Efficiency in Financial Services

ME18.1 A Survey of Bank Efficiency Analysis in Italy A. Resti, S. Bonzani, Marida Bertocchi, S. Biffignandi --- Univ. di Bergamo, Dipt. Math/Stats/Info/Appl., Piazza Rosate 2, Bergamo, 24129 , Italy

We present a survey of studies on bank efficiency in Italy from the¨ viewpoint of a single bank and the sector as a whole. A case study¨ related to the analysis of profitability and performance of bank¨ branches will also be described.

ME18.2 Efficiency of Banking in the US Frances X. Frei, Patrick T. Harker --- Univ. of Rochester, Simon Grad. Sch. of Bus., 3-345 Carol Simon Hall, Rochester, NY 14627 , (frei@mail.ssb.rochester.edu)

We present the most recent results of the Wharton/Sloan project on¨ retail banking; evidence linking financial performance, service¨ quality and process efficiency will be presented.

ME18.3 Information Technology Efficiency in Retail Banking Baba Prasad, Patrick T. Harker --- Univ. of PA, Wharton Sch., 1300 SH-DH, Financial Institutions Ctr., Philadelphia, PA 19104-6366, (prasad07@wharton.upenn.edu)

We present a detailed study of the efficiency and quality gains from¨ IT investment in the retail banking industry in the US. A variety of¨ econometric models are used to ascertain the payoff of IT along with¨ the drivers of the efficient users of technology.

ME18.4 Insights on the Improvement of Operating Efficiency, Profitability & Quality Using DEA Stavros A. Zenios, Andreas C. Soteriou --- Univ. of Cyprus, Dept. of Public & Bus. Admin., Kallipoleos, PO Box 537, Nicosia, 1678 , Cyprus (zenioss@atlas.pba.ucy.ac.cy)

We develop DEA models to address operating efficiency, profitability¨ and quality issues. We apply the models to the branches of a¨ commercial bank in order to illustrate their applicability. Results¨ and insights from their usage are discussed along with future¨ research directions.