Bad temptation

We study a static self-control model in which an agent’s preference, temptation ranking, and cost of self-control drive her choices among a finite set of options. We show it is without loss to assume the agent’s temptation ranking is the opposite of her preference. We characterize the model by relaxing the Weak Axiom of Revealed Preference (WARP), and exploit WARP violations to identify the model’s parameters.     

A simplified approach to subjective expected utility

I provide a novel simplified approach to Savage’s theory of subjective expected utility. Such an approach is based on abstract integral representation theorems in the space of measurable functions. The advantage of such an approach is that these results can be used to easily obtain variations on Savage’s theorem, such as representations with state-dependent utility or probability measures that can have atoms. Finally, I discuss how such an approach can be used in other settings such as decision making under ambiguity.     

A dual approach to ambiguity aversion

In the present paper, the assumption of monotonicity of Anscombe and Aumann (1963) is replaced by an assumption of monotonicity with respect to first-order stochastic dominance. This yields a representation result where ambiguous distributions of objective beliefs are first aggregated into “equivalent unambiguous beliefs” and then risk preferences are used to compute the utility of these equivalent unambiguous beliefs. Such an approach makes it possible to disentangle uncertainty aversion, related to the processing of information, from risk aversion, related to the evaluation of the equivalent unambiguous beliefs. An application to portfolio choice shows the tractability of the framework and its intuitive appeal.     

A geometric approach to finite sample and large deviation properties in two-way ANOVA with spherically distributed error vectors

This article investigates a two-way ANOVA model with interactions assuming that the vector of error variables possesses a general spherically symmetric distribution instead of a multivariate normal one. Via a geometric approach we study a test for the usual hypothesis of non-interaction under this general assumption. Moreover, based on a certain geometric representation formula, we establish exponential large deviation rates of the least squares estimators in the above model for a specific class of spherical distributions.This research was partially supported by a special research grant from Alexander von Humboldt-Stiftung, Bonn, F. R. Germany.     

“Agreeing to disagree” type results: a decision-theoretic approach

This paper explores interactive epistemology within Morris’ [S. Morris, Alternative definitions of knowledge, in: M.O.L. Bacharach, L.-A. Gerard-Varet, P. Mongin, H.S. Shin (Eds.), Epistemic Logic and the Theory of Games and Decisions, Kluwer Academic Publishers, Amsterdam, 1997, pp. 217–233] framework of knowledge. Specifically, this paper proves a generalized “agreeing to disagree” result. The major features of this formalization are: (i) non-expected utility receives a unified treatment; (ii) the information structure is not necessarily partitional; (iii) Aumann’s celebrated result of “agreeing to disagree” and Milgrom and Stokey’s well-known result of “no trade” are derived as special cases. This paper also presents some new extensions of the “no trade theorem”.     

On the existence of consistent rules to adjudicate conflicting claims: a constructive geometric approach

For the problem of adjudicating conflicting claims, a rule is consistent if the choice it makes for each problem is always in agreement with the choice it makes for each “reduced problem” obtained by imagining that some claimants leave with their awards and reassessing the situation from the viewpoint of the remaining claimants. We develop a general technique to determine whether a given two-claimant rule admits a consistent extension to general populations, and to identify this extension if it exists. We apply the technique to a succession of examples. I gratefully acknowledge support from NSF under grant SBR-9731431 and SES 0214691, and the comments of Carmen Bevia, Rodrigo Velez, Chun-Hsien Yeh, and a referee.     

论市政共同沟的发展史及其意义

介绍了国内外共同沟的发展概况。共同沟作为城市地区的地下综合市政管线走廊，不仅对于城市市政基础设施的建设而且对于地下空间的开发乃至整个城市的规划都具有重要意义，是现代化城市建设的必然趋势。虽然我国较正规的共同沟只有10多年历史，但是随着我国大规模的城市建设，共同沟必将有一个大发展。     

A strict expected multi-utility theorem

This paper integrates two key approaches to the representation of incomplete preferences over lotteries. The main result strengthens the conclusion of the expected multi-utility theorem in Dubra, Maccheroni, and Ok (2004) by ensuring that all utility indices involved are Aumann utilities (i.e., yield a strictly increasing expectation). The advantages of the method are demonstrated by parametrizing maximal elements and by providing a novel characterization of Aumann utilities.     

A goal-seeking approach to capital budgeting

This paper articulates how a goal-seeking model addresses a variation of the capital-budgeting problem. Focused toward technology modernization in the public sector, this multi-criteria optimization model explicitly considers the diverse functions of the organization. In particular, the synergism amongst the functions is modeled as a multiplicative value function. The model is solved by the “constraint reduced feasible-region method”, resulting in a non-convex mathematical program that produces numerical intricacies. Linearization of the criterion (objective) functions reduces such intricacy. An Army-modernization acquisition-study was used to illustrate the proposed model, showing that its non-inferior solutions are remarkably stable. Comparison is also made with other approaches, typically formulated as goal-setting programs. The model highlights how technology acquisitions are affected as the priorities of each organizational function changes.     

A fuzzy-QFD approach to supplier selection

This article suggests a new method that transfers the house of quality (HOQ) approach typical of quality function deployment (QFD) problems to the supplier selection process. To test its efficacy, the method is applied to a supplier selection process for a medium-to-large industry that manufactures complete clutch couplings.The study starts by identifying the features that the purchased product should have (internal variables “WHAT”) in order to satisfy the company's needs, then it seeks to establish the relevant supplier assessment criteria (external variables “HOW”) in order to come up with a final ranking based on the fuzzy suitability index (FSI). The whole procedure was implemented using fuzzy numbers; the application of a fuzzy algorithm allowed the company to define by means of linguistic variables the relative importance of the “WHAT”, the “HOW”–“WHAT” correlation scores, the resulting weights of the “HOW” and the impact of each potential supplier.Special attention is paid to the various subjective assessments in the HOQ process, and symmetrical triangular fuzzy numbers are suggested to capture the vagueness in people's verbal assessments.     

A nonsmooth approach to envelope theorems

We develop a nonsmooth approach to envelope theorems applicable to a broad class of parameterized constrained nonlinear optimization problems that arise typically in economic applications with nonconvexities and/or nonsmooth objectives. Our methods emphasize the role of the Strict Mangasarian–Fromovitz Constraint Qualification (SMFCQ), and include envelope theorems for both the convex and nonconvex case, allow for noninterior solutions as well as equality and inequality constraints. We give new sufficient conditions for the value function to be directionally differentiable, as well as continuously differentiable. We apply our results to stochastic growth models with Markov shocks and constrained lattice programming problems.     

A quantitative approach to stakeholder interests

In an age when the role, behaviour and performance of the firm are under greater scrutiny than ever before, it is important to pursue quantitative empirical research in the area of social auditing. Using data relating to one particular company, the various inputs and outputs attributable to the firm's different stakeholders, (shareholders, employees, consumers and the community) are examined and corresponding rates of return calculated. Considerable methodological and data problems arise and consequently the results need careful interpretation.     

A network approach to work-family conflict

Most human behaviours, including those instrumental for reducing Work–Family Conflict (WFC), take place in the context of social relationships. However, the role of social networks in an individual's WFC goal pursuit process has not received sufficient attention, as most current research is dominated by an agentic perspective that argues that individuals possess the capabilities to change the demands and resources associated with their roles freely. We believe that the reality faced by many workers is more composite, as the various work and family stakeholders present in an individual's network can create significant constraints and opportunities that are capable of inhibiting or enhancing their agency. In this paper, we aim to examine how the ecosystem of network relationships in an individual’ social network can influence his or her overall capability to minimise WFC. Building on insights from dynamic network theory, a recently introduced framework in the social network literature, we propose a conceptual model that explains the specific roles that work and family stakeholders (i.e., supporters, preventers, resistors, reactors, negators, interactants, or observers) can assume with respect to goal strivers' attempts to manage WFC. Building on prior work-family and social network research, we illustrate how two characteristics of the network in which an individual is embedded (i.e., centrality and density) can shape the magnitude of social network influence on WFC. Implications for theory and practice are also discussed.     

A quality approach to airport management

This paper discusses aspects of airport service quality evaluation using fuzzy multicriteria analysis and the alpha-cut concept. It presents a fuzzy multicriteria methodology for analysing a complex set of quality variables. This methodology develops a step by step set of indicators that allow managers have a holistic view of the quality dimension. It also helps the understanding of cause and effect relation, it helps tracking service quality problems and benchmarking them. From the alpha-cut concept, by defining upper and lower limits, this approach seeks to assist managers in evaluating a complex number of quality criteria and decision-makers’ behaviour. This approach gives managers a broader view of comparative perceptions of quality among the airports in a given sample, by presenting the results of the analysis in fuzzy form and allowing managers to consider different styles of evaluation. The methodology discussed is applied to six Brazilian international airports.     

A nonlinear approach to US GNP

A univariate nonlinear model is estimated for US GNP that on many criteria outperforms standard linear models. The estimated model is of the threshold autoregressive type and contains evidence of asymmetric effects of shocks over the business cycle. In particular the nonlinear model suggests that the post-1945 US economy is significantly more stable than the pre-1945 US economy.