Evaluating Real Options As A Means For Investment Appraisal Under Uncertainty And Its Degree Of Utilisation By Companies

Inhaltsangabe:Abstract: This paper evaluates the real options approach (ROA) as a means for appraising capital investments under uncertainty. Globalisation and growing competitiveness have led to an increase in uncertainty with regard to companies decision making. Flexibility to react to this uncertainty has become more important. The question arises whether there is a need for a further investment appraisal technique or whether traditional techniques can cope with that. A growing literature about real options shows that traditional investment appraisal techniques do not value flexibility. That is why ROA has become more important within recent years. However, the degree of its utilisation by companies seems to be rather low. Three possible reasons for that are examined: ROA is not well-known by companies, especially small- and medium-sized enterprises. ROA is only limitedly applicable. ROA is too difficult to use. After traditional investment appraisal techniques have been outlined, the real options approach is illustrated by means of a case study. The possible range of application is assessed by reviewing the literature. A survey was conducted to check whether companies know about or apply that technique, and to identify the tools used by companies. This study shows that while the range of possible applications of real options is rather vast, ROA is rarely known by German and British companies and barely applied. One reason might be, that most books and articles are of rather academic nature. This seems to have been realised since books with a focus on practical application have been published recently. The complexity of ROA seems to be a further reason for its low degree of utilisation. Companies tend to use simpler but more comprehensible techniques although these methods have some major drawbacks. However, business science should not end in itself but serve businesses. Therefore, further emphasis has to be put on making real options approachable for practitioners. Inhaltsverzeichnis:Table of Contents: I.Abstract2 II.Acknowledgements3 III.Table of Contents4 IV.List of Figures7 V.List of Abbreviations8 1.Introduction9 2.Characteristics of Investment Decisions11 2.1What Is a Capital Investment?11 2.2Risk and Uncertainty12 3.Tools for Investment Appraisals15 3.1Static Methods15 3.2Discounted Cash Flow Approaches (Dynamic)17 3.3Approaches Which Try to Deal With Risk20 4.The Real Options Approach24 4.1Why Use Real Options to [...]

This volume presents selected contributions by top researchers in the field of operations research, originating from the XVI Congress of APDIO. It provides interesting findings and applications of operations research methods and techniques in a wide variety of problems. The contributions address complex real-world problems, including inventory management with lateral transshipments, sectors and routes in solid-waste collection and production planning for perishable food products. It also discusses the latest techniques, making the volume a valuable tool for researchers, students and practitioners who wish to learn about current trends. Of particular interest are the applications of nonlinear and mixed-integer programming, data envelopment analysis, clustering techniques, hybrid heuristics, supply chain management and lot sizing, as well as job scheduling problems. This biennial conference, organized by APDIO, the Portuguese Association of Operational Research, held in Bragança, Portugal, in June 2013, presented a perfect opportunity to discuss the latest development in this field and to narrow the gap between academic researchers and practitioners.

The secure storage of energy and carbon dioxide in subsurface geological formations plays a crucial role in transitioning to a low-carbon energy system. The suitability and security of subsurface storage sites rely on the geological and hydraulic properties of the reservoir and confining units. Additionally, their ability to withstand varying thermal, mechanical, hydraulic, biological and chemical conditions during storage operations is essential. Each subsurface storage technology has distinct geological requirements and faces specific economic, logistical, public and scientific challenges. As a result, certain sites can be better suited than others for specific low-carbon energy applications. This Special Publication provides a summary of the state of the art in subsurface energy and carbon dioxide storage. It includes 20 case studies that offer insights into site selection, characterization of reservoir processes, the role of caprocks and fault seals, as well as monitoring and risk assessment needs for subsurface storage operations.

This book comprises refereed papers from the 10th World Congress on Engineering Asset Management (WCEAM 2015), held in Tampere, Finland in September 2015. These proceedings include a compilation of state-of-the-art papers covering a comprehensive range of subjects equally relevant to business managers and engineering professionals alike. With a focus on various aspects of engineering asset management ranging from strategic level issues to detail-level machine health issues, these papers address both industry and public sector concerns and issues, as well as advanced academic research. Proceedings of the WCEAM 2015 is an excellent reference and resource for asset management practitioners, researchers and academics, as well as undergraduate and postgraduate students at tertiary institutions or in the industry.

Examines the ways in which real options theory can contribute to strategic management. This volume offers conceptual pieces that trace out pathways for the theory to move forward and presents research on the implications of real options for strategic investment, organization, and firm performance.

Using real-world examples and clear case studies, the authors provide investors and managers with an innovative method for assessing a company's non-financial assets, allowing them to assess opportunities whose financial rewards are less than certain.

World cities are reaching previously inconceivable sizes and populations. For the last fifteen years, The Megacities Foundation has encouraged public debate on this development, uniting practitioners from the fields of architecture, economics, geography, sociology and urban planning. This book offers a compilation of the Foundation's best lectures, defining megacities and their processes and systems.