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Estimating loss functions of experts

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  • Philip Hans Franses
  • Rianne Legerstee
  • Richard Paap

Abstract

We propose a new and simple methodology to estimate the loss function associated with experts’ forecasts. Under the assumption of conditional normality of the data and the forecast distribution, the asymmetry parameter of the lin–lin and linex loss function can easily be estimated using a linear regression. This regression also provides an estimate for potential systematic bias in the forecasts of the experts. The residuals of the regression are the input for a test for the validity of the normality assumption. We apply our approach to a large data set of SKU-level sales forecasts made by experts, and we compare the outcomes with those for statistical model-based forecasts of the same sales data. We find substantial evidence for asymmetry in the loss functions of the experts, with underprediction penalized more than overprediction.

Suggested Citation

  • Philip Hans Franses & Rianne Legerstee & Richard Paap, 2017. "Estimating loss functions of experts," Applied Economics, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 49(4), pages 386-396, January.
  • Handle: RePEc:taf:applec:v:49:y:2017:i:4:p:386-396
    DOI: 10.1080/00036846.2016.1197373
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    1. Graham Elliott & Allan Timmermann & Ivana Komunjer, 2005. "Estimation and Testing of Forecast Rationality under Flexible Loss," The Review of Economic Studies, Review of Economic Studies Ltd, vol. 72(4), pages 1107-1125.
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    3. Fildes, Robert & Goodwin, Paul & Lawrence, Michael & Nikolopoulos, Konstantinos, 2009. "Effective forecasting and judgmental adjustments: an empirical evaluation and strategies for improvement in supply-chain planning," International Journal of Forecasting, Elsevier, vol. 25(1), pages 3-23.
    4. Mark A. Clatworthy & David A. Peel & Peter F. Pope, 2012. "Are Analysts' Loss Functions Asymmetric?," Journal of Forecasting, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 31(8), pages 736-756, December.
    5. Christoffersen, Peter F & Diebold, Francis X, 1996. "Further Results on Forecasting and Model Selection under Asymmetric Loss," Journal of Applied Econometrics, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 11(5), pages 561-571, Sept.-Oct.
    6. Philip Hans Franses & Rianne Legerstee, 2010. "Do experts' adjustments on model-based SKU-level forecasts improve forecast quality?," Journal of Forecasting, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 29(3), pages 331-340.
    7. M A Clatworthy & D Peel & P F Pope, 2006. "Are analysts’ loss functions asymmetric?," Working Papers 574591, Lancaster University Management School, Economics Department.
    8. Robert C. Blattberg & Stephen J. Hoch, 1990. "Database Models and Managerial Intuition: 50% Model + 50% Manager," Management Science, INFORMS, vol. 36(8), pages 887-899, August.
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    Cited by:

    1. Nicolaas van der Wath, 2013. "Comparing the BER’s forecasts," Working Papers 23/2013, Stellenbosch University, Department of Economics.
    2. Petropoulos, Fotios & Fildes, Robert & Goodwin, Paul, 2016. "Do ‘big losses’ in judgmental adjustments to statistical forecasts affect experts’ behaviour?," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 249(3), pages 842-852.

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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • C50 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric Modeling - - - General
    • C53 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric Modeling - - - Forecasting and Prediction Models; Simulation Methods

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