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Strategic Quality Choice Under Uncertainty: A Real Options Approach

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  • GRZEGORZ PAWLINA
  • PETER M. KORT

Abstract

In this paper we study the effects of demand uncertainty and imperfect competition on market entry and product quality choice. We allow for either fixed or flexible quality. Under a fixed quality choice, the follower chooses a higher quality provision. Quality is shown to generally increase with the volatility of demand. The strategic quality choice by the follower may trigger the exit of the leader. Furthermore, flexibility in the leader's quality choice can constitute a strategic disadvantage. Finally, the degree of horizontal differentiation between the supplied goods plays a pivotal role in determining the market structure in the long run.

Suggested Citation

  • Grzegorz Pawlina & Peter M. Kort, 2010. "Strategic Quality Choice Under Uncertainty: A Real Options Approach," Manchester School, University of Manchester, vol. 78(1), pages 1-19, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:manchs:v:78:y:2010:i:1:p:1-19
    DOI: 10.1111/j.1467-9957.2009.02124.x
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Thijssen, Jacco J.J. & Huisman, Kuno J.M. & Kort, Peter M., 2012. "Symmetric equilibrium strategies in game theoretic real option models," Journal of Mathematical Economics, Elsevier, vol. 48(4), pages 219-225.
    2. Tamini, Lota Dabio, 2012. "Optimal quality choice under uncertainty on market development," Working Papers 148589, Structure and Performance of Agriculture and Agri-products Industry (SPAA).
    3. Jacco J.J. Thijssen, "undated". "Equilibria in Continuous Time Preemption Games with Markovian Payoffs," Discussion Papers 11/17, Department of Economics, University of York.
    4. Tamini, Lota D., 2012. "Optimal quality choice under uncertainty on market development," MPRA Paper 40845, University Library of Munich, Germany.

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