Econometrica

Journal Of The Econometric Society

An International Society for the Advancement of Economic
Theory in its Relation to Statistics and Mathematics

Edited by: Guido W. Imbens • Print ISSN: 0012-9682 • Online ISSN: 1468-0262

Econometrica: Jan, 1959, Volume 27, Issue 1

Quantitative Determination of an Optimum Economic Policy

https://doi.org/0012-9682(195901)27:1<1:QDOAOE>2.0.CO;2-X
p. 1-13

C. J. van Eijk, J. Sandee

To determine an optimum economic policy one needs: (a) a welfare function valuing "target" variables; (b) a model, describing the effect of policy "instruments" on the targets; and (c) limits within which the variables are allowed to vary. The welfare function is derived by "imaginary interviewing of the policy-makers." It is linearized in intervals or "facets." Linear programming indicates the optimum policy within each facet of the welfare function. A policy optimal with respect to all facets around it is the absolute optimum. By way of an appendix, a survey is given of the Multiplex Method of programming, developed by Professor R. Frisch, and particularly suited to this type of analysis.


Log In To View Full Content