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Egwald Economics: Microeconomics

Cost Functions

by

Elmer G. Wiens

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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-0.1209470.004-31.305
dLK0.5393050.004143.171
dLM0.5105180.004137.094
R2 = 0.9998 R2b = 0.9998 # obs = 31

QR Least Squares
Parameter Estimates
Parameter Coefficient std error t-ratio
cKK-0.0374110.027-1.401
dKL0.4915490.02718.183
dKM0.4063630.02516.205
R2 = 0.9514 R2b = 0.9479 # obs = 31

QR Least Squares
Parameter Estimates
Parameter Coefficient std error t-ratio
cMM-0.1580120.037-4.225
dML0.5793680.03815.122
dMK0.3586670.048.956
R2 = 0.9803 R2b = 0.9789 # obs = 31

The three estimated factor demand functions are:

∂C/∂wL = L(q; wL, wK, wM) = q^(1/0.92) * [-0.1209 + 0.5393 * (wK / wL)^(1/2) + 0.5105 * (wM / wL)^(1/2)]

∂C/∂wK = K(q; wL, wK, wM) = q^(1/0.92) * [-0.0374 + 0.4915 * (wL / wK)^(1/2) + 0.4064 * (wM / wK)^(1/2)]

∂C/∂wM = M(q; wL, wK, wM) = q^(1/0.92) * [-0.158 + 0.5794 * (wL / wM)^(1/2) + 0.3587 * (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
-0.55570.33820.21751.087
0.3009-0.53120.23031.087
0.31420.2651-0.57931.087

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) * [-0.12095 * wL + -0.03741 * wK + -0.15801 * wM + 1.03085 * (wL*wK)^(1/2) + 1.08989 * (wL*wM)^(1/2) + 0.76503 * (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-0.1127170.0241-4.677141
dLK0.5099620.01921926.534309
dLM0.5452650.01625833.537595
cKK-0.0396590.021294-1.862441
dKL0.5099620.01921926.534309
dKM0.3904550.01843721.178302
cMM-0.1693750.021946-7.717653
dML0.5452650.01625833.537595
dMK0.3904550.01843721.178302
R2 = 0.9973 R2b = 0.9971 # 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) * [-0.1127 + 0.51 * (wK / wL)^(1/2) + 0.5453 * (wM / wL)^(1/2)]

∂C/∂wK = K(q; wL, wK, wM) = q^(1/0.92) * [-0.0397 + 0.51 * (wL / wK)^(1/2) + 0.3905 * (wM / wK)^(1/2)]

∂C/∂wM = M(q; wL, wK, wM) = q^(1/0.92) * [-0.1694 + 0.5453 * (wL / wM)^(1/2) + 0.3905 * (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
-0.55180.31970.23221.087
0.3119-0.53310.22111.087
0.29620.289-0.58521.087

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) * [-0.11272 * wL + -0.03966 * wK + -0.16938 * wM + 1.01992 * (wL*wK)^(1/2) + 1.09053 * (wL*wM)^(1/2) + 0.78091 * (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) = 42.75 = 42.75 = 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 =
-0.08570.026730.04207
0.02673-0.02460.02211
0.042070.02211-0.09697

The principal minors of H are H1 = -0.085698, H2 = 0.001393, 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 = -0.1338, e2 = -0.0735, 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
1186.92 13.626 25.7113.09 24.220.90.790.830.926501.49501.0925.713.4923.250.3550.3670.2780.880.820.880.80.820.8 -0.136-0.073-0
2197.92 11.64.56 22.6314.91 29.740.890.790.830.923487.79488.0422.5415.3828.770.3660.3660.2690.920.840.920.730.840.73 -0.169-0.072-0
3205.32 13.56.2 33.4713.76 24.50.90.790.830.926515.81515.5533.4314.1523.660.3450.370.2850.850.80.850.850.80.85 -0.163-0.077-0
4215.16 12.966.52 35.8414.93 24.490.90.790.830.927538.12537.5735.815.323.70.3440.3690.2870.840.810.840.860.810.86 -0.166-0.074-0
5227 12.564.32 28.7615.99 35.180.890.790.830.919554.17555.3628.7516.4134.270.3620.3710.2670.920.80.920.750.80.75 -0.182-0.0790
6238.34 14.625.48 30.3717.29 35.220.890.790.830.92699.1700.1430.3417.6634.470.3610.3690.270.910.820.910.760.820.76 -0.142-0.066-0
7247.44 127.28 33.8620.9 28.440.90.790.830.928709.76709.1733.9921.0727.940.3570.3570.2870.850.880.850.80.880.8 -0.114-0.068-0
8257.26 13.447.68 37.6520.65 29.510.90.790.830.926777.56777.2537.7720.8529.020.3530.360.2870.840.860.840.820.860.82 -0.116-0.0640
9266.08 13.387.58 43.1420.42 29.420.90.790.830.926758.41758.243.2320.6428.910.3470.3640.2890.830.840.830.850.840.85 -0.138-0.065-0
10278.38 13.627.08 37.2922.97 34.950.90.790.830.923872.75873.1637.3523.0834.720.3580.360.2810.870.860.870.780.860.78 -0.11-0.064-0
11285.94 13.66.88 46.5521.35 33.470.90.790.830.922797.14797.5346.621.5133.160.3470.3670.2860.840.820.840.840.820.84 -0.144-0.070
12295.3 13.14.96 47.2720.26 40.20.890.790.830.917715.39716.1947.2820.439.990.350.3730.2770.880.780.880.830.780.83 -0.177-0.091-0
13307 136 43.7924.14 40.130.890.790.830.92861.17861.8543.8324.1940.090.3560.3650.2790.880.830.880.790.830.79 -0.134-0.073-0
14315.1 12.886.3 54.4823.08 36.830.890.790.830.92807.15807.7354.4823.1636.750.3440.3690.2870.840.810.840.860.810.86 -0.169-0.077-0
15325.96 11.15.08 46.9625.92 43.020.890.790.830.919786.14786.714725.8743.190.3560.3650.2790.880.830.880.790.830.79 -0.158-0.086-0
16338.98 13.864.1 4025.9 60.730.890.790.830.911967.18967.2439.7726.0860.630.3690.3740.2570.950.810.950.710.810.71 -0.202-0.0620
17346.76 12.864.26 47.3625.66 55.060.890.790.830.912884.62884.6647.2925.6355.250.3610.3730.2660.920.790.920.760.790.76 -0.186-0.081-0
18355.66 11.847.22 58.8729.63 38.590.90.790.830.923962.61963.6359.1629.4638.780.3470.3620.2910.820.850.820.850.850.85 -0.146-0.0690
19366.6 14.987.32 60.4128.3 44.150.890.790.830.9181145.841146.560.4628.1144.590.3480.3670.2850.850.820.850.840.820.84 -0.13-0.065-0
20375.24 12.185.48 61.9228.44 47.330.890.790.830.916930.19930.4161.9128.247.910.3490.3690.2820.860.810.860.830.810.83 -0.168-0.086-0
21386.12 12.127.9 63.433.64 40.960.90.790.830.9221119.251120.9563.8433.2641.410.3490.360.2920.810.870.810.850.870.85 -0.134-0.064-0
22398.6 12.984.2 48.3532.25 68.680.890.790.830.911122.851120.9147.9932.0569.570.3680.3710.2610.940.820.940.710.820.71 -0.192-0.0660
23408.08 13.945.62 55.9133.35 59.440.890.790.830.9131250.691249.7255.7832.8860.610.3610.3670.2730.90.820.90.760.820.76 -0.138-0.0680
24416.68 11.067.7 63.2939.42 44.730.90.790.830.9231203.171206.0863.9338.6545.670.3540.3540.2920.820.890.820.820.890.82 -0.121-0.068-0
25425.04 11.566.86 75.0735.24 45.970.890.790.830.9191101.141102.3275.3234.7546.790.3440.3640.2910.820.840.820.860.840.86 -0.166-0.072-0
26435.08 14.86.86 83.2931.74 50.960.890.790.830.9151242.51242.1282.9731.3152.080.3390.3730.2880.840.790.840.880.790.88 -0.173-0.07-0
27445.62 11.744.46 68.0334.55 64.290.890.790.830.9111074.641072.5267.8833.8665.80.3560.3710.2740.90.80.90.790.80.79 -0.181-0.093-0
28457.84 12.045.9 62.2241.41 61.70.890.790.830.9151350.421350.0962.1740.4363.720.3610.3610.2780.880.860.880.760.860.76 -0.129-0.071-0
29466.78 13.565.28 70.1137.07 67.110.890.790.830.9111332.411329.3669.9336.2368.940.3570.370.2740.90.810.90.790.810.79 -0.151-0.0780
30475 13.545.56 85.8234.97 61.110.890.790.830.9111242.411239.985.4934.1962.870.3450.3730.2820.860.780.860.850.780.85 -0.178-0.085-0
31485.04 13.764.98 85.8734.74 67.130.890.790.830.9091245.161240.9885.4933.8769.110.3470.3750.2770.880.770.880.840.770.84 -0.184-0.093-0
AVE:336.52 12.965.99 51.5326.2 44.370.890.790.830.919921.19921.0651.5326.244.370.3530.3670.280.870.820.870.810.820.81-0.155-0.074-0




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-0.0265220.08-0.331
cKK0.0275320.0650.422
cMM-0.2264380.066-3.432
2*dLK0.8374820.1256.679
2*dLM1.1745120.08513.888
2*dKM0.7877420.1136.947
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) * [-0.02652 * wL + 0.02753 * wK + -0.22644 * wM + 0.83748 * (wL*wK)^(1/2) + 1.17451 * (wL*wM)^(1/2) + 0.78774 * (wK*wM)^(1/2)]
        (***)

XII. Its three derived factor demand functions are:

∂C/∂wL = L(q; wL, wK, wM) = q^(1/0.92) * [-0.0265 + 0.4187 * (wK / wL)^(1/2) + 0.5873 * (wM / wL)^(1/2)]

∂C/∂wK = K(q; wL, wK, wM) = q^(1/0.92) * [0.0275 + 0.4187 * (wL / wK)^(1/2) + 0.3939 * (wM / wK)^(1/2)]

∂C/∂wM = M(q; wL, wK, wM) = q^(1/0.92) * [-0.2264 + 0.5873 * (wL / wM)^(1/2) + 0.3939 * (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
-0.51220.26230.24991.087
0.255-0.47710.22211.087
0.32110.2935-0.61461.087

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) = 42.74 = 42.74 = 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 =
-0.07960.021950.04531
0.02195-0.022110.0223
0.045310.0223-0.10117

The principal minors of H are H1 = -0.079596, H2 = 0.001278, 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 = -0.1371, e2 = -0.0658, 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
1186.92 13.626 25.7113.09 24.220.90.790.830.926501.49501.1125.6413.623.090.3540.370.2760.720.890.720.80.890.8 -0.139-0.066-0
2197.92 11.64.56 22.6314.91 29.740.890.790.830.923487.79488.2222.7215.2328.860.3690.3620.270.760.890.760.740.890.74 -0.176-0.0630
3205.32 13.56.2 33.4713.76 24.50.90.790.830.926515.81515.8233.0814.4623.320.3410.3790.280.690.890.690.850.890.85 -0.16-0.072-0
4215.16 12.966.52 35.8414.93 24.490.90.790.830.927538.12537.6135.515.6323.30.3410.3770.2830.680.90.680.870.90.87 -0.162-0.07-0
5227 12.564.32 28.7615.99 35.180.890.790.830.919554.17555.4228.6616.4434.330.3610.3720.2670.760.870.760.760.870.76 -0.19-0.069-0
6238.34 14.625.48 30.3717.29 35.220.890.790.830.92699.1700.2330.3317.6734.480.3610.3690.270.750.880.750.760.880.76 -0.148-0.058-0
7247.44 127.28 33.8620.9 28.440.90.790.830.928709.76708.8734.3721.0127.620.3610.3560.2840.690.940.690.810.940.81 -0.115-0.062-0
8257.26 13.447.68 37.6520.65 29.510.90.790.830.926777.56776.7537.9420.9428.630.3550.3620.2830.690.930.690.830.930.83 -0.116-0.059-0
9266.08 13.387.58 43.1420.42 29.420.90.790.830.926758.41757.6543.1620.9328.40.3460.370.2840.670.920.670.860.920.86 -0.135-0.061-0
10278.38 13.627.08 37.2922.97 34.950.90.790.830.923872.75873.137.6523.0134.480.3610.3590.280.710.920.710.790.920.79 -0.113-0.0570
11285.94 13.66.88 46.5521.35 33.470.90.790.830.922797.14797.3946.3621.8632.660.3450.3730.2820.690.910.690.850.910.85 -0.141-0.0660
12295.3 13.14.96 47.2720.26 40.20.890.790.830.917715.39716.9546.6420.8439.670.3450.3810.2740.720.860.720.820.860.82 -0.178-0.083-0
13307 136 43.7924.14 40.130.890.790.830.92861.17861.7943.8724.2939.830.3560.3660.2770.720.90.720.80.90.8 -0.137-0.0660
14315.1 12.886.3 54.4823.08 36.830.890.790.830.92807.15807.9153.9723.6736.150.3410.3770.2820.680.90.680.860.90.86 -0.165-0.072-0
15325.96 11.15.08 46.9625.92 43.020.890.790.830.919786.14786.6747.0225.9942.90.3560.3670.2770.720.90.720.80.90.8 -0.162-0.077-0
16338.98 13.864.1 4025.9 60.730.890.790.830.911967.18967.1139.8325.8961.130.370.3710.2590.790.860.790.710.860.71 -0.211-0.0540
17346.76 12.864.26 47.3625.66 55.060.890.790.830.912884.62884.844725.7755.330.3590.3750.2660.760.860.760.760.860.76 -0.194-0.0710
18355.66 11.847.22 58.8729.63 38.590.90.790.830.923962.61962.5759.2429.7838.040.3480.3660.2850.670.940.670.860.940.86 -0.143-0.0650
19366.6 14.987.32 60.4128.3 44.150.890.790.830.9181145.841146.4560.1228.5543.980.3460.3730.2810.690.90.690.840.90.84 -0.129-0.0610
20375.24 12.185.48 61.9228.44 47.330.890.790.830.916930.19930.761.4128.6947.360.3460.3750.2790.70.890.70.840.890.84 -0.167-0.079-0
21386.12 12.127.9 63.433.64 40.960.90.790.830.9221119.251119.4164.1333.5340.580.3510.3630.2860.660.950.660.860.950.86 -0.131-0.061-0
22398.6 12.984.2 48.3532.25 68.680.890.790.830.911122.851120.9848.1831.7770.060.370.3680.2620.780.870.780.720.870.72 -0.201-0.057-0
23408.08 13.945.62 55.9133.35 59.440.890.790.830.9131250.691249.8655.8632.8860.530.3610.3670.2720.740.890.740.770.890.77 -0.143-0.06-0
24416.68 11.067.7 63.2939.42 44.730.90.790.830.9231203.171204.7664.7138.644.880.3590.3540.2870.670.960.670.840.960.84 -0.12-0.064-0
25425.04 11.566.86 75.0735.24 45.970.890.790.830.9191101.141101.2675.1535.3145.820.3440.3710.2850.660.930.660.880.930.88 -0.161-0.069-0
26435.08 14.86.86 83.2931.74 50.960.890.790.830.9151242.51243.5381.7432.2651.130.3340.3840.2820.680.880.680.880.880.88 -0.167-0.067-0
27445.62 11.744.46 68.0334.55 64.290.890.790.830.9111074.641072.9367.3734.2465.540.3530.3750.2720.730.870.730.80.870.8 -0.186-0.082-0
28457.84 12.045.9 62.2241.41 61.70.890.790.830.9151350.421350.3662.7740.1763.480.3640.3580.2770.720.920.720.780.920.78 -0.133-0.063-0
29466.78 13.565.28 70.1137.07 67.110.890.790.830.9111332.411329.6969.5636.5468.680.3550.3730.2730.730.880.730.790.880.79 -0.156-0.069-0
30475 13.545.56 85.8234.97 61.110.890.790.830.9111242.411241.5184.235.162.080.3390.3830.2780.70.870.70.850.870.85 -0.175-0.079-0
31485.04 13.764.98 85.8734.74 67.130.890.790.830.9091245.161243.1883.9534.8168.490.340.3850.2740.720.850.720.830.850.83 -0.184-0.085-0
AVE:336.52 12.965.99 51.3626.43 44.030.890.790.830.919921.19921.1251.3626.4344.030.3530.370.2770.710.90.710.810.90.81-0.156-0.067-0



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-0.2441230.075-3.252
dLK0.8012740.07310.946
dLM0.6669040.0729.216
R2 = 0.9602 R2b = 0.9573 # obs = 31

QR Least Squares
Parameter Estimates
Parameter Coefficient std error t-ratio
cKK-0.0125960.089-0.141
dKL0.6156490.096.829
dKM0.5438180.0846.504
R2 = 0.7456 R2b = 0.7275 # obs = 31

QR Least Squares
Parameter Estimates
Parameter Coefficient std error t-ratio
cMM-0.2428080.012-20.721
dML0.7132640.01259.417
dMK0.5529380.01344.069
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) * [-0.2441 + 0.8013 * (wK / wL)^(1/2) + 0.6669 * (wM / wL)^(1/2)]

∂C/∂wK = K(q; wL, wK, wM) = q^(1/1) * [-0.0126 + 0.6156 * (wL / wK)^(1/2) + 0.5438 * (wM / wK)^(1/2)]

∂C/∂wM = M(q; wL, wK, wM) = q^(1/1) * [-0.2428 + 0.7133 * (wL / wM)^(1/2) + 0.5529 * (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
-0.58330.37260.21071
0.2793-0.50780.22841
0.28710.3034-0.59051

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) * [-0.24412 * wL + -0.0126 * wK + -0.24281 * wM + 1.41692 * (wL*wK)^(1/2) + 1.38017 * (wL*wM)^(1/2) + 1.09676 * (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-0.1997470.044394-4.499456
dLK0.7405010.03540320.916289
dLM0.710610.02994923.727109
cKK-0.1084490.039226-2.764747
dKL0.7405010.03540320.916289
dKM0.5548530.03396216.337558
cMM-0.2428570.040427-6.007249
dML0.710610.02994923.727109
dMK0.5548530.03396216.337558
R2 = 0.9951 R2b = 0.9946 # 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) * [-0.1997 + 0.7405 * (wK / wL)^(1/2) + 0.7106 * (wM / wL)^(1/2)]

∂C/∂wK = K(q; wL, wK, wM) = q^(1/1) * [-0.1084 + 0.7405 * (wL / wK)^(1/2) + 0.5549 * (wM / wK)^(1/2)]

∂C/∂wM = M(q; wL, wK, wM) = q^(1/1) * [-0.2429 + 0.7106 * (wL / wM)^(1/2) + 0.5549 * (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
-0.56810.34390.22421
0.3346-0.56680.23211
0.28610.3044-0.59051

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) * [-0.19975 * wL + -0.10845 * wK + -0.24286 * wM + 1.481 * (wL*wK)^(1/2) + 1.42122 * (wL*wM)^(1/2) + 1.10971 * (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 =
-0.119070.038810.05482
0.03881-0.03540.03141
0.054820.03141-0.13202

The principal minors of H are H1 = -0.119074, H2 = 0.002708, 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 = -0.1808, e2 = -0.1057, 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
1186.92 13.626 25.7113.09 24.220.90.790.830.926501.49526.5227.0114.1824.410.3550.3670.2780.940.790.940.840.790.84 -0.184-0.106-0
2197.92 11.64.56 22.6314.91 29.740.890.790.830.923487.79510.3423.4816.1729.990.3640.3680.2680.990.810.990.760.810.76 -0.228-0.1040
3205.32 13.56.2 33.4713.76 24.50.90.790.830.926515.81536.6734.9414.6524.680.3460.3680.2850.920.770.920.90.770.9 -0.223-0.11-0
4215.16 12.966.52 35.8414.93 24.490.90.790.830.927538.12557.2537.2215.824.60.3450.3670.2880.90.780.90.910.780.91 -0.227-0.1050
5227 12.564.32 28.7615.99 35.180.890.790.830.919554.17573.4729.7116.9335.370.3630.3710.2660.990.780.990.790.780.79 -0.247-0.1130
6238.34 14.625.48 30.3717.29 35.220.890.790.830.92699.1720.1831.218.1835.420.3610.3690.270.980.790.980.80.790.8 -0.192-0.095-0
7247.44 127.28 33.8620.9 28.440.90.790.830.928709.76726.4834.6521.7628.510.3550.3590.2860.910.850.910.830.850.83 -0.154-0.097-0
8257.26 13.447.68 37.6520.65 29.510.90.790.830.926777.56793.5838.4721.3829.550.3520.3620.2860.90.830.90.860.830.86 -0.157-0.091-0
9266.08 13.387.58 43.1420.42 29.420.90.790.830.926758.41771.564421.0229.40.3470.3640.2890.890.810.890.890.810.89 -0.188-0.092-0
10278.38 13.627.08 37.2922.97 34.950.90.790.830.923872.75885.4937.7323.5635.10.3570.3620.2810.930.830.930.820.830.82 -0.149-0.091-0
11285.94 13.66.88 46.5521.35 33.470.90.790.830.922797.14806.3647.1921.7233.530.3480.3660.2860.910.790.910.890.790.89 -0.196-0.1-0
12295.3 13.14.96 47.2720.26 40.20.890.790.830.917715.39721.7647.920.4240.410.3520.3710.2780.950.750.950.870.750.87 -0.24-0.1310
13307 136 43.7924.14 40.130.890.790.830.92861.17866.2244.0224.3640.240.3560.3660.2790.940.80.940.830.80.83 -0.181-0.106-0
14315.1 12.886.3 54.4823.08 36.830.890.790.830.92807.15809.4154.7723.1136.890.3450.3680.2870.910.780.910.910.780.91 -0.231-0.1090
15325.96 11.15.08 46.9625.92 43.020.890.790.830.919786.14786.2846.9425.943.10.3560.3660.2780.940.80.940.830.80.83 -0.213-0.124-0
16338.98 13.864.1 4025.9 60.730.890.790.830.911967.18964.2239.6126.0560.360.3690.3740.2571.020.781.020.740.780.74 -0.273-0.09-0
17346.76 12.864.26 47.3625.66 55.060.890.790.830.912884.62879.5647.1125.4254.960.3620.3720.2660.990.760.990.80.760.8 -0.252-0.1170
18355.66 11.847.22 58.8729.63 38.590.90.790.830.923962.61955.5458.5829.2938.390.3470.3630.290.880.830.880.890.830.89 -0.2-0.0980
19366.6 14.987.32 60.4128.3 44.150.890.790.830.9181145.841134.1559.9127.7544.120.3490.3670.2850.910.790.910.880.790.88 -0.178-0.093-0
20375.24 12.185.48 61.9228.44 47.330.890.790.830.916930.19918.1661.2727.7347.330.350.3680.2820.930.780.930.880.780.88 -0.229-0.123-0
21386.12 12.127.9 63.433.64 40.960.90.790.830.9221119.251103.5362.6932.940.650.3480.3610.2910.870.840.870.890.840.89 -0.183-0.091-0
22398.6 12.984.2 48.3532.25 68.680.890.790.830.911122.851101.2447.0631.5968.230.3670.3720.261.010.791.010.750.790.75 -0.26-0.094-0
23408.08 13.945.62 55.9133.35 59.440.890.790.830.9131250.691225.0654.6232.359.320.360.3680.2720.970.80.970.80.80.8 -0.186-0.098-0
24416.68 11.067.7 63.2939.42 44.730.90.790.830.9231203.171179.1462.1638.1344.440.3520.3580.290.880.870.880.860.870.86 -0.165-0.096-0
25425.04 11.566.86 75.0735.24 45.970.890.790.830.9191101.141075.9173.5333.9345.630.3440.3650.2910.880.810.880.910.810.91 -0.228-0.102-0
26435.08 14.86.86 83.2931.74 50.960.890.790.830.9151242.51209.4781.2730.2450.90.3410.370.2890.90.760.90.930.760.93 -0.237-0.10
27445.62 11.744.46 68.0334.55 64.290.890.790.830.9111074.641042.6366.1632.8264.020.3570.370.2740.960.770.960.840.770.84 -0.245-0.1340
28457.84 12.045.9 62.2241.41 61.70.890.790.830.9151350.421309.6460.0539.4961.60.3590.3630.2780.950.830.950.80.830.8 -0.173-0.1020
29466.78 13.565.28 70.1137.07 67.110.890.790.830.9111332.411287.3867.8335.0266.770.3570.3690.2740.960.780.960.830.780.83 -0.204-0.112-0
30475 13.545.56 85.8234.97 61.110.890.790.830.9111242.411198.0483.132.7660.950.3470.370.2830.930.750.930.90.750.9 -0.243-0.122-0
31485.04 13.764.98 85.8734.74 67.130.890.790.830.9091245.161196.783.0532.3366.930.350.3720.2790.950.730.950.890.730.89 -0.251-0.1330
AVE:336.52 12.965.99 51.226.03 44.060.890.790.830.919921.19915.2251.226.0344.060.3540.3670.2790.940.790.940.850.790.85-0.21-0.106-0




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
cLL1.5067652.3210.649
cKK3.4053961.8881.804
cMM2.7739761.9091.453
2*dLK-2.6360083.627-0.727
2*dLM3.6071332.4471.474
2*dKM-4.6633833.28-1.422
R2 = 0.9221 R2b = 0.9065 # 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) * [1.50677 * wL + 3.4054 * wK + 2.77398 * wM + -2.63601 * (wL*wK)^(1/2) + 3.60713 * (wL*wM)^(1/2) + -4.66338 * (wK*wM)^(1/2)]
        (***)

XXVI. Its three derived factor demand functions are:

∂C/∂wL = L(q; wL, wK, wM) = q^(1/1) * [1.5068 + -1.318 * (wK / wL)^(1/2) + 1.8036 * (wM / wL)^(1/2)]

∂C/∂wK = K(q; wL, wK, wM) = q^(1/1) * [3.4054 + -1.318 * (wL / wK)^(1/2) + -2.3317 * (wM / wK)^(1/2)]

∂C/∂wM = M(q; wL, wK, wM) = q^(1/1) * [2.774 + 1.8036 * (wL / wM)^(1/2) + -2.3317 * (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
0.0458-0.65060.60481
-0.56611.4934-0.92731
0.7551-1.33040.57531

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) = 57.01 = 57.01 = 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 =
0.00903-0.069080.13915
-0.069080.09812-0.13201
0.13915-0.132010.12367

The principal minors of H are H1 = 0.009026, H2 = -0.003887, 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 = -0.0864, e2 = 0.3173, 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
1186.92 13.626 25.7113.09 24.220.90.790.830.926501.49521.0524.0716.5321.560.320.4320.248-1.62.53-1.6-3.392.53-3.39 -0.0820.3170
2197.92 11.64.56 22.6314.91 29.740.890.790.830.923487.79505.0224.3216.2327.210.3810.3730.246-1.672.18-1.67-3.482.18-3.48 -0.0910.3630
3205.32 13.56.2 33.4713.76 24.50.90.790.830.926515.81538.0127.0819.9620.080.2680.5010.231-1.553.11-1.55-3.423.11-3.42 -0.0910.3380
4215.16 12.966.52 35.8414.93 24.490.90.790.830.927538.12556.3730.3519.3222.910.2810.450.269-1.612.61-1.61-3.352.61-3.35 -0.10.3310
5227 12.564.32 28.7615.99 35.180.890.790.830.919554.17573.5625.4823.1924.070.3110.5080.181-1.53.37-1.5-3.583.37-3.58 -0.080.393-0
6238.34 14.625.48 30.3717.29 35.220.890.790.830.92699.1715.1128.1422.627.380.3280.4620.21-1.542.85-1.54-3.462.85-3.46 -0.0710.3160
7247.44 127.28 33.8620.9 28.440.90.790.830.928709.76727.7438.8113.2438.490.3970.2180.385-2.371.43-2.37-4.281.43-4.28 -0.0950.287-0
8257.26 13.447.68 37.6520.65 29.510.90.790.830.926777.56788.2439.2116.8536.070.3610.2870.351-1.991.68-1.99-3.721.68-3.72 -0.0890.2730
9266.08 13.387.58 43.1420.42 29.420.90.790.830.926758.41767.0240.719.8133.580.3230.3460.332-1.811.94-1.81-3.471.94-3.47 -0.0960.2880
10278.38 13.627.08 37.2922.97 34.950.90.790.830.923872.75876.8840.0718.6440.560.3830.290.327-1.951.71-1.95-3.721.71-3.72 -0.0820.2730
11285.94 13.66.88 46.5521.35 33.470.90.790.830.922797.14800.9840.724.5332.80.3020.4160.282-1.652.37-1.65-3.362.37-3.36 -0.0920.3060
12295.3 13.14.96 47.2720.26 40.20.890.790.830.917715.39733.5534.232.8424.620.2470.5860.166-1.54.44-1.5-3.814.44-3.81 -0.0830.3940
13307 136 43.7924.14 40.130.890.790.830.92861.17855.1941.4125.6338.70.3390.390.271-1.672.23-1.67-3.422.23-3.42 -0.0860.3170
14315.1 12.886.3 54.4823.08 36.830.890.790.830.92807.15808.9943.9229.332.950.2770.4670.257-1.582.76-1.58-3.362.76-3.36 -0.0990.3390
15325.96 11.15.08 46.9625.92 43.020.890.790.830.919786.14776.3743.9427.5940.990.3370.3940.268-1.662.26-1.66-3.412.26-3.41 -0.1010.3740
16338.98 13.864.1 4025.9 60.730.890.790.830.911967.18971.1335.935.5238.150.3320.5070.161-1.483.48-1.48-3.663.48-3.66 -0.070.3750
17346.76 12.864.26 47.3625.66 55.060.890.790.830.912884.62886.0138.137.6733.820.2910.5470.163-1.483.93-1.48-3.723.93-3.72 -0.0770.4030
18355.66 11.847.22 58.8729.63 38.590.90.790.830.923962.61953.3857.3123.5748.470.340.2930.367-1.991.69-1.99-3.681.69-3.68 -0.1090.3090
19366.6 14.987.32 60.4128.3 44.150.890.790.830.9181145.841126.551.1432.4241.430.30.4310.269-1.622.48-1.62-3.362.48-3.36 -0.0820.2830
20375.24 12.185.48 61.9228.44 47.330.890.790.830.916930.19915.649.6436.1539.270.2840.4810.235-1.562.92-1.56-3.412.92-3.41 -0.0970.3690
21386.12 12.127.9 63.433.64 40.960.90.790.830.9221119.251107.9564.6422.2855.990.3570.2440.399-2.241.51-2.24-4.021.51-4.02 -0.1060.2880
22398.6 12.984.2 48.3532.25 68.680.890.790.830.911122.851100.0844.7739.2448.970.350.4630.187-1.522.94-1.52-3.522.94-3.52 -0.0780.3720
23408.08 13.945.62 55.9133.35 59.440.890.790.830.9131250.691211.6351.1936.8650.570.3410.4240.235-1.592.51-1.59-3.422.51-3.42 -0.0760.3140
24416.68 11.067.7 63.2939.42 44.730.90.790.830.9231203.171199.8971.6417.8668.030.3990.1650.437-2.951.27-2.95-5.121.27-5.12 -0.1070.2960
25425.04 11.566.86 75.0735.24 45.970.890.790.830.9191101.141073.1567.8231.0454.310.3190.3340.347-1.851.88-1.85-3.51.88-3.5 -0.1160.3280
26435.08 14.86.86 83.2931.74 50.960.890.790.830.9151242.51226.8958.1844.9738.750.2410.5420.217-1.533.57-1.53-3.53.57-3.5 -0.0890.320
27445.62 11.744.46 68.0334.55 64.290.890.790.830.9111074.641043.7953.1746.4844.680.2860.5230.191-1.513.48-1.51-3.563.48-3.56 -0.090.414-0
28457.84 12.045.9 62.2241.41 61.70.890.790.830.9151350.421295.9364.7131.9368.50.3910.2970.312-1.911.74-1.91-3.691.74-3.69 -0.0910.3130
29466.78 13.565.28 70.1137.07 67.110.890.790.830.9111332.411282.8356.7846.8549.730.30.4950.205-1.523.15-1.52-3.493.15-3.49 -0.0790.3470
30475 13.545.56 85.8234.97 61.110.890.790.830.9111242.411218.958.2752.1839.740.2390.580.181-1.514.23-1.51-3.714.23-3.71 -0.0870.3710
31485.04 13.764.98 85.8734.74 67.130.890.790.830.9091245.161237.5853.8557.8434.20.2190.6430.138-1.515.81-1.51-4.235.81-4.23 -0.0770.4020
AVE:336.52 12.965.99 45.1529.65 39.240.890.790.830.919921.19915.9845.1529.6539.240.3180.4220.26-1.722.71-1.72-3.642.71-3.64-0.0890.3360



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).

 

 
   

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