In Business, this dependent variable can also be called the predictor or the factor of interest for eg., sales of a product, pricing, performance, risk etc.
Independent variables are also called explanatory variables as they can explain the factors that influence the dependent variable along with the degree of the impact which can be calculated using “parameter estimates” or “coefficients”.
These coefficients are tested for statistical significance by building confidence intervals around them so that the model that we are building is statistically robust and based on objective data. The elasticity based on the coefficient can tell us the extent to which a certain factor explains the dependent. Further, a negative coefficient can be interpreted to have a negative or an inverse relation with the dependent variable and positive coefficient can be said to have a positive influence. The key factor in any statistical models is the right understanding of the domain and its business application.