APL Econometric Planning Language (EPLAN)

  • Authors:
  • F. Schober;K. Spielberg

  • Affiliations:
  • IBM Business Planning, Stuttgart;IBM Scientific Marketing

  • Venue:
  • APL '76 Proceedings of the eighth international conference on APL
  • Year:
  • 1976

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Abstract

The APL Econometric Planning Language (EPLAN) is an IBM Installed User Program providing features to assist the construction and application of econometric models in an interactive environment. Its design takes into account the nature of the econometric modeling process, which ideally requires a man-machine dialogue. Main objectives have been: User-oriented terminology (model language), functional capabilities, generality and fast response. The elements of the model language observe a hierarchical structure. The atomic items are the economic variables, i.e. time series or cross-sectional data, and constants. Subsequent stages comprise operations on economic variables, equations and models. This logical structure is maintained by the use of suited APL data structures. The functional capabilities include several techniques of single equation parameter estimation, the solution of non-linear models and routines for data transformation, documentation and file handling. Generality is ensured by defining EPLAN open and transparent. The various programs are considered building-stones for the user's specific application. He can optionally mix EPLAN programs with programs of his own or from the APL Public Library. Fast response is automatically given by the excellent time-sharing characteristics of the APL host system. The paper describes the design of EPLAN, with emphasis also on its relation to APL, and applications in the fields of economics and business planning.