The dissertation develops a comprehensive theoretical framework which concerns the impact of institutional framework on economic performance at the micro and macro level. After extensively examining the existing literature, the conception of firm-government network relations and strategic...

Thesis (MSc (Mathematical Sciences))--Stellenbosch University, 2011

While many progressive enterprises are becoming more network-centric, many research-oriented organisations retain a traditional hierarchy with an ego-centric culture. Paradoxically, network-centrism is associated with technology, innovation and creativity, the hallmarks of cutting-edge research....

Complex international projects face various risks and challenges. Technical, economic and social complexities are constant companions of this form of doing business. Management of intra- and interorganizational network processes are thus a key competence for success.This dissertation analyzes...

This paper investigates the dynamic relation between callers' socialties and their wireless phone service consumption. We construct a largepair-level panel dataset with information on the number of each pair'scommon contacts, calling activities, prices, and each caller'scharacteristics over a...

This dissertation examines how a fundamental group decision-making bias referred to as group polarization may influence boards’ major strategic decisions (i.e. acquisition premiums, executive compensation, and diversification) and the diffusion of practices through interlock networks. I begin...

The scope of my dissertation is to understand how consumers’ online communication affects consumers’ behavior and market outcomes. The recent growth of consumer generated media (CGM), also known as “new” media, has provided consumers easier interaction, both to search for product...

Recent social spending inflation in China has led to its growth rate far exceeding that of income and other consumption. In this paper, we estimate private returns to social spending, such as higher social status and larger social network that serve as certain functions. In almost all...