Dynamic mechanism design for markets with strategic resources

The assignment of tasks to multiple resources becomes an interesting game theoretic problem, when both the task owner and the resources are strategic. In the classical, nonstrategic setting, where the states of the tasks and resources are observable by the controller, this problem is that of finding an optimal policy for a Markov decision process (MDP). When the states are held by strategic agents, the problem of an efficient task allocation extends beyond that of solving an MDP and becomes that of designing a mechanism. Motivated by this fact, we propose a general mechanism which decides on an allocation rule for the tasks and resources and a payment rule to incentivize agents' participation and truthful reports. In contrast to related dynamic strategic control problems studied in recent literature, the problem studied here has interdependent values: the benefit of an allocation to the task owner is not simply a function of the characteristics of the task itself and the allocation, but also of the state of the resources. We introduce a dynamic extension of Mezzetti's two phase mechanism for interdependent valuations. In this changed setting, the proposed dynamic mechanism is efficient, within period ex-post incentive compatible, and within period ex-post individually rational.

Integrated Marketing and Strategic Resources

As institutions seek in to increase enrollments, they create centralized marketing offices that oversee all institutional branding. This report examines staff and technology resources necessary to support centralized marketing efforts. It also describes advertising spend mixes and the assessment of integrated marketing initiatives.

The importance of firms' strategic resources and capabilities in crisis situations

The general idea of this research is to analyze overall firm performance before and after the global financial crisis of 2008. The main question is: What kind of strategies did companies adopt that led to positive business performance after the crisis? Are there any particular competitive advantages that bring better performance in the case of an economic downturn? This research focuses on competitive advantage gained by resource-based view attributes of a product (quality, durability and prestige) and dynamic capabilities (strategic flexibility in product development and technological innovation ability). The economic crisis setting provides a proper background to analyze the competitive advantage strategies in a dynamic, low-probability environment to determine which are most worth adopting in the business world. I employ an OLS regression analysis in order to measure the business performance of 136 Brazilian firms across four years – 2002, 2005, 2008 and 2012. The findings indicate that even though all of the strategic resources and capabilities positively influence firm performance in expansionary periods, only the superior product characteristics are pertinent in surviving an economic downturn.

Built environment education and research : making connections

This conference is a landmark gathering of those from around the world concerned with the future of Built environment education and Research. It takes place at a time of great change and opportunity. Around the world the long-standing principles of what, how and who we teach for graduate entry into Built environment professions, is increasingly under review. The need for research and the way in which it is funded, conducted and knowledge shared is also under increasing pressure. Both changes are being triggered by a fast changing and increasingly challenging competitive environment for education and research. Competition for the highest quality of graduate entrants in the right numbers is becoming more intense. Competition between Universities, as funding for education and research comes under ever close scrutiny, is intensifying and we are all being forced to look for more effective and exciting ways of recruting, retaining, enhancing and maximising the achievement of our students and of our staff in their research activities. Competition amongst employees in industry is becoming more intense as professional employers increasingly recognise that people and knowledge are their key strategic resources. Universities are increasingly looking to partnerships with industry, the professions and other Universities to further improve their eduacation, research and innovation activities. These challenges are unfolding at a time of accelerating development in information technologies and systems and in our understanding of principles of knowledge management and pedagogical advancement. This environment presents both opportunities and threats to the world of education.

Utilizing industry-led innovation capacity to enhance supply chain performance : an empirical study

A fundamental principle of the resource-based (RBV) of the firm is that the basis for a competitive advantage lies primarily in the application of bundles of valuable strategic capabilities and resources at a firm’s or supply chain’s disposal. These capabilities enact research activities and outputs produced by industry funded R&D bodies. Such industry lead innovations are seen as strategic industry resources, because effective utilization of industry innovation capacity by sectors such as the Australian beef industry are critical, if productivity levels are to increase. Academics and practitioners often maintain that dynamic supply chains and innovation capacity are the mechanisms most likely to deliver performance improvements in national industries.. Yet many industries are still failing to capitalise on these strategic resources. In this research, we draw on the resource-based view (RBV) and embryonic research into strategic supply chain capabilities. We investigate how two strategic supply chain capabilities (supply chain performance differential capability and supply chain dynamic capability) influence industry-led innovation capacity utilization and provide superior performance enhancements to the supply chain. In addition, we examine the influence of size of the supply chain operative as a control variable. Results indicate that both small and large supply chain operatives in this industry believe these strategic capabilities influence and function as second-order latent variables of this strategic supply chain resource. Additionally respondents acknowledge size does impacts both the amount of influence these strategic capabilities have and the level of performance enhancement expected by supply chain operatives from utilizing industry-led innovation capacity. Results however also indicate contradiction in this industry and in relation to existing literature when it comes to utilizing such e-resources.

Knowledge sharing for strengthening manufacturing operation and business performance

Manufacturing companies have strived to enhance managerial and technical capabilities to improve business performance. Building these capabilities requires effective share of knowledge - the strategic resource. Specifically, knowledge sharing (KS) between different manufacturing departments can improve manufacturing processes since leveraging organisational knowledge plays an enssential role in achieving competitive advantage. This paper presents an empirical investigation into the impact of KS on the effectiveness of supply chain management (SCM) and the product development process (PDP) in achieving desired business performance (BP). A questionnaire survey was administered from electronic manufacturing companies operating in Taiwan. 168 valid responses were received and used to statistically examine the relationships between the concepts (SCM, PDP, KS, BP). The study findings reveal that within the Taiwanese electronic manufacturing companies KS is an essential enabler for facilitating the effectiveness of SCM and PDP in achieving desired BP.

Interações entre o Legislativo e o Executivo federal do Brasil na definição de políticas de interesse amplo: uma abordagem sistêmica, com aplicação na saúde

Aborda a relação entre o Legislativo e o Executivo na produção de políticas. Identifica os elementos do sistema de produção legislativa do Brasil (regras estruturantes, atores, recursos, instâncias de decisão e tipos de políticas produzidas) e propõe um modelo para o caso brasileiro de presidencialismo de coalizão, com base em estudos sobre a relação entre o presidente e o Congresso dos EUA e também na vasta produção existente sobre o contexto nacional. O sistema é estruturado pelo marco normativo de maior hierarquia, a Constituição, determinado historicamente, o qual privilegia a governabilidade com "accountability" e também orienta políticas segundo princípios de equidade, mas com responsabilidade orçamentária. O modelo considera que as agendas estratégicas dos atores são produto de variadas influências, incluindo o ¿status quo¿ (políticas existentes) e as demandas provenientes das conexões normativa e eleitoral. A partir desse modelo, o estudo analisa seus elementos e relações, aplicando-o a um conjunto abrangente de propostas legislativas (cerca de 21 mil proposições sobre todos os temas, apresentadas no Congresso entre 1999 e 2006, nas três vias).

Interações entre o Legislativo e o Executivo federal do Brasil na definição de políticas de interesse amplo : uma abordagem sistêmica, com aplicação na saúde

Esse estudo aborda a relação entre o Legislativo e o Executivo na produção de políticas. Identifica os elementos do sistema de produção legislativa do Brasil (regras estruturantes, atores, recursos, instâncias de decisão e tipos de políticas produzidas) e propõe um modelo para o caso brasileiro de presidencialismo de coalizão, com base em estudos sobre a relação entre o presidente e o Congresso dos EUA e também na vasta produção existente sobre o contexto nacional. O sistema é estruturado pelo marco normativo de maior hierarquia, a Constituição, determinado historicamente, o qual privilegia a governabilidade com accountability e também orienta políticas segundo princípios de equidade, mas com responsabilidade orçamentária. O modelo considera que as agendas estratégicas dos atores são produto de variadas influências, incluindo o status quo (políticas existentes) e as demandas provenientes das conexões normativa e eleitoral. A primeira cria path dependencies e limita opções de política, realçando questões de capacidade de governar. A segunda agrega preferências em torno do pertencimento à coalizão de governo ou à oposição. As proposições legislativas decorrentes das agendas dos atores são processadas em instâncias de decisão pré-determinadas do Congresso Nacional, segundo conteúdo e relevância das matérias, onde os atores interagem por meio da seleção de vias legislativas e de outros recursos estratégicos. O arcabouço sistêmico é integrado às interações estratégicas que ocorrem nas fases de iniciação, apreciação e conclusão da tramitação de proposições legislativas (em três vias distintas: a constitucional, a complementar e a ordinária). Essa estrutura é reforçada por regras que centralizam o processo decisório durante a tramitação no Congresso. Os produtos do sistema são as leis com impacto em políticas públicas. A partir desse modelo, o estudo analisa seus elementos e relações, aplicando-o a um conjunto abrangente de propostas egislativas (cerca de 21 mil proposições sobre todos os temas, apresentadas no Congresso entre 1999 e 2006, nas três vias). São observados indícios de quatro tipos de interação, segundo padrões de conflito e liderança dos atores: liderança da coalizão, liderança do Legislativo, cooperação e impasse. Os dados opõem-se à demarcação da agenda entre os Poderes e indicam que o êxito do Executivo variou inversamente com a hierarquia da via e que o desempenho do Legislativo superou o do Executivo na via constitucional, com destaque para a atividade do Senado, e na via ordinária (apenas no caso dos projetos de lei ordinária, pois os privilégios de iniciativa exclusiva do Executivo para leis orçamentárias e de edição de medidas provisórias, com força imediata de lei, garantem maior desempenho quantitativo a esse Poder nessa via). Contudo, a coalizão predominou amplamente em todas as vias. Análises qualitativas com foco na política de saúde e seu financiamento reforçam esses achados e sugerem que, apesar das muitas regularidades identificadas no sistema (rejeitando teses como a paralisia decisória ou a completa predominância do Executivo), fragmentações na sociedade e no Estado, persistem como fatores que limitam a produção de políticas mais equitativas

油气勘探中的弱磁异常提取与区域场分析

Petroleum and natural gas is an important strategic resources. The short of the reserves will block the development of economy and threaten the safety of nation, along with the main oil fields of our country coming to the height of power and splendor of the exploitation and exploration. Therefore, it makes a great sense to inaugurate new explorative field and increase the reserves of petroleum and natural gas. Magnetic exploration is a main method of geophysics exploration. the developing observation apparatus and the perfect processing method provide wide space for magnetic exploration in these years. The method of magnetic bright spot is an application of magnetic exploration. The vertical migration of the hydrocarbon changes physical and chemical environment above the hydrocarbon reservoir, the new environment make tervalent iron translate into bivalent iron, that produce small scale magnetic anomaly, that is magnetic bright spot. The method of magnetic bright spot explores oil and gas field by the relation between the hydrocarbon and magnetic anomaly. This paper systemically research to pick-up and identify magnetic bright spot combining an oil field item, then point out advantaged area. In order to test the result, the author use the seismic information to superpose the magnetic bright spot, that prove the magnetic bright spot is reliable. then, the author complete a software to pick and identify the magnetic bright spot. The magnetic basement is very important to research forming and evolvement of the basin, especially, it is a crucial parameter of exploring residual basin in the research on pre-Cenozoic residual. This paper put forward a new method to inverse the interface of the magnetic layer on the basis of previous work, that is the method of separation of magnetic field step by step. The theory of this method is to translate the result of magnetic layer fluctuation to the result of magnetization density change, and the magnetic layer is flat, the paper choose thickness of magnetic layer as unit thickness, and define magnetic layer as a unit-thickness layer in order to convenient calculation, at the same time, define the variational magnetization density as equivalent magnetic density. Then we translate the relation between magnetic field and layer fluctuation to the relation between magnetic field and equivalent magnetic density, then, we can obtain the layer fluctuation through calculating equivalent magnetic density. Contrast to conventional parker method, model experimentation and example checkout prove this method is effective. The merit of this method is to avoid flat result in a strongly fluctuant area because of using a uniform average depth, the result of this method is closer to the fact, and this method is to inverse equivalent magnetic density, then translate equivalent magnetic density to layer fluctuation, this lays a foundation to inverse variational magnetic density in the landscape orientation and portrait.

均衡重力异常计算与综合解释——以黄海地区为例

Petroleum and Natural Gas is an important strategic resources. The reserves of Petroleum and Natural Gas can’t meet the need of our country, which also blocks the development of economy and threatens the safety of national. Therefore, it makes a great sense to bring “the second round of oil & gas exploration” into effect and study the exploration of oil and gas of Pre-Cenozoic residual basins in China. The integrated geophysical exploration is the main way to research the Pre-Cenozoic residual basins. Gravity exploration is one of the most important exploration methods, which has played an important role in oil and gas prospecting, such as compartmentalizing geotectonic elements, delineating the distribution range of sedimentary basins, searching oil and gas structure, abstracting oil and gas information, and so on, from its naissance. The isostatic gravity anomalies is significant for exploration, which can help us research deep crustal structure, the equilibrium state of earth, the geologic structure of shallow crust, the basement shape of sedimentary basins and the genetic evolution of sedimentary basins. In the paper, we stress the implication and physical meanings systemically, and discuss the calculation theory. On the basis of previous work, we test different isostatic compensation models and parameters to find out their influences to the result of isostatic gravity anomalies. In addition, we improve the method of isostatic gravity anomalies calculation and give a system of isostatic gravity anomalies calculation which is proved has satisfying effect. From the research above, we find that the results of Platt model and Airy model are consistent, which have similar form and almost the same value. However, by contrast, the Airy model is proved has better adaptability than Platt model. The two main parameters——crust thickness and density difference of crust and mantle, both have influence to the isostatic gravity anomalies, but the latter have more. Finally, we adopt the regional field extending edge method to make the result more of actual geologic condition. On the methods above, we calculate the isostatic gravity anomalies field in Yellow Sea area from the Bouguer gravity anomalies and the water depth and altitude data. And then the isostatic gravity anomalies character is analyzed and the integrated geological-geophysical interpretation is made on the basis of summarizing the previous research result systemically and analyzing other geophysical data and geological information. From the research, we find that the Yellow Sea area belongs to continental type crust equilibrium regions, where the isostatic gravity anomalies field is placid and has less fluctuation values, which implies that the area is in equilibrium state to different extends.

La importancia de Chechenia para los intereses geopolíticos de la Federación Rusa

La importancia de Chechenia para la Federación Rusa radica en una serie de elementos históricos, religiosos, económicos. Tiene una posición privilegiada en el Cáucaso como zona de paso de recursos estratégicos provenientes del Asia Central. A nivel geopolítico tiene una importancia en el Cáucaso y sus zonas adyacentes.

Los intereses geopolíticos de Rusia sobre la Karelia, frente a los recursos estratégicos y el posicionamiento hegemónico en el Ártico

El interés de este estudio de caso es analizar a partir de la política exterior de la Federación de Rusia los intereses geopolíticos de este país en la región de Karelia en Finlandia, con respecto a sus recursos estratégicos y su posicionamiento hegemónico en el Ártico. Para este cometido, se analizará la importancia de los recursos estratégicos en el crecimiento y desarrollo a través de los años de Rusia en el campo económico y militar, postulando la importancia del Ártico en la supervivencia de Rusia como potencia hegemónica en el Sistema Internacional Teniendo en cuenta la teoría del Realismo Ofensivo de John Mearsheimer se analizan los intereses geopolíticos de Rusia en la Karelia como territorio conector al Ártico y así determinar las implicaciones que tendría una acción por controlar esta región por parte de Rusia en las relaciones Bilaterales con Finlandia y por supuesto con las otras potencias.

Ordenamiento territorial, recursos naturales y Asamblea Constituyente en Bolivia: ¿hacia un Estado Plurinacional? (Otros Temas)

El planeamiento del autor hace referencia a como el ordenamiento territorial y el control –estatal, comunal o privado– de los recursos estratégicos del país serán el tema central de debate en la Asamblea Constituyente de Bolivia. Garcés pasa revista a las propuestas de las organizaciones y del gobierno boliviano y finaliza señalando que será un desafío para la Asamblea y para el gobierno de Morales tomar en cuenta los planteamientos de las organizaciones indígenas y campesinas del país.

Relação entre stakeholders, recursos estratégicos e sustentabilidade em uma organização atuante na cadeia de valor da indústria brasileira de energia eólica

This paper approaches the strategy in business management and aimed at identifying and outlining the interests and commitment of stakeholders in strategic resources management concerning production and implementation of wind turbine equipment of a Brazilian wind power company and also verifying if internal and external results deriving from such activities were sustainable, taking as main reference seminal publications and periodicals relevant to the research point that discuss the Resource Theory, Stakeholders and Sustainability. An analysis was carried out to assess how stakeholders, beyond the temporal context, intermediated the composition, development and management of the organization´s resources, as well as the social, environmental and economic results obtained from resources management in the production and supply of wind turbines to a Wind Power Plant located in the State of Ceara, in order to portray that Brazil sustainability can be an important competitive advantage source that creates value for shareholders and the community (Hart & Milstein, 2003). The strategy herein applied was the qualitative investigation using a single study case, which allowed for the thorough examination of an active organization operating in the Brazilian industry of wind power and also the resources used in the production and implementation of wind turbines supplied to the a Wind Power Plant in Ceara. Considering the content analysis and the triangulation principle, three qualitative data collection methods were applied to identify and characterize stakeholders’ interest and commitment in resource management of the organization operating in the Brazilian wind power industry, as follows, semistructured deep interview with managers of tactic-strategic level and analysts of organization´s value chain nine activities, analysis of public internal and external documents; and analysis of audio-visual material. Nonetheless, to identify the internal and external economic, social and environmental results of implementation and supply of wind turbines to the Wind Power Plant in Ceara, semistructured interviews were also carried out with the residents of the region. Results showed the BNDES (Brazilian Development Bank) and the organization head office were the stakeholders who exerted the strongest influence on resources related to production and implementation of the aerogenerator product at Trairi Wind Plant in Ceara. Concerning the organization resources, at the current stage of the Brazilian Wind Industry ,although the brand, reliability and reputation of the organization under study were valuable esources, rare, hard to imitate and exploited by the organization, it was noticed that opposed to RBV, they did not actually represent a source of competitive advantage . For the local community the social, economic and environmental results related to the wind turbines implementation were more positive than negative, despite the fact that the productive process caused negative environmental impacts such as the high emission of CO2 to transport wind turbines components to Trairi Wind Power Plant.

Fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in Brazil through private equity and venture capital public policies

It is well documented the positive impact of the Private Equity and Venture Capital (PE/VC) industry on the creation and development of highly successful innovative companies in a few countries, mainly in the United States. PE/VC firms provide not only capital to startups and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) that usually have financing gap, especially in emerging markets, but also strategic resources that enable these enterprises to commercialize innovation. As consequence, government incentive and nurture of local PE/VC industries would be expected in emerging economies due to innovation‟s importance to economic growth. This paper aims to identify if the Brazilian government has supported local PE/VC industry throughout the years in order to foster favorable conditions to creating and developing successful innovative businesses. It also analyzes Brazil‟s main public policies towards PE/VC and if they encompass all the three stages of its cycle – fundraising, investing and exiting. I conducted an empirical research which collected primary data from a sample of 127 PE/VC firms (90% of the population) operating in Brazil as of June, 2008. All firms answered a webbased questionnaire that collected quantitative data regarding their investment vehicles, portfolio companies, investments and exits. I compared the data obtained from the survey with the main local governmental PE/VC support programs. First, I confirmed the hypothesis that the Brazilian government has been using the PE/VC industry as a public policy towards entrepreneurship and innovation. Second, I identified that although PE/VC public policies in Brazil are mostly concentrated in fundraising phase, they have been able to positively impact the whole cycle. Third, it became clear that the Brazilian government became more concerned about Seed and Venture Capital (VC) Early stages due to their importance to the entire PE/VC value chain. As consequence, I conclude that those public policies have been very important to build a dynamic and strong local PE/VC industry, whose committed capital grew 50% per year between 2005 and 2008 to achieve US$27 billion, which invested US$ 11 billion, which employs 1,400 professionals (75% with postgraduate degrees) and maintains 482 portfolio companies, mostly SMEs. In addition, PE/VCbacked companies represented one third of the Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) that occurred in Brazil between 2004 and 2008 (approximately US$15 billion).