Communications to the Editor—The Use of Regression Equations to Predict Manpower Requirements: Critical Comments

Abstract

In a recent article in Management Science , [Drui, A. B. 1963. The use of regression equations to predict manpower requirements. Management Sci . 8 (4, July) 669–677.] an application of multiple regression analysis to the prediction of departmental manpower requirements was described. Little information was given regarding the data of the study, and little attention was paid to the assumptions of the regression model. This calls into question the conclusions of the study, since the regression methodology contains a potentially serious bias. In view of the economic importance of the problem, the purpose of the present comment is to suggest improvements in the analysis.