We examine a durable goods monopolist's optimal dynamic price and product quality strategy when buyers are rational, have diverse tastes, and can trade used durables among themselves. Our analysis makes four main points. First, in contrast to the well-known time-inconsistency problem of the...

We use a change in US trade policy, which eliminated potential tariff increases on Chinese imports, to examine the effect of resolution of trade policy uncertainty on merger and acquisition (M&A) activity and shareholder value of acquiring and target firms. After this policy change, industries...

Kenya has long had a reputation of being politically risky, manifested in corruption, uncertainty about policies, and the importance of political connections in doing business. Kenya began its economic liberalization in 1993. Reform picked up speed after a tightening of aid by donors on...

This book aims to improve readers’ understanding of the puzzle of Malawi’s development performance and identify ways for the country to achieve robust growth and stay on a stable growth path that helps the poor. The book places a strong emphasis on assessing Malawi’s growth experience...

We theoretically and empirically analyze the effects of managerial agency on corporate hedging and risk management. Our theoretical analysis indicates that even risk neutral entrenched managers of unlevered firms will optimally establish costly hedging positions. Moreover, our model presents...

Recent court decisions, starting with the State Street decision in 1998, allow business methods to be patentable and now give financial institutions the option to seek patent protection for financial innovations. This new patentability paradigm and the heterogeneity of characteristics associated...

The utility's utilization of communication technology and renewable energy sources has paved the path for self-sustaining microgrids (MGs). However, the intermittency of solar and wind energies raises concerns about meeting demand effectively. To ensure optimal performance of distributed MGs, an...