Analysis, ranking and selection of R&D projects in a portfolio

A method for the analysis, ranking and selection of R&D projects from a portfolio is outlined and demonstrated. It is proposed that an objective multi-criteria decision making method, Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA), be used to split a portfolio of projects into accept, consider further and reject sub-groups. Next, the 'consider further' group is examined using a subjective method, the Value Creation Model. Such an approach allows for obvious decisions to be automated and complex decisions to be given careful consideration, an approach that is more consistent with how practising managers actually make select/reject decisions. DEA allows for comparison of variables without requiring weights or conversion factors. The relation between research strategy and consideration of categorical data is considered in relation to the research portfolio of the Advanced Technology Division of Bell Laboratories.     

From moral evaluation to rationalization: accounting and the shifting technologies of credit

The purpose of this essay is to stimulate an examination of the nature of consumer credit and accounting's role in its techniques of operation. The site of this examination is the US department store of the 1920/1930s. Our study, informed by Foucauldian concepts of disciplinary power and governmentality, reveals that a new mode of record keeping played a decisive role in the creation of an alternative to local knowledge in the granting of credit. This manifested itself in new accounting techniques, particularly, the analysis of age-based accounts receivable.     

Integrating innovation and learning curve theory: an enabler for moving nanotechnologies and other emerging process technologies into production

Process technology selection is biased against selection of emerging process technologies such as nanotechnologies, biotechnology and microtechnologies (MEMS), since these decisions are frequently based on assumptions that are only valid for mature sustaining process technologies. This is a great concern since emerging process technologies are drivers of economic growth, especially in developed economies. We consider the learning curve literature and integrate it with the literature on technological trajectories and innovation to develop a theory for modeling the learning curve for emerging process technologies.     

Project management and communication patterns in industrial research

A pilot study has been carried out on one project: (a) to develop a suitable methodology for studying communication; (b) to see whether the findings of external studies apply to the laboratory; (c) to examine a part of the communication pattern of the laboratory. Results showed that for the project studied: (a) the needs of the project dominated the communication; (b) previous external findings on “technological gatekeepers” and “distance stopping communication” did not apply in the project studied; (c) a suit able methodology has been developed.     

Consumer socialization and frequency of shopping with children

This study examines co-shopping frequency (mothers shopping with children) from a consumer socialization perspective. It also compares consumer orientations and socialization behaviors of heavier, moderate and lighter co-shoppers. Results indicate that these groups differ in desires to develop children’s consumer competence, consumer roles played by children, consumption motivations and values, and potential efforts to mediate marketing influence.     

Asset prices,asset stocks and rational expectations

This paper explores the relationship between asset return covariances and the impact of asset stock changes on asset prices. In the process the paper reconciles recent contradictory results on the effect of changes in the stock of government debt on equity prices. A solution for asset prices in a rational expectations equilibrium is also derived. This solution has the property that at the prices implied by the solution the demand for each asset equals its supply and the distribution of future asset prices implied by the solution is identical to the distribution upon which asset holders base their demands.     

Small firm networks: a successful approach to innovation?

This paper considers the increasing trend of inter–working among small firms. Networks of small firms co–operate in certain activities, such as marketing, purchasing, R&D, training or manufacturing. But does co–operation lead to innovation? To answer this question published evaluations of small firms co–operating for mutual benefit are reappraised. Inter–working among small firms is then investigated further by interviewing three network brokers. The brokers were funded by regional governments and they facilitated co–operation between small firms. These semi–structured discussions explored the key characteristics of successful networks, the responsibilities of the broker and the level of innovation occurring. Networking is primarily a competitive response. It needs to evolve into a mechanism to enable small firms to develop innovative products and processes jointly. Small firms may have to rethink their approach to co–operation, and their motives for initiating inter–working if they are to benefit fully from co–operation.     

ESTIMATING THE GENERAL EQUILIBRIUM BENEFITS OF LARGE CHANGES IN SPATIALLY DELINEATED PUBLIC GOODS*

The purpose of this article is to report a new approach for measuring the general equilibrium willingness to pay for large changes in spatially delineated public goods such as air quality. We estimate the parameters of a locational equilibrium model and compute equilibria for alternative scenarios characterizing the availability of public goods within a system of communities. Welfare measures take into consideration the adjustments of households in equilibrium to nonmarginal changes in public goods. The framework is used to analyze willingness to pay for reductions in ozone concentrations in Southern California between 1990 and 1995.     

Doing a deal: Merger and acquisition negotiations and their impact upon target company top management turnover

This research investigates the effects of merger and acquisition negotiations on subsequent target company top management turnover. Three attributes of the companies and seven attributes of the merger and acquisition transactions are examined. The results indicate that the primary impact of negotiations is evident in the fourth year after a settlement date. When a buyer approaches an unrelated company that has been subject to previous takeover interest with a merger proposal, and an agreement is reached, the target'S management team is likely to experience abnormally high turnover 4 years later. Additional research ideas are suggested to help explain the sizeable turnover rates in the 3 years immediately following a merger or acquisition.