A Brief History of Production Functions

The IUP Journal of Managerial Economics, Vol. VIII, No. 4, pp. 6-34, November 2010

Posted: 27 Jan 2011

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Date Written: January 27, 2011

Abstract

This paper gives an outline of evolution of the concept and econometrics of production function, which was one of the central apparatus of neoclassical economics. It shows how the famous Cobb-Douglas production function was indeed invented by von Thünen and Wicksell, how the Constant Elasticity of Substitution (CES) production function was formulated, how the elasticity of substitution was made a variable and finally how Sato’s function incorporated biased technical changes. It covers almost all specifications proposed during 1950 to 1975, as well as the linear-exponential (LINEX) production functions and incorporation of energy as an input. The paper is divided into single product functions, joint product functions, and aggregate production functions. It also discusses the ‘capital controversy’ and its impacts.

Suggested Citation

Mishra, Sudhanshu K., A Brief History of Production Functions (January 27, 2011). The IUP Journal of Managerial Economics, Vol. VIII, No. 4, pp. 6-34, November 2010, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1749083

Sudhanshu K. Mishra (Contact Author)

North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU) ( email )

NEHU Campus
Shillong, 793022
India
03642550102 (Phone)

HOME PAGE: http://www.nehu-economics.info

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