Dynamic coordination among heterogeneous agents

We study a dynamic model of coordination with timing frictions and payoff heterogeneity. There is a unique equilibrium, characterized by thresholds that determine the choices of each type of agent. We characterize equilibrium for the limiting cases of vanishing timing frictions and vanishing shocks to fundamentals. A lot of conformity emerges: despite payoff heterogeneity, agents’ equilibrium thresholds partially coincide as long as a set of beliefs that would make this coincidence possible exists. However, the equilibrium thresholds never fully coincide. In case of vanishing frictions, the economy behaves almost as if all agents were equal to an average type. Conformity is not inefficient. In the efficient solution, agents follow others even more often.     

Knowledge transfer and isomorphism in franchise networks

This study draws on institutional and organisational learning theories to evaluate how knowledge transfer (KT) practices contribute to the development of isomorphism in franchise networks. It also analyses how the characteristics of franchise partners influence this process. Research conducted across a sample of hospitality and retail franchisees in Turkey reveals how the transfer of explicit knowledge aids in the realisation of coercive isomorphism and the transfer of tacit knowledge supports mimetic isomorphism. Additionally, the study identifies the factors that influence the extent to which these types of isomorphism are achieved. In doing so, it identifies the importance of franchisor institutionalisation, or the degree to which a strong and supportive infrastructure is developed, to isomorphism within franchise networks. Institutionalisation impacts on the antecedents to KT. Differences between the KT practices of hospitality and retail franchise networks are also identified.     

Deal is on! Why people buy from daily deal websites

We present two studies examining daily deal websites. In the first, we see whether revealing deal size influences choice, and consider the effect of desire for conformity/uniqueness. In the second, we determine the impact discounting levels have on quality perceptions and purchase likelihood, while considering the influence of brand familiarity and offer type. We find the bandwagon/snob effect can influence purchase likelihood. The results also suggest that heavy discounts have a negative impact on quality perceptions, and that brand familiarity and offer type may affect quality perceptions and purchase likelihood. Retailers seeking brand exposure should act cautiously regarding discount levels, and exclusive brands may not be suitable.     

SDOC模式基本理论与应用初探

本文对供方符合性声明模式（SDOC模式）在进出口商品质量合格评定中的应用进行了总结和归纳,并对SDOC模式的定义、要素、内容、通用要求、适用条件以及在我国现行合格评定制度下的应用问题进行了初步探讨,为我国进出口商品质量合格评定的理论和实践提供参考和建议。     

国际石油天然气工业产品,过程和服务的分等及符合性评价

对ISO/PDTR 13881.2《石油天然气工业——产品、过程和服务的分类和符合性评价》的主要内容进行了摘编,重点介绍了符合性评价体系的评价依据、体系特征及其与产品、过程或服务等级的关系;并具体介绍了产品、过程或服务的等级分类方法,包括计算法和判断法(含实例).     

本科会计教育课程体系改革探析

本文认为,会计专业课程体系应该跟上时代发展的步伐,以培养学生终身自学能力为重点,充分利用计划性安排,科学地实施本科会计专业课程体系,并在会计本科教育中大力加强适应市场经济开展业务和进行交流综合能力的培养。     

Institutions, social norms, and decision-theoretic norms

This article attempts to contribute to the debate on how to define and theorize institutions, particularly regarding normativity and explanations for conformity. Firstly, it proposes some distinctions and concepts: it separates moral from epistemic values, leading to different types of legitimacy and social norms; then it distinguishes different meanings of the term ‘normative’ and introduces the concept of decision-theoretic norm. Secondly, the article defends a broad concept of institutions by arguing that some institutions are neither social norms nor decision-theoretic ones, a point that matters for institutional change and stability. Some conventions from which innovators break are highlighted as an example.     

What motivates common pool resource users? Experimental evidence from the field

This paper develops and tests several models of pure Nash strategies of individuals who extract from a common pool resource when they are motivated by a combination of self-interest and preferences for altruism, reciprocity, inequity aversion, or conformity. Using data from experiments conducted in three regions of Colombia that depend critically on a local fishery, we test whether an econometric summary of the subjects’ pure Nash strategies is consistent with one or more of these models. We find that a model that balances self-interest with a strong preference for conformity best describes average strategies.     

Different from or similar to neighbors? An investigation of hotels' strategic distances

This paper examines how conformity and differentiation impacts hotel performance. It evaluates strategic outcomes of hotel entrepreneurs' choice of geographic location, capacity, and quality. Using instrumental variable (IV) estimation, we find that the distribution of similar competitors affects hotel performance and performance risk. Specifically, results show that choosing a similar capacity (conformity) to competitors may lead to higher and more stable performance. The results also reveal that locating geographically close to competitors or choosing a similar quality of product to competitors (both conformity strategies) can increase hotel performance but also increases performance risk. Additionally, when mixing conformity and differentiation strategies in terms of location, capacity, and quality selection, a higher dispersion of differentiation (i.e., highly differentiated in one product dimension while conforming to others in all remaining product dimensions) increases both performance and performance risk. Findings of this study can aid entrepreneurs in improving their strategic decisions and product positioning.     

《金属卤化物灯(钠铊铟系列)性能要求》标准解读

金属卤化物灯(钠铊铟系列)是一种节能环保的新光源。GB/T 24333-2009《金属卤化物灯(钠铊铟系列)性能要求》中规定了该光源的适用对象、术语和定义、技术要求、试验方法、检验规则和标志等要素,为相关人员更好地应用标准来提升该系列产品的品质。本文对标准内容进行深层次解读。