The maximum likelihood method is applied to estimate the parameters of the model and the prediction of the technical efficiencies of the banks. The inefficiency effects in the input use are modelled in terms of three output variables: loans (output 1), other earning assets (2), and interest income (3) in a given year. The three production inputs are: deposits (input 1), interest expenses (2) and non-interest expenses (3). The factors specified as potential sources of performance are: size (proxy for the value of market capitalization), and banking risk (nonperforming
loans). The likelihood ratio (LR) test is used to test the null hypotheses that the
cost inefficiency effects do not exist in the model and that cost inefficiency does not depend
on the bank-specific variables.