This page describes the computer program FRONTIER Version 4.1 which was written by Tim Coelli. This program is used to obtain maximum likelihood estimates of the parameters of a variety of stochastic production and cost frontiers; and estimates of mean and individual technical or cost efficiencies.

The program can accommodate:

• • cross-sectional or panel data;
• • half-normal or truncated normal distributions;
• • any functional form which is linear in parameters;
• • time-invariant or time-varying efficiencies; and
• • inefficiency effects can be explicitly influenced by a number of firm-specific factors.

The program is compiled using a Lahey F77LEM/32 compiler for an IBM compatible PC. Persons who request a copy of the program receive the executable program file; the Fortran source code; some examples to practice with; and a 32 page user’s guide (in pdf format).

If you wish to obtain a copy of the program you can download the zip file FRONT41-xp1.zip which contains all the necessary files.

If you obtain a copy of the program you are advised to send some brief email to me at t.coelli@economics.uq.edu.au so that I am able to advise you of any bugs or new versions.

For a description of stochastic frontier methods and the presentation of some worked examples using this software please refer to our recently released second edition of the book: An Introduction to Efficiency and Productivity Analysis.

If you have any technical questions regarding the use of this computer program you can contact me by email at t.coelli@economics.uq.edu.au. Brief questions (involving less than 10 minutes of time) will be answered as quickly as is possible. A consultancy service is available for those who have more lengthy enquiries. Consultancy fees will be provided on request.