An econometric model for ex ante prediction of wildfire suppression costs

This paper develops an econometric model that can provide predictions of fire suppression costs (per acre and in total) for a given large fire before final fire acreage is known. The model jointly estimates cost per acre and acreage equations via Maximum Likelihood, accounting for sample truncation based on final fire size. Formulas and results are shown for predictions of costs and fire size for wildfires in general, and for large fires in particular. Marginal effects of explanatory variables on cost and acreage are discussed. The distribution of these model predictions illustrates the importance of accounting for sample truncation when generating predicted outcomes based on ex ante information.     

Einzelbesprechungen

Ohne ZusammenfassungAus dem Italienischen übersetzt von M. St. Braun, WienAus dem Russischen übersetzt von A. GerschenkronAus dem Italienischen übersetzt von Erich Allina     

Interpartner legitimacy in regional strategic networks

Our aim is to add to the knowledge on a network level, focusing on if, and how, interpartner legitimacy affects the success or failure of network formation and development processes. Existing network theories and research tend to focus on resource exchange rather than on how actors perceive each other in terms of being legitimate or not. The purpose of the article is to analyze the interpartner legitimacy's influence on the formation and development processes of regional strategic networks (RSNs) from a network level. Two Swedish cases are discussed in terms of pragmatic, moral and cognitive interpartner legitimacy. The cases and the following discussion illuminate that interpartner legitimacy is important to incorporate into the analytical model if we wish to understand the processes of negotiations on the rules and norms which set the possibilities for survival of multi-actor interactions.     

Diversity �C diskutieren oder tabuisieren? Eine explorative Studie in Indien

Completing existing forms of diversity, the paper is the first to introduce the distinction between an off-limits form of diversity and a non off-limits form of diversity. This distinction is relevant because we argue that an off-limits form of diversity will result in a shift of intragroup conflicts, while a non off-limits form of diversity will result in an escalation of intragroup conflicts. For the management of diversity, this distinction is important to appropriately assess the risks of rising diversity in organizations. Analyzing data from N?=?96 schools in southern India (Kerala), religious diversity appears to be off-limits, whereas union diversity does not. As expected, union diversity was accelerated positively related to intragroup conflicts. Moreover, this positive relationship was stronger under high levels of religious diversity. In order to explain these results, we explicitly consider the particularites of Kerala. In order to draw conclusions for diversity management in German organizations, we additionally analyze which forms of diversity could unfold analogous dynamics and what implications for managers are to expect.     

Rezensionen

Ohne Zusammenfassung