Potenziale zur Erhöhung des regionalen Markenkerns im Stromvertrieb am Beispiel der regionalen Grünstromkennzeichnung gemäß EEG 2017: Teil 2 (Multikriterien-Analyse)

In this paper – complementing an earlier article on this topic (Part 1: Basics and Analysis of Potentials) – we perform a Multicriteria Decision Analysis (MCDA), also engaging decision-makers in the analytical process. From the MCDA we derive recommendations to act with regard to the alternatives for regional green power marketing (cf. Part 1). For the MCDA we have developed a hybrid multicriteria approach, which enables to pool the advantages of two methods. Specifically, for the valuation of alternatives and criteria weighting we use the so-called Multi-Attribute Global Inference of Quality (MAGIQ) method, whereas the computation of the analytical results was performed with the help of an optimized Weighted Aggregated Sum Product Assessment (WASPAS) method. The results of the MCDA show that the regional green power labeling according to EEG 2017 can be used for upgrading the options already existing before the introduction of the EEG 2017 for the marketing of regionally generated electricity. From the MCDA conducted we find that those green power marketing models which combine the regional green power labeling according to the EEG 2017 with previously existing options rank first to third.     

Do discriminatory leniency policies fight hard‐core cartels?

This paper experimentally analyzes the effects of nondiscriminatory and discriminatory leniency policies on hard‐core cartels. We design a mechanism to form a hard‐core cartel, which allows that multiple ringleaders emerge. Ringleaders often take a leading role in the coordination and formation of hard‐core cartels. A leniency policy that grants amnesty to all “whistle‐blowers” except for ringleaders may therefore reduce the incentive to become a ringleader and disrupt cartel formation. Yet, our experimental results show that whistle‐blowing rarely occurs. Paradoxically, the discriminatory leniency policy induces firms to become ringleaders. We find that firms create trust among other firms when acting as ringleaders. This signaling effect ultimately facilitates coordination in the explicit cartel.     

Early Bayesian modeling of a potassium lab-on-a-chip for monitoring of heart failure patients at increased risk of hyperkalaemia

ObjectivesInnovative point-of-care (POC) diagnostics are likely to have a strong impact on health care. The aim of this study is to conduct an early assessment of a point-of-care chip for the detection of a pathological deviation of the potassium levels in patients at increased risk, specifically in patients with heart failure (HF) requiring diuretics and ACE inhibitors that can both interfere with potassium levels, which may lead to serious clinical complications. This study also identifies the key factors that determine the success of the application under study.MethodsA Markov health state transition model was developed representing the disease process. Model parameters were obtained from various literature sources and estimated using interviews and related data. Simulation was carried out for 60 cycles of 1 month each. A discount rate of 3.5% was used, both for costs and utilities. In order to assess uncertainty a probabilistic sensitivity analysis was carried out from which a cost-effectiveness acceptability curve was derived.ResultsFor an anticipated number of 121 measurements per year with a cost of €16.60 per chip, an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of 34,856 €/QALY was found. Sensitivity analysis revealed that the threshold for the costs per chip was €19.30 in order to maintain a positive net monetary benefit. Also, model results are very sensitive to the utility of hyperkalaemia and to the probability to develop severe hyperkalaemia.ConclusionsThe question whether or not a POC chip to measure potassium concentrations in order to avoid a severe potassium imbalance is likely to be cost-effective cannot be definitively answered with the information at our disposal. Further research should focus on heart failure patients at particularly high risk of severe life-threatening hyperkalaemia, for instance in the presence of significant renal dysfunction. It may be expected that the use of the chip in such patient populations may render this point-of-care application very cost-effective.     

Imperfect Competition and Growth with Entrepreneurial Risk

Abstract. This paper analyzes an overlapping generations endogenous growth model of occupational choice under risk in a two-sector economy with intermediate and final goods. Agents choose between business ownership in the monopolistically competitive intermediate goods industry or employment as a worker in this sector. Firm-specific profits are stochastic. Occupational choice under risk endogenizes the number of firms and products in the intermediate goods industry. The analysis shows that economic performance and growth both depend on the entrepreneurship rate and are inefficiently low compared with an economy with perfect markets for pooling risks. Monopolistic competition partly offsets the negative income effects from a too low level of entrepreneurial risk-taking.     

Tax enforcement and tax havens under formula apportionment

In this paper, we consider optimal tax enforcement policy in the presence of profit shifting toward tax havens. We show that, under separate accounting, tax enforcement levels may be too high due to negative fiscal externalities. In contrast, under formula apportionment, tax enforcement is likely to be too low due to positive externalities of tax enforcement. Our results challenge recent contributions arguing that, under formula apportionment, there is a tendency toward inefficiently high levels of (effective) tax rates.     

Inflation Persistence under Semi-Fixed Exchange Rate Regimes: The European Evidence 1974–1998

In this paper, we empirically investigate the link between exchange rate accommodation and inflation persistence in Europe. We introduce the lagged level of the real exchange rate as an appropriate indicator of exchange rate accommodation. We correspondingly estimate a non-linear autoregressive inflation equation for ten European countries (excluding Germany) for the period 1974:1–1998:2. In the estimation procedure we allow for the presence of an unknown number of shifts in the mean of inflation. Overall, our results provide modest support for the existence of the theoretically hypothesized link between exchange rate accommodation and inflation persistence.JEL Classification Numbers: F41, E42, C22     

Environmental management and strategy in the face of regulatory intensity: radioactive contamination in the US steel industry

Recent business literature argues that several incentives drive firms to cooperate with government environmental regulators and regulation without pressure from the government. This study explores and tests such arguments using a metric called regulatory intensity. The study uses survey data from the radioactive scrap metal industry. The findings challenge the recent literature that ‘going green pays’. The study found that strong government actions (regulatory intensity) are related to firm cooperation. Firms seem to adopt cooperative strategies when coerced to do so by the government. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.