scholarly journals Using game theory to assess multi-company strategies in watershed management

2016 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 535
Author(s):  
Luke Ogilvie Thompson ◽  
Alexandre Bevilacqua Leoneti ◽  
René Bañares-Alcántara ◽  
Eduardo Cleto Pires
Keyword(s):  
Game Theory ◽  
Decision Making ◽  
Watershed Management ◽  
Nash Equilibria ◽  
Engineering Problem ◽  
Management Decision ◽  
Problem Case ◽  
Management Decision Making

The main objective of this work was to evaluate the use of game theory as a strategic tool for watershed management decision-making. An engineering problem case study was used in which three organizations compare various scenarios when deciding where to locate a polluting plant on a watershed. Six games were modeled to provide a variety of conditions that could feasibly be implemented and were simulated using software for finding Nash Equilibria solutions. The results show that game theory can provide key insights, such as the consideration of other players’ strategies, and identify possible pitfalls that may occur when the companies seek only to maximize their individual profitability.

Adoption of renewable energy technologies (RETs) using a mixed-method approach

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicholas Morgan Geddes
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Diffusion Of Innovations ◽  
Mixed Methodology ◽  
Management Decision ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Energy Technologies ◽  
Water Pumping ◽  
Management Decision Making

Purpose This paper aims to propose that the socio-technical perspective is under-represented when appraising the adoption potential of renewable energy technologies (RETs) in late-industrialising countries and that this results in under-adoption. It also aims to identify a methodological approach that allows the socio-technical perspective to be integrated into management decision-making, alongside the more typical economic appraisal methodology. Design/methodology/approach A case study and novel mixed-methodology approach is used, which applies the diffusion of innovations framework, innovation system (IS) framework and system dynamics modelling (SDM) alongside traditional economic modelling and appraisal techniques. This approach is used to assess the adoption potential of solar photovoltaic (PV) and diesel water pumping systems in the wildlife conservation sector and surrounding rural communities in Kenya. The case study approach tests the merits of the mixed-methodology approach. Findings The life-cycle costs of solar PV water pumping systems are lower in nearly all financing and utilisation scenarios; offer additional social, technical and environmental benefits; and the conditions exist for greater adoption. The use of an integrated diffusion of innovations and IS framework generates significant qualitative data that can support management decision-making. The use of SDM techniques aid conceptualisation of the community economic, water and institutional systems into which water pumps may be diffused and provide a starting point for formal SDM simulation. The results suggest that these techniques capture the socio-technical perspective well and, when used alongside traditional project appraisal approaches, produce more complete information with which to support management decision-making. Originality/value This mixed-methodology approach could be used by practitioners to increase the diffusion and adoption of RETs in more complex contexts in late-industrialising countries. The emergent theory built through the case-study approach should be tested further to assess the merits of applying these techniques to support RET management decision-making in other contexts and more broadly.

scholarly journals The prioritization and categorization method (PCM) process evaluation at Ericsson: a case study

2017 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
pp. 377-398 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jens Ohlsson ◽  
Shengnan Han ◽  
Harry Bouwman
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Process Improvement ◽  
Process Management ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Management Decision ◽  
Organizational Setting ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Business Context ◽  
Management Decision Making

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate and evaluate the prioritization and categorization method (PCM), which facilitates the active participation of process stakeholders (managers, owners, customers) in process assessments. Stakeholders evaluate processes in terms of effectiveness, efficiency and relevance against certain contextual business and industry factors. This collective evaluation serves as a foundation for the management decision-making process regarding process improvement and redesign. Design/methodology/approach The PCM is examined based on a case study at Ericsson. In total, 55 stakeholders, representing different organizational levels and functions, assessed eight core processes. Follow-up interviews and feedback after the evaluation sessions were collected for triangulation purpose. Findings The PCM helps Ericsson evaluate its processes within business context and industry environments. The results show that, to realize seamless end-to-end processes in the eight assessed processes, Ericsson has to make a greater effort to improve its process structures, governance and culture for fulfilling the needs of future business. Ericsson Steering Group is satisfied with the insights provided and has decided to train more stakeholders to use PCM. Research limitations/implications This research is based on a single case within a specific organizational setting. The results may not be necessary generalizable to other business and industry settings. Organizations need to configure PCM in consideration of their own processes and business contingencies to explore and fulfil their process improvement purposes. Originality/value This paper presents a new context-aware, easy-to-use and holistic method for business process management (BPM), the PCM. The method requires the active engagement of stakeholders, it focusses on developing dynamic BPM capabilities and fully embeds organizational contingencies and contextual factors in the decision-making regarding BPM. This paper contributes a novel method to explorative BPM.

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