Some Non-Linear Problems in Accounting and Finance: Can we Apply Regression?

Abstract

Recent studies have indicated that many decision problems in accounting and finance can be better modeled by non-linear models in practice. However, existing literatures have also shown that managers and decision makers are not very conversant with non-linear models as compared to linear models because of the simplicity of linear models. In this paper, attempts are made to transform some non-linear models in accounting and finance which conform to exponential and power functions to their equivalent linear forms. The resulting equivalent linear models are subjected to regression analysis. The paper documents interesting practical non-linear problems in accounting and finance where it is possible to apply regression, and provides technical interpretations of coefficients of resulting regression equations. Some non-linear problems which have been documented in this analysis include; depreciation of non-current assets, the learning curve model, life cycle costing, compounding, discounting and exponential growth bias. Although logarithmic transformation of non- linear functions is not a novel idea in literature of accounting and finance, there is no evidence in literature that scholars have proposed particular cases in finance and accounting where these linear transformations and their resulting regression equations would yield meaningful results that can enhance management decision making. This paper fills this gap by documenting practical non-linear problems in finance and accounting where linearization and subsequent application of regression analysis generates useful results for management decision making purposes.