www.egwald.com Egwald Web Services

Egwald Web Services
Domain Names
Web Site Design

Egwald Website Search Twitter - Follow Elmer Wiens Radio Podcasts - Geraldos Hour

 

Statistics Programs - Econometrics and Probability Economics - Microeconomics & Macroeconomics Operations Research - Linear Programming and Game Theory Egwald's Mathematics Egwald's Optimal Control
Egwald HomeEconomics Home PageOligopoly/Public Firm ModelRun Oligopoly ModelDerive Oligopoly ModelProduction FunctionsCost FunctionsDuality Production Cost FunctionsGraduate EssaysReferences & Links
 

Egwald Economics: Microeconomics

Cost Functions

by

Elmer G. Wiens

Egwald's popular web pages are provided without cost to users.
Follow Elmer Wiens on Twitter: Twitter - Follow Elmer Wiens

Cost Functions:  Cobb-Douglas Cost | Normalized Quadratic Cost | Translog Cost | Diewert Cost | Generalized CES-Translog Cost | Generalized CES-Diewert Cost | References and Links

N. Generalized CES-Diewert (Generalized Leontief) Cost Function

This web page replicates the procedures used to estimate the parameters of a Diewert cost function to approximate a CES cost function. To determine the Diewert cost function's efficacy in estimating varying elasticities of substitution among pairs of inputs, on this web page we approximate a Generalized CES cost function with the Diewert cost function.

Unlike the CES cost function, the Generalized CES cost function is not necessarily homothetic, while the Diewert cost function is homothetic by construction. Moreover, the Generalized CES's elasticity of scale is a function of its factor inputs, i.e. its elasticity of scale, εLKM, varies with factor prices and with output.

Consequently, when we estimate the Diewert cost function, we need to estimate the parameter nu1 of its returns to scale function separately, as we did when we approximated the CES production function by the Diewert production function.

The three factor Diewert (Generalized Leontief) (total) cost function is:

C(q;wL,wK,wM) = h(q) * c(wL,wK,wM)         (**)

where the returns to scale function is:

h(q) = q^(1/nu1)

a continuous, increasing function of q (q >= 1), with h(0) = 0 and h(1) = 1, where nu1 is a measure of the returns to scale,

and the unit cost function is:

c(wL,wK,wM) = cLL * wL + cKK * wK + cMM * wM + (dLK+dKL) * (wL*wK)^(1/2) + (dLM +dML) * (wL*wM)^(1/2) + (dKM+dMK) * (wK*wM)^(1/2)

linear in its parameters cLL, cKK, cMM, dLK, dKL, dLM, dML, dKM, and dMK.

We shall use two methods to obtain estimates of the parameters:

          À1: Estimate the parameters the cost function by way of its factor share functions — requires data relating output quantities to (cost minimizing) factor inputs, and input prices,

          À2: Estimate the parameters of the cost function directly — requires data relating output quantities to total (minimum) cost and input prices.

We shall use the three factor Generalized CES production function to generate the required cost data, yielding a data set relating output, q, and factor prices, wL, wK, and wM, [randomized about the base prices (wL*, wK*, wM*)]   to the Generalized CES cost minimizing factor inputs, L, K, and M.

For methods À1, and À2, we shall set nu1 = εLKM where q = 30 units of output, i.e. at the elasticity of scale of the Generalized CES cost function for q = 30.

To illustrate what can happen when nu1 is set incorrectly, we shall repeat methods À1, and À2 as methods À3, and À4, with nu1 = 1, i.e. under the assumption of constant returns to scale along the domain of q.

The three factor Generalized CES production function is:

q = A * [alpha * L^-rhoL + beta * K^-rhoK + gamma *M^-rhoM]^(-nu/rho) = f(L,K,M).

where L = labour, K = capital, M = materials and supplies, and q = product.

The parameter nu permits one to adjust the returns to scale, while the parameter rho is the geometric mean of rhoL, rhoK, and rhoM:

rho = (rhoL * rhoK * rhoM)^1/3.

If rho = rhoL = rhoK = rhoM, we get the standard CES production function. If also, rho = 0, ie sigma = 1/(1+rho) = 1, we get the Cobb-Douglas production function.

Generalized CES Elasticity of Scale of Production:

εLKM = ε(L,K,M) = (nu / rho) * (alpha * rhoL * L^-rhoL + beta * rhoK * K^-rhoK + gamma * rhoM * M^-rhoM) / (alpha * L^-rhoL + beta * K^-rhoK + gamma * M^-rhoM).

See the Generalized CES production function.



À1:   Estimate the factor demand equations separately.

Assuming dLK = dKL, dLM = dML, and dKM = dMK, the Diewert unit cost function becomes:

c(wL,wK,wM) = cLL * wL + cKK * wK + cMM * wM + 2 * dLK * (wL*wK)^(1/2) + 2 * dLM * (wL*wM)^(1/2) + 2 * dKM * (wK*wM)^(1/2)

Taking the partial derivative of the cost function with respect to an input price, we get the factor demand function for that input:

∂C/∂wL = L(q; wL, wK, wM) = q^(1/nu1) * [cLL + dLK * (wK / wL)^(1/2) + dLM * (wM / wL)^(1/2)]

∂C/∂wK = K(q; wL, wK, wM) = q^(1/nu1) * [cKK + dKL * (wL / wK)^(1/2) + dKM * (wM / wK)^(1/2)]

∂C/∂wM = M(q; wL, wK, wM) = q^(1/nu1) * [cMM + dML * (wL / wM)^(1/2) + dMK * (wK / wM)^(1/2)]

Since it is likely that, as measured numerically, dLK != dKL, dLM != dML, and dKM != dMK, these distinctions are maintained in the factor demand equations.

After dividing each factor demand equation by q(1/nu1), we can estimate the parameters of these three linear in parameters equations using linear multiple regression.

Having obtained the unrestricted estimates of the coefficients of the factor demand functions, we shall compute the restricted least squares estimates with dLK = dKL, dLM = dML, and dKM = dMK.

The substituted values of the estimated parameters determine the Diewert cost function.

I. Stage 1. Generate cost data with the Generalized CES production function, yielding a data set relating output, q, and factor prices, wL, wK, and wM, [randomized about the base prices (wL*, wK*, wM*)]   to the Generalized CES cost minimizing factor inputs, L, K, and M. The base factor prices and the randomizing distribution are specified in the form below.

   Stage 2. Obtain the Diewert cost function by substituting the estimates (obtained via linear multiple regression) of the parameters of the three factor demand equations into the cost function.

II. The estimated coefficients of the Diewert cost function will vary with the parameters nu, rho, rhoL, rhoK, rhoM, alpha, beta and gamma of the Generalized CES production function.

Set the parameters below to re-run with your own Generalized CES parameters.

The restrictions ensure that the least-cost problems can be solved to obtain the underlying Generalized CES cost function, using the parameters as specified.
Intermediate (and other) values of the parameters also work.

Restrictions:
.8 < nu < 1.1;
-.6 < rhoL = rho < .6;
-.6 < rho < -.2 → rhoK = .95 * rho, rhoM = rho/.95;
-.2 <= rho < -.1 → rhoK = .9 * rho, rhoM = rho / .9;
-.1 <= rho < 0 → rhoK = .87 * rho, rhoM = rho / .87;
0 <= rho < .1 → rhoK = .7 * rho, rhoM = rho / .7;
.1 <= rho < .2 → rhoK = .67 * rho, rhoM = rho / .67;
.2 <= rho < .6 → rhoK = .6 * rho, rhoM = rho / .6;
rho = 0 → nu = alpha + beta + gamma (Cobb-Douglas)
4 <= wL* <= 11,   7<= wK* <= 16,   4 <= wM* <= 10

Generalized CES Production Function Parameters
nu:      
rho:      
Base Factor Prices
wL* wK* wM*
Distribution to Randomize Factor Prices
Use [-2, 2] Uniform distribution    
Use .25 * Normal (μ = 0, σ2 = 1)

The Generalized CES production function as specified:

q = 1 * [0.35 * L^- 0.17647 + 0.4 * K^- 0.11823 + 0.25 *M^- 0.26339]^(-1/0.17647) = f(L,K,M).

The factor prices are distributed about the base factor prices by adding a random number distributed uniformly in the [-2, 2] domain.

Generalized CES elasticity of scale at q = 30:     εLKM = nu1 = 0.92

III. For these coefficients of the CES Generalized production function, I generated a sequence (displayed in the "Generalized CES-Diewert Cost Function" table) of factor prices, outputs, and the corresponding cost minimizing inputs. Then I used these data to estimate the coefficients of each factor share equation separately:

QR Least Squares
Parameter Estimates
Parameter Coefficient std error t-ratio
cLL-0.1152970.005-21.022
dLK0.5293660.005112.238
dLM0.5191020.00691.602
R2 = 0.9994 R2b = 0.9994 # obs = 31

QR Least Squares
Parameter Estimates
Parameter Coefficient std error t-ratio
cKK-0.0627470.023-2.677
dKL0.4939020.02718.176
dKM0.4437140.02616.975
R2 = 0.9664 R2b = 0.964 # obs = 31

QR Least Squares
Parameter Estimates
Parameter Coefficient std error t-ratio
cMM-0.2150180.037-5.748
dML0.5594810.03814.844
dMK0.4092730.03312.373
R2 = 0.977 R2b = 0.9753 # obs = 31

The three estimated factor demand functions are:

∂C/∂wL = L(q; wL, wK, wM) = q^(1/0.92) * [-0.1153 + 0.5294 * (wK / wL)^(1/2) + 0.5191 * (wM / wL)^(1/2)]

∂C/∂wK = K(q; wL, wK, wM) = q^(1/0.92) * [-0.0627 + 0.4939 * (wL / wK)^(1/2) + 0.4437 * (wM / wK)^(1/2)]

∂C/∂wM = M(q; wL, wK, wM) = q^(1/0.92) * [-0.215 + 0.5595 * (wL / wM)^(1/2) + 0.4093 * (wK / wM)^(1/2)]

As estimated, generally dLK != dKL, dLM != dML, and dKM != dMK: Young's Theorem doesn't hold without constraints across equations. Consequently, I use the sum of the cross parameters in the Diewert cost function.

    The estimated factor demand elasticities are obtained by:

εL,wL = ∂ln(L(q;wL,wK,wM))/∂ln(wL) = -.5 * (q^1/nu1) / L(q;wL,wK,wM)) * (dLK * (wK/wL)^1/2 + dLM * (wM/wL)^1/2),

εL,wK = ∂ln(L(q;wL,wK,wM))/∂ln(wK) = .5 * (q^1/nu1) / L(q;wL,wK,wM)) * dLK * (wK/wL)^1/2,

εL,wM = ∂ln(L(q;wL,wK,wM))/∂ln(wM) = .5 * (q^1/nu1) / L(q;wL,wK,wM)) * dLM * (wM/wL)^1/2,

εL,q = ∂ln(L(q;wL,wK,wM))/∂ln(q) = 1/nu1, etc.

      For example, with wL = 7, wK = 13, wM = 6, and q = 30:

εL,wLεL,wKεL,wMεL,q
εK,wLεK,wKεK,wMεK,q
εM,wLεM,wKεM,wMεM,q
-0.5530.33190.22111.087
0.3015-0.55220.25071.087
0.30470.3037-0.60841.087

IV. The Diewert cost function as obtained from the unrestricted factor demand equations is:

C(q;wL,wK,wM) = q^(1/nu1) * [cLL * wL + cKK * wK + cMM * wM + (dLK+dKL) * (wL*wK)^(1/2) + (dLM +dML) * (wL*wM)^(1/2) + (dKM+dMK) * (wK*wM)^(1/2)]

= q^(1/0.92) * [-0.1153 * wL + -0.06275 * wK + -0.21502 * wM + 1.02327 * (wL*wK)^(1/2) + 1.07858 * (wL*wM)^(1/2) + 0.85299 * (wK*wM)^(1/2)]
        (***)

V. The Restricted Factor Demand Equations.

Having obtained the unrestricted estimates of the coefficients of the factor demand functions, we compute the restricted least squares estimates with dLK = dKL, dLM = dML, and dKM = dMK.

QR Restricted Least Squares
Parameter Estimates
Parameter Coefficient std error t-ratio
cLL-0.1154290.024109-4.787732
dLK0.5147520.01783728.85882
dLM0.541170.01703731.763676
cKK-0.064530.018557-3.477305
dKL0.5147520.01783728.85882
dKM0.4232790.01654225.587945
cMM-0.2157410.022596-9.547932
dML0.541170.01703731.763676
dMK0.4232790.01654225.587945
R2 = 0.9968 R2b = 0.9965 # obs = 93

dLK = dKL, dLM = dML, and dKM = dMK

The three estimated, restricted factor demand functions are:

∂C/∂wL = L(q; wL, wK, wM) = q^(1/0.92) * [-0.1154 + 0.5148 * (wK / wL)^(1/2) + 0.5412 * (wM / wL)^(1/2)]

∂C/∂wK = K(q; wL, wK, wM) = q^(1/0.92) * [-0.0645 + 0.5148 * (wL / wK)^(1/2) + 0.4233 * (wM / wK)^(1/2)]

∂C/∂wM = M(q; wL, wK, wM) = q^(1/0.92) * [-0.2157 + 0.5412 * (wL / wM)^(1/2) + 0.4233 * (wK / wM)^(1/2)]

    The estimated factor demand elasticities are obtained by:

εL,wL = ∂ln(L(q;wL,wK,wM))/∂ln(wL) = -.5 * (q^1/nu1) / L(q;wL,wK,wM)) * (dLK * (wK/wL)^1/2 + dLM * (wM/wL)^1/2),

εL,wK = ∂ln(L(q;wL,wK,wM))/∂ln(wK) = .5 * (q^1/nu1) / L(q;wL,wK,wM)) * dLK * (wK/wL)^1/2,

εL,wM = ∂ln(L(q;wL,wK,wM))/∂ln(wM) = .5 * (q^1/nu1) / L(q;wL,wK,wM)) * dLM * (wM/wL)^1/2,

εL,wq = ∂ln(L(q;wL,wK,wM))/∂ln(q) = 1/nu, etc.

      For example, with wL = 7, wK = 13, wM = 6, and q = 30:

εL,wLεL,wKεL,wMεL,q
εK,wLεK,wKεK,wMεK,q
εM,wLεM,wKεM,wMεM,q
-0.55310.32260.23041.087
0.3144-0.55370.23931.087
0.29470.3141-0.60881.087

VI. The Diewert cost function as obtained from the restricted factor demand equations is:

C(q;wL,wK,wM) = q^(1/nu) * [cLL * wL + cKK * wK + cMM * wM + (dLK+dKL) * (wL*wK)^(1/2) + (dLM +dML) * (wL*wM)^(1/2) + (dKM+dMK) * (wK*wM)^(1/2)]

= q^(1/0.92) * [-0.11543 * wL + -0.06453 * wK + -0.21574 * wM + 1.0295 * (wL*wK)^(1/2) + 1.08234 * (wL*wM)^(1/2) + 0.84656 * (wK*wM)^(1/2)]
        (***)

VII. Note:
      1. C(q;wL,wK,wM) linear homogeneous in factor prices requires for any t > 0 that the unit cost function c(wL,wK,wM) obey:

c(t*wL,t*wK,t*wM) = t * c(wL,wK,wM).

        For example, with wL = 7, wK = 13, wM = 6, and t = 2:

2 * c(7, 13, 6) = 42.74 = 42.74 = c(14, 26,12).

      2. The matrix ∇2C of second order partial derivatives of the cost function C(q;wL,wK,wM) = h(q)*c(wL,wK,wM) is symmetric:

2C/∂q∂wL = h'(q) * ∂c/∂wL = ∂2C/∂wL∂q,

2C/∂q∂wK = h'(q) * ∂c/∂wK = ∂2C/∂wK∂q,

2C/∂q∂wM = h'(q) * ∂c/∂wM = ∂2C/∂wM∂q,

2c/∂wL∂wK = .25 * (dLK+dKL)/(wL*wK)^(1/2) = ∂2c/∂wK∂wL,

2c/∂wL∂wM = .25 * (dLM+dML)/(wL*wM)^(1/2) = ∂2c/∂wM∂wL,

2c/∂wK∂wM = .25 * (dKM+dMK)/(wL*wK)^(1/2) = ∂2c/∂wM∂wK, and

2c/∂wL∂wL = -.25((dLK+dKL)*wK^(1/2) + (dLM+dML)*wM^(1/2))/wL^(3/2),

2c/∂wK∂wK = -.25((dKL+dLK)*wL^(1/2) + (dKM+dMK)*wM^(1/2))/wK^(3/2),

2c/∂wM∂wM = -.25((dML+dLM)*wL^(1/2) + (dMK+dKM)*wK^(1/2))/wM^(3/2).

      3. The cost function C(q;wL,wK,wM) is a concave in factor prices if the Hessian matrix H = ∇2wwc(wL,wK,wM) of second order partial derivatives with respect to factor prices is negative semidefinite.   The values of the second order partial derivatives depend on factor prices. As an example, consider the case where wL = 7, wK = 13, and wM = 6:

H = ∇2wwc =
-0.085890.026980.04175
0.02698-0.025590.02396
0.041750.02396-0.10063

The principal minors of H are H1 = -0.085894, H2 = 0.00147, and H3 = 0.

If these principal minors alternate in sign, starting with negative, with H3 <= 0, the matrix H is negative (semi)definite,
and the cost function C(q;wL,wK,wM) is a concave function in factor prices at wL = 7, wK = 13, and wM = 6.

The eigenvalues of H are e1 = -0.1357, e2 = -0.0764, and e3 = 0.
H3 = e1 * e2 * e3 = 0.

VIII. The factor share functions are:

sL(q;wL,wK,wM) = wL * L(q; wL, wK, wM) / C(q;wL,wK,wM) = wL * ∂C/∂wL / C(q;wL,wK,wM) ,

sK(q;wL,wK,wM)= wK * K(q; wL, wK, wM) / C(q;wL,wK,wM) = wK * ∂C/∂wK / C(q;wL,wK,wM),

sM(q;wL,wK,wM)= wM * M(q; wL, wK, wM) / C(q;wL,wK,wM) = wM * ∂C/∂wM / C(q;wL,wK,wM).

IX. Uzawa Partial Elasticities of Substitution:

uLK = C(q;wL,wK,wM) * ∂L(q;wL,wK,wM)/∂wK / (L(q;wL,wK,wM) * K(q;wL,wK,wM)),

uLM = C(q;wL,wK,wM) * ∂L(q;wL,wK,wM)/∂wM / (L(q;wL,wK,wM) * M(q;wL,wK,wM)),

uKL = C(q;wL,wK,wM) * ∂K(q;wL,wK,wM)/∂wL / (K(q;wL,wK,wM) * L(q;wL,wK,wM)),

uKM = C(q;wL,wK,wM) * ∂K(q;wL,wK,wM)/∂wM / (K(q;wL,wK,wM) * M(q;wL,wK,wM)),

uML = C(q;wL,wK,wM) * ∂M(q;wL,wK,wM)/∂wL / (M(q;wL,wK,wM) * L(q;wL,wK,wM)),

uMK = C(q;wL,wK,wM) * ∂M(q;wL,wK,wM)/∂wK / (M(q;wL,wK,wM) * M(q;wL,wK,wM)),

Imposing the dLK = dKL, dLM = dML, and dKM = dMK restrictions in the factor demand functions, we get (approximate?) equality of the cross partial elasticities of substitution:

uLK = uKL,    uLM = uML,  and    uKM = uMK.

as seen in the following table.

X. Table of Results: check that the estimated Diewert cost function and input amounts for a given level of output agree with the Generalized CES production function's minimized cost and inputs. Also, compare the Allen partial elasticities of substitution, sLK, sLM, and sMK, with the Uzawa partial elasticities of substitution, uLK, uLM, and uKM.

Generalized CES-Diewert Cost Function
À1: Estimate the Translog cost function using restricted factor shares
Parameters: rho = 0.17647, rhoL = 0.17647, rhoK = 0.11823, rhoM = 0.26339
 nu = 1
  —   Generalized CES Cost Data   —  
nu1 = 0.92
  —   Diewert Cost Data   —  
Factor SharesUzawa Elasticities2wwc(w)
obs #qwLwKwM LK MsLKsLMsKMεLKMcostest costest Lest Kest MsLsKsMuLKuLMuKLuKMuMLuMKe1e2e3
1185.38 14.86.82 31.2711.92 21.510.90.790.830.927491.38490.6531.1912.3420.560.3420.3720.2860.850.790.850.940.790.94 -0.163-0.075-0
2199 14.926.9 25.114.88 26.10.90.790.830.926627.93627.3125.0615.2925.150.360.3640.2770.890.840.890.830.840.83 -0.114-0.062-0
3206.26 12.445.88 29.4414.96 25.790.90.790.830.926522.03521.5729.4515.3524.870.3530.3660.280.870.820.870.880.820.88 -0.145-0.082-0
4218.3 14.424.34 26.114.87 36.650.890.790.830.917590.16591.9326.1215.2835.690.3660.3720.2620.960.780.960.790.780.79 -0.193-0.068-0
5227.58 13.25.76 29.8217.07 30.860.890.790.830.923629.06629.2829.8117.4230.10.3590.3650.2760.90.830.90.840.830.84 -0.137-0.0730
6236.28 14.684.48 33.9615.04 36.630.890.790.830.916598.17599.7234.115.2935.990.3570.3740.2690.930.750.930.860.750.86 -0.187-0.0880
7248.86 11.444.2 26.8719.98 40.690.890.790.830.919637.54638.1126.6420.4140.150.370.3660.2640.950.840.950.750.840.75 -0.194-0.0680
8258.92 14.465 31.3219.16 41.110.890.790.830.917762.08763.2831.2619.4740.580.3650.3690.2660.940.810.940.80.810.8 -0.162-0.064-0
9267.34 12.146.2 35.9921.79 33.820.90.790.830.924738.39738.4936.0322.0333.320.3580.3620.280.880.850.880.850.850.85 -0.128-0.075-0
10278.7 14.925.84 36.0621.14 40.640.890.790.830.918866.45867.3636.0321.3440.320.3610.3670.2720.920.810.920.820.810.82 -0.136-0.0650
11286.16 11.625.72 41.5722.54 35.880.890.790.830.922723.25723.5941.6422.7235.510.3540.3650.2810.870.830.870.870.830.87 -0.146-0.0840
12295.64 12.326.38 47.3622.68 34.660.90.790.830.922767.64767.8747.4522.8734.250.3490.3670.2850.850.830.850.910.830.91 -0.151-0.080
13307 136 43.7924.14 40.130.890.790.830.92861.17861.7543.8424.23400.3560.3650.2780.880.830.880.860.830.86 -0.136-0.0760
14317.9 13.347.5 45.0227.06 37.970.890.790.830.9231001.421001.9345.1627.1237.780.3560.3610.2830.860.860.860.860.860.86 -0.11-0.067-0
15328.34 13.366.26 43.4827.35 44.280.890.790.830.9191005.241005.8543.4727.3344.430.360.3630.2770.890.840.890.830.840.83 -0.124-0.068-0
16338.64 14.567.66 47.4228.63 42.070.890.790.830.9211148.811149.5847.5128.5842.160.3570.3620.2810.870.850.870.860.850.86 -0.105-0.063-0
17347.3 11.227.4 48.9932.18 39.010.90.790.830.9241007.391008.2449.3232.0838.950.3570.3570.2860.840.890.840.870.890.87 -0.114-0.0720
18358.76 12.325.56 44.3231.35 51.470.890.790.830.9171060.621060.8544.1631.1852.140.3650.3620.2730.910.850.910.80.850.8 -0.139-0.068-0
19366.68 12.044.76 50.8229 53.350.890.790.830.914942.57942.4350.7628.7654.010.360.3670.2730.910.810.910.830.810.83 -0.167-0.084-0
20378.4 14.17.52 53.7432.78 46.920.890.790.830.9191266.441267.3153.8732.5147.40.3570.3620.2810.870.860.870.860.860.86 -0.108-0.064-0
21385.66 12.285.96 62.430.49 47.410.890.790.830.9171010.191010.4462.4730.2347.930.350.3670.2830.860.820.860.90.820.9 -0.154-0.0830
22398.64 13.424.52 49.532.22 66.490.890.790.830.9111160.611158.6749.2131.8667.670.3670.3690.2640.950.810.950.780.810.78 -0.181-0.0670
23407.1 11.77.3 59.9637.39 46.560.890.790.830.9211203.121204.5160.3236.9847.070.3560.3590.2850.840.880.840.870.880.87 -0.118-0.072-0
24415.5 14.024 66.1528.07 67.10.890.790.830.9071025.721022.3566.1427.4168.590.3560.3760.2680.940.740.940.870.740.87 -0.213-0.101-0
25427.92 13.324.92 57.1234.89 66.310.890.790.830.9111243.281240.9856.8934.2867.860.3630.3680.2690.930.810.930.810.810.81 -0.162-0.072-0
26436.78 11.646.48 64.6939.04 52.940.890.790.830.9181236.151236.8764.8938.4153.980.3560.3620.2830.860.860.860.870.860.87 -0.129-0.0770
27447.22 12.74.22 60.2635.46 73.140.890.790.830.9091194.011190.2959.9834.7174.990.3640.370.2660.940.790.940.810.790.81 -0.193-0.078-0
28455.88 13.846 76.635.17 58.840.890.790.830.9131290.221288.4976.534.4460.330.3490.370.2810.870.80.870.90.80.9 -0.153-0.0820
29465.08 14.786.62 88.9234.05 55.710.890.790.830.9131323.721322.1288.5833.457.160.340.3730.2860.850.780.850.950.780.95 -0.174-0.077-0
30477.92 11.847.66 68.2946.78 55.160.890.790.830.9191517.191519.4668.7245.7856.540.3580.3570.2850.840.890.840.860.890.86 -0.107-0.069-0
31485.18 13.324.94 83.535.59 67.270.890.790.830.9091238.861234.6983.2434.5669.460.3490.3730.2780.890.770.890.90.770.9 -0.182-0.097-0
AVE:337.24 13.175.9 48.726.89 45.970.890.790.830.918957.77957.6148.726.8945.970.3570.3660.2770.890.820.890.850.820.85-0.149-0.075-0




À2:   Estimate the Diewert cost function directly.

XI. If we have a data set relating the input (factor) prices, wL, wK, and wM, to the total (minimum) cost of producing output for varying levels output, but do not have data on the required levels of inputs, we can estimate the Diewert cost function directly. We will use the same sequence (displayed in the "Diewert Cost Function" table) of factor prices, outputs, and total (minimum) cost as used in À1. The estimated coefficients of the cost function will vary with the parameters nu, rho, rhoL, rhoK, rhoM, alpha, beta and gamma of the Generalized CES production function used to generate these data.

QR Least Squares
Parameter Estimates
Parameter Coefficient std error t-ratio
cLL-0.0567040.073-0.78
cKK-0.0332060.058-0.573
cMM-0.3664670.098-3.754
2*dLK0.860050.1386.253
2*dLM1.1975490.1279.415
2*dKM0.9550780.0910.595
R2 = 0.9998 R2b = 0.9998 # obs = 31

The Diewert cost function as obtained by direct estimation is:

C(q;wL,wK,wM) = q^(1/nu1) * [cLL * wL + cKK * wK + cMM * wM + 2 * dLK * (wL*wK)^(1/2) + 2 * dLM * (wL*wM)^(1/2) + 2 * dKM * (wK*wM)^(1/2)]

= q^(1/0.92) * [-0.0567 * wL + -0.03321 * wK + -0.36647 * wM + 0.86005 * (wL*wK)^(1/2) + 1.19755 * (wL*wM)^(1/2) + 0.95508 * (wK*wM)^(1/2)]
        (***)

XII. Its three derived factor demand functions are:

∂C/∂wL = L(q; wL, wK, wM) = q^(1/0.92) * [-0.0567 + 0.43 * (wK / wL)^(1/2) + 0.5988 * (wM / wL)^(1/2)]

∂C/∂wK = K(q; wL, wK, wM) = q^(1/0.92) * [-0.0332 + 0.43 * (wL / wK)^(1/2) + 0.4775 * (wM / wK)^(1/2)]

∂C/∂wM = M(q; wL, wK, wM) = q^(1/0.92) * [-0.3665 + 0.5988 * (wL / wM)^(1/2) + 0.4775 * (wK / wM)^(1/2)]

    The derived factor demand elasticities are obtained by:

εL,wL = ∂ln(L(q;wL,wK,wM))/∂ln(wL) = -.5 * (q^1/nu1) / L(q;wL,wK,wM)) * (dLK * (wK/wL)^1/2 + dLM * (wM/wL)^1/2),

εL,wK = ∂ln(L(q;wL,wK,wM))/∂ln(wK) = .5 * (q^1/nu1) / L(q;wL,wK,wM)) * dLK * (wK/wL)^1/2,

εL,wM = ∂ln(L(q;wL,wK,wM))/∂ln(wM) = .5 * (q^1/nu1) / L(q;wL,wK,wM)) * dLM * (wM/wL)^1/2,

εL,q = ∂ln(L(q;wL,wK,wM))/∂ln(q) = 1/nu, etc.

      For example, with wL = 7, wK = 13, wM = 6, and q = 30:

εL,wLεL,wKεL,wMεL,q
εK,wLεK,wKεK,wMεK,q
εM,wLεM,wKεM,wMεM,q
-0.52620.27040.25581.087
0.26-0.52740.26731.087
0.32890.3575-0.68641.087

XIII. Notes:
      1. As derived, dLK = dKL, dLM = dML, and dKM = dMK: Young's Theorem holds by construction.

      2. C(q;wL,wK,wM) linear homogeneous in factor prices requires for any t > 0 that the unit cost function c(wL,wK,wM) obey:

c(t*wL,t*wK,t*wM) = t * c(wL,wK,wM).

        For example, with wL = 7, wK = 13, wM = 6, and t = 2:

2 * c(7, 13, 6) = 42.75 = 42.75 = c(14, 26,12).

      3. The matrix ∇2C of second order partial derivatives of the cost function C(q;wL,wK,wM) = h(q)*c(wL,wK,wM) is symmetric.

      4. The cost function C(q;wL,wK,wM) is a concave in factor prices if the Hessian matrix H = ∇2wwc(wL,wK,wM) of second order partial derivatives with respect to factor prices is negative semidefinite.   The values of the second order partial derivatives depend on factor prices. As an example, consider the case where wL = 7, wK = 13, and wM = 6:

H = ∇2wwc =
-0.081460.022540.0462
0.02254-0.024610.02704
0.04620.02704-0.11247

The principal minors of H are H1 = -0.081456, H2 = 0.001497, and H3 = 0.

If these principal minors alternate in sign, starting with negative, with H3 <= 0, the matrix H is negative (semi)definite,
and the cost function C(q;wL,wK,wM) is a concave function in factor prices at wL = 7, wK = 13, and wM = 6.

The eigenvalues of H are e1 = -0.1464, e2 = -0.0721, and e3 = 0.
H3 = e1 * e2 * e3 = 0.

XIV. Table of Results: check that the estimated Diewert cost function and input amounts for a given level of output agree with the Generalized CES production function's minimized cost and inputs. Also, compare the Allen partial elasticities of substitution, sLK, sLM, and sMK, with the Uzawa partial elasticities of substitution, uLK, uLM, and uKM.

Generalized CES-Diewert Cost Function
À2: Estimate the Diewert cost function directly
Parameters: rho = 0.17647, rhoL = 0.17647, rhoK = 0.11823, rhoM = 0.26339
 nu = 1
  —   Generalized CES Cost Data   —  
nu1 = 0.92
  —   Diewert Cost Data   —  
Factor SharesUzawa Elasticities2wwc(w)
obs #qwLwKwM LK MsLKsLMsKMεLKMcostest costest Lest Kest MsLsKsMuLKuLMuKLuKMuMLuMKe1e2e3
1185.38 14.86.82 31.2711.92 21.510.90.790.830.927491.38491.2930.812.7320.110.3370.3840.2790.70.910.71.060.911.06 -0.163-0.076-0
2199 14.926.9 25.114.88 26.10.90.790.830.926627.93627.3425.0715.3525.030.360.3650.2750.740.930.740.940.930.94 -0.124-0.058-0
3206.26 12.445.88 29.4414.96 25.790.90.790.830.926522.03521.6429.3215.5724.550.3520.3710.2770.720.930.720.990.930.99 -0.154-0.078-0
4218.3 14.424.34 26.114.87 36.650.890.790.830.917590.16591.4225.8115.1936.450.3620.370.2670.810.860.810.880.860.88 -0.215-0.062-0
5227.58 13.25.76 29.8217.07 30.860.890.790.830.923629.06629.3629.7317.530.030.3580.3670.2750.750.920.750.940.920.94 -0.15-0.068-0
6236.28 14.684.48 33.9615.04 36.630.890.790.830.916598.17600.2533.4315.4636.460.350.3780.2720.790.840.790.950.840.95 -0.206-0.0810
7248.86 11.444.2 26.8719.98 40.690.890.790.830.919637.54637.9426.7120.0840.860.3710.360.2690.80.910.80.850.910.85 -0.216-0.0610
8258.92 14.465 31.3219.16 41.110.890.790.830.917762.08762.9731.0619.3641.190.3630.3670.270.790.880.790.890.880.89 -0.18-0.058-0
9267.34 12.146.2 35.9921.79 33.820.90.790.830.924738.39738.3536.1322.1732.90.3590.3650.2760.720.950.720.960.950.96 -0.139-0.0710
10278.7 14.925.84 36.0621.14 40.640.890.790.830.918866.45867.4135.8521.3640.550.360.3670.2730.770.90.770.920.90.92 -0.15-0.06-0
11286.16 11.625.72 41.5722.54 35.880.890.790.830.922723.25723.5341.5623.01350.3540.3690.2770.720.940.720.980.940.98 -0.156-0.081-0
12295.64 12.326.38 47.3622.68 34.660.90.790.830.922767.64767.7247.2523.3733.430.3470.3750.2780.70.940.71.030.941.03 -0.155-0.080
13307 136 43.7924.14 40.130.890.790.830.92861.17861.8543.724.4739.650.3550.3690.2760.730.930.730.970.930.97 -0.146-0.0720
14317.9 13.347.5 45.0227.06 37.970.890.790.830.9231001.421001.2645.3627.436.980.3580.3650.2770.70.970.70.990.970.99 -0.117-0.0640
15328.34 13.366.26 43.4827.35 44.280.890.790.830.9191005.241005.8943.5327.444.220.3610.3640.2750.740.940.740.940.940.94 -0.137-0.0630
16338.64 14.567.66 47.4228.63 42.070.890.790.830.9211148.811149.2147.6528.8241.50.3580.3650.2770.720.960.720.970.960.97 -0.113-0.0590
17347.3 11.227.4 48.9932.18 39.010.90.790.830.9241007.391006.749.8632.4137.710.3620.3610.2770.681.010.6811.011 -0.12-0.071-0
18358.76 12.325.56 44.3231.35 51.470.890.790.830.9171060.621061.0544.363152.260.3660.360.2740.760.940.760.90.940.9 -0.154-0.062-0
19366.68 12.044.76 50.8229 53.350.890.790.830.914942.57942.650.4428.8854.190.3570.3690.2740.760.90.760.930.90.93 -0.184-0.077-0
20378.4 14.17.52 53.7432.78 46.920.890.790.830.9191266.441266.8354.0432.7946.610.3580.3650.2770.720.960.720.970.960.97 -0.115-0.061-0
21385.66 12.285.96 62.430.49 47.410.890.790.830.9171010.191010.6262.130.8447.060.3480.3750.2780.710.930.711.010.931.01 -0.16-0.082-0
22398.64 13.424.52 49.532.22 66.490.890.790.830.9111160.611157.9748.9331.5968.870.3650.3660.2690.80.880.80.880.880.88 -0.202-0.06-0
23407.1 11.77.3 59.9637.39 46.560.890.790.830.9211203.121202.9160.7837.4345.680.3590.3640.2770.690.990.6910.991 -0.123-0.071-0
24415.5 14.024 66.1528.07 67.10.890.790.830.9071025.721023.7264.5827.8269.630.3470.3810.2720.790.820.790.950.820.95 -0.234-0.093-0
25427.92 13.324.92 57.1234.89 66.310.890.790.830.9111243.281240.8756.5634.2268.530.3610.3670.2720.780.890.780.910.890.91 -0.18-0.066-0
26436.78 11.646.48 64.6939.04 52.940.890.790.830.9181236.151236.0965.1338.8452.840.3570.3660.2770.710.970.710.990.970.99 -0.136-0.0740
27447.22 12.74.22 60.2635.46 73.140.890.790.830.9091194.011189.8959.434.6376.140.360.370.270.790.870.790.90.870.9 -0.215-0.0710
28455.88 13.846 76.635.17 58.840.890.790.830.9131290.221289.6875.6835.1859.620.3450.3780.2770.720.90.721.010.91.01 -0.159-0.080
29465.08 14.786.62 88.9234.05 55.710.890.790.830.9131323.721324.4787.334.5655.930.3350.3860.280.70.90.71.060.91.06 -0.173-0.079-0
30477.92 11.847.66 68.2946.78 55.160.890.790.830.9191517.191517.5869.546.1554.920.3630.360.2770.6910.690.9910.99 -0.113-0.067-0
31485.18 13.324.94 83.535.59 67.270.890.790.830.9091238.861236.8681.8435.3469.280.3430.3810.2770.740.870.7410.871 -0.192-0.0930
AVE:337.24 13.175.9 48.527.13 45.750.890.790.830.918957.77957.5948.527.1345.750.3560.3690.2750.740.920.740.960.920.96-0.161-0.071-0



The Generalized CES production function as specified:

q = 1 * [0.35 * L^- 0.17647 + 0.4 * K^- 0.11823 + 0.25 *M^- 0.26339]^(-1/0.17647) = f(L,K,M).

À3:   Estimate the factor demand equations separately, with nu1 = 1.

XVI. For these coefficients of the CES Generalized production function, I generated a sequence (displayed in the "Generalized CES-Diewert Cost Function" table) of factor prices, outputs, and the corresponding cost minimizing inputs. Then I used these data to estimate the coefficients of each factor share equation separately:

QR Least Squares
Parameter Estimates
Parameter Coefficient std error t-ratio
cLL-0.2030930.073-2.774
dLK0.7195130.06311.428
dLM0.7476330.0769.883
R2 = 0.9503 R2b = 0.9467 # obs = 31

QR Least Squares
Parameter Estimates
Parameter Coefficient std error t-ratio
cKK-0.0966540.077-1.254
dKL0.635380.0897.109
dKM0.6532190.0867.598
R2 = 0.8345 R2b = 0.8226 # obs = 31

QR Least Squares
Parameter Estimates
Parameter Coefficient std error t-ratio
cMM-0.2459750.011-22.756
dML0.7042150.01164.658
dMK0.5607980.0158.674
R2 = 0.9989 R2b = 0.9988 # obs = 31

The three estimated factor demand functions are:

∂C/∂wL = L(q; wL, wK, wM) = q^(1/1) * [-0.2031 + 0.7195 * (wK / wL)^(1/2) + 0.7476 * (wM / wL)^(1/2)]

∂C/∂wK = K(q; wL, wK, wM) = q^(1/1) * [-0.0967 + 0.6354 * (wL / wK)^(1/2) + 0.6532 * (wM / wK)^(1/2)]

∂C/∂wM = M(q; wL, wK, wM) = q^(1/1) * [-0.246 + 0.7042 * (wL / wM)^(1/2) + 0.5608 * (wK / wM)^(1/2)]

As estimated, generally dLK != dKL, dLM != dML, and dKM != dMK: Young's Theorem doesn't hold without constraints across equations. Consequently, I use the sum of the cross parameters in the Diewert cost function.

    The estimated factor demand elasticities are obtained by:

εL,wL = ∂ln(L(q;wL,wK,wM))/∂ln(wL) = -.5 * (q^1/nu1) / L(q;wL,wK,wM)) * (dLK * (wK/wL)^1/2 + dLM * (wM/wL)^1/2),

εL,wK = ∂ln(L(q;wL,wK,wM))/∂ln(wK) = .5 * (q^1/nu1) / L(q;wL,wK,wM)) * dLK * (wK/wL)^1/2,

εL,wM = ∂ln(L(q;wL,wK,wM))/∂ln(wM) = .5 * (q^1/nu1) / L(q;wL,wK,wM)) * dLM * (wM/wL)^1/2,

εL,q = ∂ln(L(q;wL,wK,wM))/∂ln(q) = 1/nu1, etc.

      For example, with wL = 7, wK = 13, wM = 6, and q = 30:

εL,wLεL,wKεL,wMεL,q
εK,wLεK,wKεK,wMεK,q
εM,wLεM,wKεM,wMεM,q
-0.56910.33360.23551
0.2866-0.55940.27281
0.28380.308-0.59181

XVII. The Diewert cost function as obtained from the unrestricted factor demand equations is:

C(q;wL,wK,wM) = q^(1/nu1) * [cLL * wL + cKK * wK + cMM * wM + (dLK+dKL) * (wL*wK)^(1/2) + (dLM +dML) * (wL*wM)^(1/2) + (dKM+dMK) * (wK*wM)^(1/2)]

= q^(1/1) * [-0.20309 * wL + -0.09665 * wK + -0.24598 * wM + 1.35489 * (wL*wK)^(1/2) + 1.45185 * (wL*wM)^(1/2) + 1.21402 * (wK*wM)^(1/2)]
        (***)

XVIII. The Restricted Factor Demand Equations.

Having obtained the unrestricted estimates of the coefficients of the factor demand functions, we compute the restricted least squares estimates with dLK = dKL, dLM = dML, and dKM = dMK.

QR Restricted Least Squares
Parameter Estimates
Parameter Coefficient std error t-ratio
cLL-0.1746840.043121-4.050996
dLK0.71760.03190322.493404
dLM0.7192450.03047323.602966
cKK-0.0984830.033191-2.967147
dKL0.71760.03190322.493404
dKM0.5648550.02958719.091451
cMM-0.2689370.040414-6.654564
dML0.7192450.03047323.602966
dMK0.5648550.02958719.091451
R2 = 0.9943 R2b = 0.9938 # obs = 93

dLK = dKL, dLM = dML, and dKM = dMK

The three estimated, restricted factor demand functions are:

∂C/∂wL = L(q; wL, wK, wM) = q^(1/1) * [-0.1747 + 0.7176 * (wK / wL)^(1/2) + 0.7192 * (wM / wL)^(1/2)]

∂C/∂wK = K(q; wL, wK, wM) = q^(1/1) * [-0.0985 + 0.7176 * (wL / wK)^(1/2) + 0.5649 * (wM / wK)^(1/2)]

∂C/∂wM = M(q; wL, wK, wM) = q^(1/1) * [-0.2689 + 0.7192 * (wL / wM)^(1/2) + 0.5649 * (wK / wM)^(1/2)]

    The estimated factor demand elasticities are obtained by:

εL,wL = ∂ln(L(q;wL,wK,wM))/∂ln(wL) = -.5 * (q^1/nu1) / L(q;wL,wK,wM)) * (dLK * (wK/wL)^1/2 + dLM * (wM/wL)^1/2),

εL,wK = ∂ln(L(q;wL,wK,wM))/∂ln(wK) = .5 * (q^1/nu1) / L(q;wL,wK,wM)) * dLK * (wK/wL)^1/2,

εL,wM = ∂ln(L(q;wL,wK,wM))/∂ln(wM) = .5 * (q^1/nu1) / L(q;wL,wK,wM)) * dLM * (wM/wL)^1/2,

εL,wq = ∂ln(L(q;wL,wK,wM))/∂ln(q) = 1/nu, etc.

      For example, with wL = 7, wK = 13, wM = 6, and q = 30:

εL,wLεL,wKεL,wMεL,q
εK,wLεK,wKεK,wMεK,q
εM,wLεM,wKεM,wMεM,q
-0.55950.33280.22661
0.3243-0.56070.23631
0.290.3104-0.60041

XIX. The Diewert cost function as obtained from the restricted factor demand equations is:

C(q;wL,wK,wM) = q^(1/nu) * [cLL * wL + cKK * wK + cMM * wM + (dLK+dKL) * (wL*wK)^(1/2) + (dLM +dML) * (wL*wM)^(1/2) + (dKM+dMK) * (wK*wM)^(1/2)]

= q^(1/1) * [-0.17468 * wL + -0.09848 * wK + -0.26894 * wM + 1.4352 * (wL*wK)^(1/2) + 1.43849 * (wL*wM)^(1/2) + 1.12971 * (wK*wM)^(1/2)]
        (***)

XX. Note:
      1. C(q;wL,wK,wM) linear homogeneous in factor prices requires for any t > 0 that the unit cost function c(wL,wK,wM) obey:

c(t*wL,t*wK,t*wM) = t * c(wL,wK,wM).

        For example, with wL = 7, wK = 13, wM = 6, and t = 2:

2 * c(7, 13, 6) = 57.75 = 57.75 = c(14, 26,12).

      2. The matrix ∇2C of second order partial derivatives of the cost function C(q;wL,wK,wM) = h(q)*c(wL,wK,wM) is symmetric:

2C/∂q∂wL = h'(q) * ∂c/∂wL = ∂2C/∂wL∂q,

2C/∂q∂wK = h'(q) * ∂c/∂wK = ∂2C/∂wK∂q,

2C/∂q∂wM = h'(q) * ∂c/∂wM = ∂2C/∂wM∂q,

2c/∂wL∂wK = .25 * (dLK+dKL)/(wL*wK)^(1/2) = ∂2c/∂wK∂wL,

2c/∂wL∂wM = .25 * (dLM+dML)/(wL*wM)^(1/2) = ∂2c/∂wM∂wL,

2c/∂wK∂wM = .25 * (dKM+dMK)/(wL*wK)^(1/2) = ∂2c/∂wM∂wK, and

2c/∂wL∂wL = -.25((dLK+dKL)*wK^(1/2) + (dLM+dML)*wM^(1/2))/wL^(3/2),

2c/∂wK∂wK = -.25((dKL+dLK)*wL^(1/2) + (dKM+dMK)*wM^(1/2))/wK^(3/2),

2c/∂wM∂wM = -.25((dML+dLM)*wL^(1/2) + (dMK+dKM)*wK^(1/2))/wM^(3/2).

      3. The cost function C(q;wL,wK,wM) is a concave in factor prices if the Hessian matrix H = ∇2wwc(wL,wK,wM) of second order partial derivatives with respect to factor prices is negative semidefinite.   The values of the second order partial derivatives depend on factor prices. As an example, consider the case where wL = 7, wK = 13, and wM = 6:

H = ∇2wwc =
-0.117420.037610.05549
0.03761-0.035010.03198
0.055490.03198-0.13403

The principal minors of H are H1 = -0.117415, H2 = 0.002696, and H3 = 0.

If these principal minors alternate in sign, starting with negative, with H3 <= 0, the matrix H is negative (semi)definite,
and the cost function C(q;wL,wK,wM) is a concave function in factor prices at wL = 7, wK = 13, and wM = 6.

The eigenvalues of H are e1 = -0.1818, e2 = -0.1046, and e3 = -0.
H3 = e1 * e2 * e3 = -0.

XXI. The factor share functions are:

sL(q;wL,wK,wM) = wL * L(q; wL, wK, wM) / C(q;wL,wK,wM) = wL * ∂C/∂wL / C(q;wL,wK,wM) ,

sK(q;wL,wK,wM)= wK * K(q; wL, wK, wM) / C(q;wL,wK,wM) = wK * ∂C/∂wK / C(q;wL,wK,wM),

sM(q;wL,wK,wM)= wM * M(q; wL, wK, wM) / C(q;wL,wK,wM) = wM * ∂C/∂wM / C(q;wL,wK,wM).

XXII. Uzawa Partial Elasticities of Substitution:

uLK = C(q;wL,wK,wM) * ∂L(q;wL,wK,wM)/∂wK / (L(q;wL,wK,wM) * K(q;wL,wK,wM)),

uLM = C(q;wL,wK,wM) * ∂L(q;wL,wK,wM)/∂wM / (L(q;wL,wK,wM) * M(q;wL,wK,wM)),

uKL = C(q;wL,wK,wM) * ∂K(q;wL,wK,wM)/∂wL / (K(q;wL,wK,wM) * L(q;wL,wK,wM)),

uKM = C(q;wL,wK,wM) * ∂K(q;wL,wK,wM)/∂wM / (K(q;wL,wK,wM) * M(q;wL,wK,wM)),

uML = C(q;wL,wK,wM) * ∂M(q;wL,wK,wM)/∂wL / (M(q;wL,wK,wM) * L(q;wL,wK,wM)),

uMK = C(q;wL,wK,wM) * ∂M(q;wL,wK,wM)/∂wK / (M(q;wL,wK,wM) * M(q;wL,wK,wM)),

Imposing the dLK = dKL, dLM = dML, and dKM = dMK restrictions in the factor demand functions, we get (approximate?) equality of the cross partial elasticities of substitution:

uLK = uKL,    uLM = uML,  and    uKM = uMK.

as seen in the following table.

XXIII. Table of Results: check that the estimated Diewert cost function and input amounts for a given level of output agree with the Generalized CES production function's minimized cost and inputs. Also, compare the Allen partial elasticities of substitution, sLK, sLM, and sMK, with the Uzawa partial elasticities of substitution, uLK, uLM, and uKM.

Generalized CES-Diewert Cost Function
À3: Estimate the Translog cost function using restricted factor shares
Parameters: rho = 0.17647, rhoL = 0.17647, rhoK = 0.11823, rhoM = 0.26339
 nu = 1
  —   Generalized CES Cost Data   —  
nu1 = 1
  —   Diewert Cost Data   —  
Factor SharesUzawa Elasticities2wwc(w)
obs #qwLwKwM LK MsLKsLMsKMεLKMcostest costest Lest Kest MsLsKsMuLKuLMuKLuKMuMLuMKe1e2e3
1185.38 14.86.82 31.2711.92 21.510.90.790.830.927491.38515.4932.8612.9221.640.3430.3710.2860.880.770.880.930.770.93 -0.221-0.101-0
2199 14.926.9 25.114.88 26.10.90.790.830.926627.93656.1126.216.0226.280.3590.3640.2760.920.830.920.820.830.82 -0.152-0.086-0
3206.26 12.445.88 29.4414.96 25.790.90.790.830.926522.03543.0930.6815.9825.90.3540.3660.280.90.810.90.870.810.87 -0.194-0.111-0
4218.3 14.424.34 26.114.87 36.650.890.790.830.917590.16613.9327.1215.8736.860.3670.3730.2610.980.770.980.790.770.79 -0.257-0.094-0
5227.58 13.25.76 29.8217.07 30.860.890.790.830.923629.06649.8530.7818.0131.050.3590.3660.2750.930.810.930.830.810.83 -0.183-0.101-0
6236.28 14.684.48 33.9615.04 36.630.890.790.830.916598.17616.9635.1915.7136.920.3580.3740.2680.960.740.960.850.740.85 -0.25-0.1210
7248.86 11.444.2 26.8719.98 40.690.890.790.830.919637.54654.0327.2621.0140.990.3690.3670.2630.980.830.980.740.830.74 -0.258-0.094-0
8258.92 14.465 31.3219.16 41.110.890.790.830.917762.08779.6331.9419.9341.310.3650.370.2650.970.80.970.790.80.79 -0.216-0.088-0
9267.34 12.146.2 35.9921.79 33.820.90.790.830.924738.39751.636.6422.4433.910.3580.3620.280.90.840.90.840.840.84 -0.172-0.103-0
10278.7 14.925.84 36.0621.14 40.640.890.790.830.918866.45879.9436.5721.6840.820.3620.3680.2710.940.80.940.810.80.81 -0.181-0.09-0
11286.16 11.625.72 41.5722.54 35.880.890.790.830.922723.25731.7142.1122.9735.910.3550.3650.2810.90.820.90.860.820.86 -0.197-0.115-0
12295.64 12.326.38 47.3622.68 34.660.90.790.830.922767.64774.1247.8823.0134.580.3490.3660.2850.880.810.880.90.810.9 -0.205-0.1080
13307 136 43.7924.14 40.130.890.790.830.92861.17866.2244.0724.3640.180.3560.3660.2780.910.810.910.850.810.85 -0.182-0.105-0
14317.9 13.347.5 45.0227.06 37.970.890.790.830.9231001.421004.2545.2227.237.90.3560.3610.2830.880.850.880.850.850.85 -0.149-0.091-0
15328.34 13.366.26 43.4827.35 44.280.890.790.830.9191005.241005.3943.4127.3644.370.360.3640.2760.920.830.920.820.830.82 -0.166-0.0940
16338.64 14.567.66 47.4228.63 42.070.890.790.830.9211148.811145.9947.3328.5142.030.3570.3620.2810.90.840.90.840.840.84 -0.141-0.0860
17347.3 11.227.4 48.9932.18 39.010.90.790.830.9241007.391002.4948.9331.9338.790.3560.3570.2860.860.880.860.850.880.85 -0.154-0.0980
18358.76 12.325.56 44.3231.35 51.470.890.790.830.9171060.621052.143.7331.0151.610.3640.3630.2730.940.840.940.790.840.79 -0.185-0.093-0
19366.68 12.044.76 50.8229 53.350.890.790.830.914942.57932.4750.2528.4853.330.360.3680.2720.940.80.940.820.80.82 -0.223-0.1150
20378.4 14.17.52 53.7432.78 46.920.890.790.830.9191266.441250.8553.1232.1146.790.3570.3620.2810.890.840.890.840.840.84 -0.144-0.088-0
21385.66 12.285.96 62.430.49 47.410.890.790.830.9171010.19994.9861.5729.7247.230.350.3670.2830.890.810.890.890.810.89 -0.208-0.1130
22398.64 13.424.52 49.532.22 66.490.890.790.830.9111160.611138.6348.3631.466.250.3670.370.2630.970.80.970.770.80.77 -0.241-0.0920
23407.1 11.77.3 59.9637.39 46.560.890.790.830.9211203.121180.8759.0336.2746.220.3550.3590.2860.870.860.870.860.860.86 -0.159-0.098-0
24415.5 14.024 66.1528.07 67.10.890.790.830.9071025.721000.164.9626.7666.910.3570.3750.2680.960.720.960.860.720.86 -0.285-0.1390
25427.92 13.324.92 57.1234.89 66.310.890.790.830.9111243.281211.5955.5633.5266.070.3630.3690.2680.950.80.950.80.80.8 -0.216-0.0990
26436.78 11.646.48 64.6939.04 52.940.890.790.830.9181236.151204.9763.1537.4452.620.3550.3620.2830.890.850.890.860.850.86 -0.173-0.1050
27447.22 12.74.22 60.2635.46 73.140.890.790.830.9091194.011157.558.3833.872.680.3640.3710.2650.970.780.970.80.780.8 -0.258-0.108-0
28455.88 13.846 76.635.17 58.840.890.790.830.9131290.221250.1974.3833.3558.540.350.3690.2810.90.780.90.890.780.89 -0.206-0.1110
29465.08 14.786.62 88.9234.05 55.710.890.790.830.9131323.721280.1586.0432.2155.440.3410.3720.2870.880.770.880.940.770.94 -0.236-0.1040
30477.92 11.847.66 68.2946.78 55.160.890.790.830.9191517.191468.8166.2744.3154.740.3570.3570.2850.870.880.870.840.880.84 -0.144-0.0940
31485.18 13.324.94 83.535.59 67.270.890.790.830.9091238.861191.2180.5633.2666.960.350.3720.2780.920.750.920.890.750.89 -0.245-0.1320
AVE:337.24 13.175.9 48.3726.73 45.640.890.790.830.918957.77951.7848.3726.7345.640.3570.3660.2760.920.810.920.840.810.84-0.2-0.102-0




À4:   Estimate the Diewert cost function directly, with nu1 = 1.

XXIV. If we have a data set relating the input (factor) prices, wL, wK, and wM, to the total (minimum) cost of producing output for varying levels output, but do not have data on the required levels of inputs, we can estimate the Diewert cost function directly. We will use the same sequence (displayed in the "Diewert Cost Function" table) of factor prices, outputs, and total (minimum) cost as used in À1. The estimated coefficients of the cost function will vary with the parameters nu, rho, rhoL, rhoK, rhoM, alpha, beta and gamma of the Generalized CES production function used to generate these data.

Under these circumstances, with nu1 = 1, the Diewert cost function may fail to be concave in factor prices, depending on the generated sequence of random factor prices, as one or more of the eigenvalues of the Hessian matrix H = ∇2wwc(wL,wK,wM) turn positive.

SVD Least Squares
Parameter Estimates
Parameter Coefficient std error t-ratio
cLL0.9891271.8890.524
cKK2.0143171.5071.337
cMM0.6012692.5370.237
2*dLK-1.8877923.575-0.528
2*dLM3.8228023.3061.156
2*dKM-1.6743142.343-0.715
R2 = 0.9302 R2b = 0.9162 # obs = 31
Observation Matrix Rank: 6
The Diewert cost function as obtained by direct estimation is:

C(q;wL,wK,wM) = q^(1/nu1) * [cLL * wL + cKK * wK + cMM * wM + 2 * dLK * (wL*wK)^(1/2) + 2 * dLM * (wL*wM)^(1/2) + 2 * dKM * (wK*wM)^(1/2)]

= q^(1/1) * [0.98913 * wL + 2.01432 * wK + 0.60127 * wM + -1.88779 * (wL*wK)^(1/2) + 3.8228 * (wL*wM)^(1/2) + -1.67431 * (wK*wM)^(1/2)]
        (***)

XXVI. Its three derived factor demand functions are:

∂C/∂wL = L(q; wL, wK, wM) = q^(1/1) * [0.9891 + -0.9439 * (wK / wL)^(1/2) + 1.9114 * (wM / wL)^(1/2)]

∂C/∂wK = K(q; wL, wK, wM) = q^(1/1) * [2.0143 + -0.9439 * (wL / wK)^(1/2) + -0.8372 * (wM / wK)^(1/2)]

∂C/∂wM = M(q; wL, wK, wM) = q^(1/1) * [0.6013 + 1.9114 * (wL / wM)^(1/2) + -0.8372 * (wK / wM)^(1/2)]

    The derived factor demand elasticities are obtained by:

εL,wL = ∂ln(L(q;wL,wK,wM))/∂ln(wL) = -.5 * (q^1/nu1) / L(q;wL,wK,wM)) * (dLK * (wK/wL)^1/2 + dLM * (wM/wL)^1/2),

εL,wK = ∂ln(L(q;wL,wK,wM))/∂ln(wK) = .5 * (q^1/nu1) / L(q;wL,wK,wM)) * dLK * (wK/wL)^1/2,

εL,wM = ∂ln(L(q;wL,wK,wM))/∂ln(wM) = .5 * (q^1/nu1) / L(q;wL,wK,wM)) * dLM * (wM/wL)^1/2,

εL,q = ∂ln(L(q;wL,wK,wM))/∂ln(q) = 1/nu, etc.

      For example, with wL = 7, wK = 13, wM = 6, and q = 30:

εL,wLεL,wKεL,wMεL,q
εK,wLεK,wKεK,wMεK,q
εM,wLεM,wKεM,wMεM,q
-0.1641-0.43680.60091
-0.45990.8376-0.37771
0.7201-0.4298-0.29031

XXVII. Notes:
      1. As derived, dLK = dKL, dLM = dML, and dKM = dMK: Young's Theorem holds by construction.

      2. C(q;wL,wK,wM) linear homogeneous in factor prices requires for any t > 0 that the unit cost function c(wL,wK,wM) obey:

c(t*wL,t*wK,t*wM) = t * c(wL,wK,wM).

        For example, with wL = 7, wK = 13, wM = 6, and t = 2:

2 * c(7, 13, 6) = 57.39 = 57.39 = c(14, 26,12).

      3. The matrix ∇2C of second order partial derivatives of the cost function C(q;wL,wK,wM) = h(q)*c(wL,wK,wM) is symmetric.

      4. The cost function C(q;wL,wK,wM) is a concave in factor prices if the Hessian matrix H = ∇2wwc(wL,wK,wM) of second order partial derivatives with respect to factor prices is negative semidefinite.   The values of the second order partial derivatives depend on factor prices. As an example, consider the case where wL = 7, wK = 13, and wM = 6:

H = ∇2wwc =
-0.03452-0.049470.14747
-0.049470.04851-0.04739
0.14747-0.04739-0.06936

The principal minors of H are H1 = -0.034521, H2 = -0.004122, and H3 = 0.

If these principal minors alternate in sign, starting with negative, with H3 <= 0, the matrix H is negative (semi)definite,
and the cost function C(q;wL,wK,wM) is a concave function in factor prices at wL = 7, wK = 13, and wM = 6.

The eigenvalues of H are e1 = -0.2005, e2 = 0.1451, and e3 = 0.
H3 = e1 * e2 * e3 = -0.

XXVIII. Table of Results: check that the estimated Diewert cost function and input amounts for a given level of output agree with the Generalized CES production function's minimized cost and inputs. Also, compare the Allen partial elasticities of substitution, sLK, sLM, and sMK, with the Uzawa partial elasticities of substitution, uLK, uLM, and uKM.

Generalized CES-Diewert Cost Function
À4: Estimate the Diewert cost function directly
Parameters: rho = 0.17647, rhoL = 0.17647, rhoK = 0.11823, rhoM = 0.26339
 nu = 1
  —   Generalized CES Cost Data   —  
nu1 = 1
  —   Diewert Cost Data   —  
Factor SharesUzawa Elasticities2wwc(w)
obs #qwLwKwM LK MsLKsLMsKMεLKMcostest costest Lest Kest MsLsKsMuLKuLMuKLuKMuMLuMKe1e2e3
1185.38 14.86.82 31.2711.92 21.510.90.790.830.927491.38517.0328.3615.7819.180.2950.4520.253-1.12.7-1.1-1.282.7-1.28 -0.2030.1530
2199 14.926.9 25.114.88 26.10.90.790.830.926627.93652.9527.513.5329.510.3790.3090.312-1.361.85-1.36-1.281.85-1.28 -0.1710.120
3206.26 12.445.88 29.4414.96 25.790.90.790.830.926522.03539.9930.2215.3827.120.350.3540.295-1.242.08-1.24-1.272.08-1.27 -0.2110.1550
4218.3 14.424.34 26.114.87 36.650.890.790.830.917590.16607.1423.6717.6236.090.3240.4180.258-1.322.38-1.32-1.062.38-1.06 -0.240.1440
5227.58 13.25.76 29.8217.07 30.860.890.790.830.923629.06645.1931.0116.4133.590.3640.3360.3-1.321.97-1.32-1.241.97-1.24 -0.2010.1410
6236.28 14.684.48 33.9615.04 36.630.890.790.830.916598.17622.1226.6921.4931.020.2690.5070.223-1.233.11-1.23-1.113.11-1.11 -0.2320.1720
7248.86 11.444.2 26.8719.98 40.690.890.790.830.919637.54648.9829.5816.2347.90.4040.2860.31-1.521.72-1.52-1.211.72-1.21 -0.2660.1450
8258.92 14.465 31.3219.16 41.110.890.790.830.917762.08770.2530.4619.5243.270.3530.3660.281-1.352.09-1.35-1.122.09-1.12 -0.2160.1320
9267.34 12.146.2 35.9921.79 33.820.90.790.830.924738.39750.9939.8317.7339.250.3890.2870.324-1.381.77-1.38-1.351.77-1.35 -0.1980.1430
10278.7 14.925.84 36.0621.14 40.640.890.790.830.918866.45871.6335.6120.7843.10.3550.3560.289-1.322.06-1.32-1.182.06-1.18 -0.1910.1280
11286.16 11.625.72 41.5722.54 35.880.890.790.830.922723.25728.2542.9720.7138.970.3630.330.306-1.281.96-1.28-1.31.96-1.3 -0.2180.160
12295.64 12.326.38 47.3622.68 34.660.90.790.830.922767.64770.8947.1822.4235.820.3450.3580.296-1.22.11-1.2-1.312.11-1.31 -0.2130.1570
13307 136 43.7924.14 40.130.890.790.830.92861.17860.944.1722.5943.010.3590.3410.3-1.282-1.28-1.262-1.26 -0.20.1450
14317.9 13.347.5 45.0227.06 37.970.890.790.830.9231001.421007.2950.3720.4744.840.3950.2710.334-1.391.72-1.39-1.421.72-1.42 -0.1730.127-0
15328.34 13.366.26 43.4827.35 44.280.890.790.830.9191005.241001.8446.4122.2650.70.3860.2970.317-1.391.8-1.39-1.31.8-1.3 -0.1880.1310
16338.64 14.567.66 47.4228.63 42.070.890.790.830.9211148.811145.951.622.4448.740.3890.2850.326-1.371.77-1.37-1.371.77-1.37 -0.1630.1190
17347.3 11.227.4 48.9932.18 39.010.90.790.830.9241007.391020.959.2719.4849.940.4240.2140.362-1.571.52-1.57-1.641.52-1.64 -0.1850.1390
18358.76 12.325.56 44.3231.35 51.470.890.790.830.9171060.621051.2148.7422.9661.40.4060.2690.325-1.491.68-1.49-1.321.68-1.32 -0.2070.1350
19366.68 12.044.76 50.8229 53.350.890.790.830.914942.57924.2348.0728.2655.230.3470.3680.284-1.292.12-1.29-1.182.12-1.18 -0.2360.1630
20378.4 14.17.52 53.7432.78 46.920.890.790.830.9191266.441251.6958.2624.9554.580.3910.2810.328-1.381.75-1.38-1.381.75-1.38 -0.1670.1220
21385.66 12.285.96 62.430.49 47.410.890.790.830.9171010.19990.2359.2930.0347.970.3390.3720.289-1.22.18-1.2-1.282.18-1.28 -0.2180.1620
22398.64 13.424.52 49.532.22 66.490.890.790.830.9111160.611123.8946.6130.0770.260.3580.3590.283-1.372.05-1.37-1.112.05-1.11 -0.2380.140
23407.1 11.77.3 59.9637.39 46.560.890.790.830.9211203.121192.8768.6224.7157.060.4080.2420.349-1.461.62-1.46-1.531.62-1.53 -0.1870.139-0
24415.5 14.024 66.1528.07 67.10.890.790.830.9071025.721020.9445.640.0152.290.2460.5490.205-1.233.58-1.23-1.123.58-1.12 -0.2550.1970
25427.92 13.324.92 57.1234.89 66.310.890.790.830.9111243.281198.7753.432.6669.260.3530.3630.284-1.332.08-1.33-1.152.08-1.15 -0.2220.1440
26436.78 11.646.48 64.6939.04 52.940.890.790.830.9181236.151207.2769.728.7861.680.3910.2770.331-1.371.74-1.37-1.411.74-1.41 -0.20.1470
27447.22 12.74.22 60.2635.46 73.140.890.790.830.9091194.011145.2252.7436.0872.560.3320.40.267-1.312.28-1.31-1.12.28-1.1 -0.2520.160
28455.88 13.846 76.635.17 58.840.890.790.830.9131290.221247.4466.2338.1554.990.3120.4230.264-1.162.48-1.16-1.232.48-1.23 -0.2070.1570
29465.08 14.786.62 88.9234.05 55.710.890.790.830.9131323.721289.2171.8141.4347.140.2830.4750.242-1.092.89-1.09-1.282.89-1.28 -0.210.1590
30477.92 11.847.66 68.2946.78 55.160.890.790.830.9191517.191496.4280.626.7470.690.4270.2120.362-1.591.51-1.59-1.641.51-1.64 -0.1750.1320
31485.18 13.324.94 83.535.59 67.270.890.790.830.9091238.86120064.4243.9656.830.2780.4880.234-1.162.97-1.16-1.192.97-1.19 -0.2360.1840
AVE:337.24 13.175.9 47.7124.96 48.190.890.790.830.918957.77951.6747.7124.9648.190.3550.350.295-1.322.11-1.32-1.282.11-1.28-0.2090.1470



Mathematical Notes

1. The Diewert (Generalized Leontief) cost function

C(q;wL,wK,wM) = h(q) * c(wL,wK,wM)         (**)

where the returns to scale function is: h(q) = q^(1/nu), a continuous, increasing function of q (q >= 1), with h(0) = 0 and h(1) = 1,

and the unit cost function is: c(wL,wK,wM) = cLL * wL + cKK * wK + cMM * wM + (dLK+dKL) * (wL*wK)^(1/2) + (dLM +dML) * (wL*wM)^(1/2) + (dKM+dMK) * (wK*wM)^(1/2),

linear in its parameters cLL, cKK, cMM, dLK, dKL, dLM, dML, dKM, and dMK.

2. The Factor Demand Functions:

∂C/∂wL = L(q; wL, wK, wM) = q^(1/nu) * [cLL + dLK * (wK / wL)^(1/2) + dLM * (wM / wL)^(1/2)]

∂C/∂wK = K(q; wL, wK, wM) = q^(1/nu) * [cKK + dKL * (wL / wK)^(1/2) + dKM * (wM / wK)^(1/2)]

∂C/∂wM = M(q; wL, wK, wM) = q^(1/nu) * [cMM + dML * (wL / wM)^(1/2) + dMK * (wK / wM)^(1/2)]

3. The Factor Share Functions:

sL(q;wL,wK,wM) = wL * L(q; wL, wK, wM) / C(q;wL,wK,wM) = wL * ∂C/∂wL / C(q;wL,wK,wM) ,

sK(q;wL,wK,wM)= wK * K(q; wL, wK, wM) / C(q;wL,wK,wM) = wK * ∂C/∂wK / C(q;wL,wK,wM),

sM(q;wL,wK,wM)= wM * M(q; wL, wK, wM) / C(q;wL,wK,wM) = wM * ∂C/∂wM / C(q;wL,wK,wM).

4. The Factor Demand Elasticities:

εL,wL = ∂ln(L(q;wL,wK,wM))/∂ln(wL) = -.5 * (q^1/nu) / L(q;wL,wK,wM)) * (dLK * (wK/wL)^1/2 + dLM * (wM/wL)^1/2),

εL,wK = ∂ln(L(q;wL,wK,wM))/∂ln(wK) = .5 * (q^1/nu) / L(q;wL,wK,wM)) * dLK * (wK/wL)^1/2,

εL,wM = ∂ln(L(q;wL,wK,wM))/∂ln(wM) = .5 * (q^1/nu) / L(q;wL,wK,wM)) * dLM * (wM/wL)^1/2,

εL,q = ∂ln(L(q;wL,wK,wM))/∂ln(q) = 1/nu, etc.

5. Cost Function C(q;wL,wK,wM) Concave in Factor Prices:

2c/∂wL∂wL = -.25((dLK+dKL)*wK^(1/2) + (dLM+dML)*wM^(1/2))/wL^(3/2),

2c/∂wL∂wK = .25 * (dLK+dKL)/(wL*wK)^(1/2) = ∂2c/∂wK∂wL,

2c/∂wL∂wM = .25 * (dLM+dML)/(wL*wM)^(1/2) = ∂2c/∂wM∂wL,

2c/∂wK∂wK = -.25((dKL+dLK)*wL^(1/2) + (dKM+dMK)*wM^(1/2))/wK^(3/2),

2c/∂wK∂wM = .25 * (dKM+dMK)/(wL*wK)^(1/2) = ∂2c/∂wM∂wK, and

2c/∂wM∂wM = -.25((dML+dLM)*wL^(1/2) + (dMK+dKM)*wK^(1/2))/wM^(3/2).

 

 
   

      Copyright © Elmer G. Wiens:   Egwald Web Services       All Rights Reserved.    Inquiries