Linear regression analysis has long been used to estimate the parameters of
various types of times series (TS) models. In some cases, the application
of traditional regression-based techniques to TS data does not produce the
optimal values of the parameters being estimated. The nonlinear optimizatio
n tool (known as Solver) built into today's electronic spreadsheets can all
eviate these estimation problems as well as simplify the process of modelin
g many types of TS problems. This paper presents two examples of TS problem
s where Solver performs better than regression-based TS techniques. It also
encourages educators to reevaluate these and other traditional TS techniqu
es in light of Solver's capabilities. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. AII ri
ghts reserved.