. Discussion Individuals with severe aphasia may have the greatest gains per unit cost from treatment. Both improvement magnitude and the cost per unit of improvement were driven by aphasia type, severity and race. Economies of scale to aphasia treatment–cost may be minimized by treating a variety of types of aphasia at various levels of severity.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Felipe Bedoya-Maya ◽  
Lynn Scholl ◽  
Orlando Sabogal-Cardona ◽  
Daniel Oviedo

Transport Network Companies (TNCs) have become a popular alternative for mobility due to their ability to provide on-demand flexible mobility services. By offering smartphone-based, ride-hailing services capable of satisfying specific travel needs, these modes have transformed urban mobility worldwide. However, to-date, few studies have examined the impacts in the Latin American context. This analysis is a critical first step in developing policies to promote efficient and sustainable transport systems in the Latin-American region. This research examines the factors affecting the adoption of on-demand ride services in Medellín, Colombia. It also explores whether these are substituting or competing with public transit. First, it provides a descriptive analysis in which we relate the usage of platform-based services with neighborhood characteristics, socioeconomic information of individuals and families, and trip-level details. Next, factors contributing to the election of platform-based services modeled using discrete choice models. The results show that wealthy and highly educated families with low vehicle availability are more likely to use TNCs compared to other groups in Medellín. Evidence also points at gender effects, with being female significantly increasing the probability of using a TNC service. Finally, we observe both transit complementary and substitution patterns of use, depending on the context and by whom the service is requested.


2021 ◽  
Vol 63 (1) ◽  
pp. 3-12
Author(s):  
Małgorzata Zysińska ◽  
Ewa Kamińska ◽  
Maciej Menes

The article represents the next part of the periodical publications of the Department of Economic Research in the field of cost analysis of the Polish international freight transport companies. It summarises and makes comparative assessments of the average unit costs of these companies for the 2019 in relation to the results of the previous period. The survey involved carriers operating on the Eastern markets. The article presents the statistical characteristics of the entities surveyed, taking into account their size, determined based on the number of the fleet’s heavy goods vehicles operated. It also shows how, the average costs of one vehicle-kilometre (veh-km) of mileage for a truck above 12.0 Mg GVW, are shaped, according to the size of the companies and taking into account the destinations of transport. The generic costs structure of the companies examined, has also been analysed. Presented in the tabular and graphic form is the evolution of unit costs for both 2019 and the whole 2009-2019 period.


Author(s):  
Hasan Ghodsi ◽  
Sanaz Sohrabizadeh ◽  
Reaza Khani Jazani ◽  
Amir Kavousi

ABSTRACT Objective: Volunteers need considerable resiliency to cope with formidable challenges during their operations in disaster scenes. The present study was conducted to identify factors affecting the different aspects of resiliency among volunteers in disasters. Material and Methods: The databases of Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, ProQuest, Google Scholar, World Health Organization Library, International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) Library, PsycArticles, and SafetyLit were searched until September 29, 2018. The main search terms were resiliency, disaster, humanitarian aid worker, and volunteer. Results: A total of 548 documents were obtained and screened based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. A number of 8 documents was selected for the final analysis. The main factors contributing to the resilience of volunteers at the 3 stages of pre-, during, and post-disasters were classified into 3 groups of individual, environmental, and organizational. Important factors affecting resilience of volunteers in disasters included previous disaster response experience and disaster-related training. Conclusion: Resiliency should be deemed integral to relief operations. Considering the main factors affecting volunteers’ resiliency, it is highly suggested that organizations active in humanitarian endeavors explore the factors impacting on resilience among their volunteers via various research methods and seek to select those with higher degrees of resilience in order to avert untoward consequences in their missions.


2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (S3) ◽  
pp. 310-318
Author(s):  
Abdul Haris ◽  
Abdul Rahman ◽  
Yusriadi Yusriadi ◽  
Umi Farida

Demographic development is the first field that influences the growth of retail stores. The rising population allows all goods and services to increase. To establish customer loyalty, the company must try to try to offer the highest quality in any product or service it must create a positive sense of quality in the minds of its customers. This research is a descriptive research type, trying to explain and describe each variable's conditions in detail and see the relationship or relationship between these variables. In the context of this study, the independent variables are Service Quality (X1), Relationship Marketing (X2), and Customer Satisfaction (Y), while the dependent variable is Customer Loyalty (Z). Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive analysis and Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) analysis. Partially service quality has a significant influence on customer satisfaction in modern stores. In the sense that the quality of service provided by modern store management in Makassar City can contribute positively to customer satisfaction with the five dimensions of Tangible, Reliability, Empathy, Assurance, and Responsiveness. Direct service quality significantly influences customer loyalty, and indirect service quality has a significant effect on customer loyalty (LP) through customer satisfaction at modern stores in Makassar City.


2020 ◽  
Vol V (I) ◽  
pp. 299-308
Author(s):  
Zargham Ullah Khan ◽  
Ujala Siddiq ◽  
Jaffar Mehmood Butt

This research is carried out to investigate the most important traits of employee behavior. A quantitative approach was employed for this study. Data were collected from 120 participants using an online questionnaire. These participants are active users of Facebook who are residents of Pakistan and currently working on L'Oreal Pakistan, who are at a different position in L'Oreal Pakistan. Statistical analysis, such as binomial regression which is used for qualitative analysis used together with descriptive analysis, was used to 'assess factors affecting employee behavior in L'Oreal Pakistan. The findings of the research show that the independent variable is indicators of leadership and reward has changed the behavioral motivation of company employees and this motivational, behavioral change has a positive impact on sales of L'Oreal Pakistan. This research investigated the factors which industry can use as a tool to change their employee behavior and sales. This will help to gain increasing generous offers and valuable insights to marketing practitioners and academics.


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