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1 – 10 of over 7000
Article
Publication date: 1 May 2005

Mark D. Domney, Heather I.M. Wilson and Er Chen

To compare the profitability and technical efficiency of firms in a monopoly industry, airports, operating with different degrees of market power and under differing regulatory…

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Abstract

Purpose

To compare the profitability and technical efficiency of firms in a monopoly industry, airports, operating with different degrees of market power and under differing regulatory regimes, minimalist in New Zealand and interventionist in Australia.

Design/methodology/approach

Unlike previous privatisation studies, this study measures efficiency and profitability separately. Using data envelopment analysis (DEA), the technical efficiency of privatised airports is assessed, and this independent measure is used in regression analyses to determine whether efficiency, regulation or privatisation is related to airport profitability.

Findings

For firms with monopolistic characteristics operating under minimalist regulation, profitability is related to market power, not efficiency improvements. For firms operating in a regulated environment, profitability is related to regulation, which constrains market power but does not impede efficiency.

Research limitations/implications

This study is limited by its small sample size and its generalisability due to its single industry and regional focus. However, the findings support assertions that the impact of privatisation cannot be assessed independently of industry structure and regulation.

Practical implications

Policy makers considering SOE privatisation in non‐competitive markets should introduce either competition or regulation if firm efficiency is a desired outcome.

Originality/value

Academics and policy makers should be aware that privatisation and competition are not only complementary, as per the extant literature, but they are essential bedfellows. In the absence of competition, regulation is required to control for market power.

Details

International Journal of Public Sector Management, vol. 18 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0951-3558

Keywords

Expert briefing
Publication date: 22 February 2019

Anti-monopoly rules and enforcement in China.

Details

DOI: 10.1108/OXAN-DB242055

ISSN: 2633-304X

Keywords

Geographic
Topical
Book part
Publication date: 12 September 2017

Margaret Arblaster

The concept of light-handed regulation, including light-handed approaches to the regulation of airport services, is discussed. The rationale for the economic regulation of airport…

Abstract

The concept of light-handed regulation, including light-handed approaches to the regulation of airport services, is discussed. The rationale for the economic regulation of airport services and the traditional approaches used for economic regulation of airport charges are summarized. The evolution of international practice of light-handed regulation is outlined, including the experience with minimal regulation across monopoly industries in New Zealand and the acceptance of “negotiated settlements” in utility industries in North America. General reasons for moving to light-handed regulation of airports include the disadvantages of the price cap approach in practice and the benefits of facilitating greater negotiation between airports and users. Comparisons are made between alternative approaches to light-handed regulation of airport services, including price and quality of service monitoring, information disclosure regulation and negotiate-arbitrate regulation, approaches that have been applied to airport services in Australia and New Zealand. The role and nature of the incentives under each approach are discussed. The chapter concludes that whether light-handed regulation provides a suitable alternative approach to direct regulation depends on the market circumstances and the design characteristics of the light-handed approach.

Details

The Economics of Airport Operations
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-78714-497-2

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 January 1991

Roberta L. Tipton

The American Telephone and Telegraph (AT&T) divestiture and the resulting changes in telephone company regulation in the United States have allowed telephone companies to…

Abstract

The American Telephone and Telegraph (AT&T) divestiture and the resulting changes in telephone company regulation in the United States have allowed telephone companies to diversify into non‐regulated businesses including the online information services industry. How and when US telephone companies enter potential information markets is determined in large part by the changes in regulation that have occurred and will occur over the next few years.

Details

Online Review, vol. 15 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0309-314X

Article
Publication date: 1 March 1998

Stuart Cooper

This paper reviews and evaluates the literature concerning the privatisation and regulation of the utility industries in the UK. The economic theories behind and political reasons…

1215

Abstract

This paper reviews and evaluates the literature concerning the privatisation and regulation of the utility industries in the UK. The economic theories behind and political reasons for the programme are considered to give the reader an appreciation of the environment from which these organisations were born and the implications for their continued existence. Once this has been established the paper then considers the role that accounting has played and will continue to play in these industries. This includes consideration of the technical questions which these new organisations are asking and also the role that accounting has in the organisational structure and culture. It draws as a conclusion that these recently privatised industries provide a unique and rich source for further accounting research.

Details

Managerial Auditing Journal, vol. 13 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0268-6902

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 March 1992

Henry H. Perritt

America's movement to a digital network infrastructure may be threatened by the unavailability of high‐speed network channels to some sources of information. One reason for…

Abstract

America's movement to a digital network infrastructure may be threatened by the unavailability of high‐speed network channels to some sources of information. One reason for unavailability is fear by network intermediaries that they face legal liability for carrying harmful messages. Yet changing the law to require network intermediaries to provide equal access to their services raises First Amendment questions.

Details

Internet Research, vol. 2 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1066-2243

Article
Publication date: 17 August 2010

Henry H. Perritt

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the USA's movement to a digital network infrastructure which may be threatened by the unavailability of high‐speed network channels to some…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the USA's movement to a digital network infrastructure which may be threatened by the unavailability of high‐speed network channels to some sources of information.

Design/methodology/approach

One reason for unavailability is fear by network intermediaries that they face legal liability for carrying harmful messages. Yet changing the law to require network intermediaries to provide equal access to their services raises First Amendment questions.

Findings

A mechanism should be established for providers of network services to inform potential customers of the terms on which they handle traffic. An electronic forum for notices of access policy would be one way to implement this recommendation.

Originality/value

Uncertainty about equal access, tort liability and First Amendment privileges adversely affects commercialization of the Internet. Commercialization must begin with acceptance of three goals for digital electronic network policy: encouraging a diversity of information products, preventing suppliers of information content from being foreclosed from access to markets, and allowing persons suffering legal injury, because of information content, to obtain compensation based on fault.

Details

Internet Research, vol. 20 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1066-2243

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 17 July 2009

Jennifer Rowley

The purpose of this paper is to propose that the traditional definition of monopoly needs to be extended to accommodate twenty‐first century marketplaces. The concept of superpoly

4337

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose that the traditional definition of monopoly needs to be extended to accommodate twenty‐first century marketplaces. The concept of superpoly is defined and discussed. Superpoly is a development of the concept of monopoly to accommodate market structures in networked and knowledge‐intensive economies characterised by a high underlying level of consumer choice.

Design/methodology/approach

A definition of superpoly is offered and each of the seven market spaces in superpoly are defined and illustrated with reference to Tesco, the UK supermarket chain. A discussion section explores the issues that arise from over‐dominance of one business in each of these spaces in terms of the positives (typically emphasised by the dominant business) and the negatives (typically emphasised by other stakeholders).

Findings

In order to achieve a state of superpoly, businesses focus on seven interrelated market spaces, including respectively: commercial space, channel space, consumption space, community space, cultural space, career space, and communication space. These are the seven spaces of superpoly. The proposed concept of superpoly suggests that researchers should take a broader perspective on competition and competitive practices.

Originality/value

The article is the first to propose a development of the concept of monopoly and business dominance for knowledge‐based, consumption focussed and networked societies and economies.

Details

Management Research News, vol. 32 no. 8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0140-9174

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 October 2003

Heather R. Kolnsberg

The debate over whether or not to allow the sale of human organs is compelling enough to warrant discussion. A literature review revealed much ethical discussion, but little…

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Abstract

The debate over whether or not to allow the sale of human organs is compelling enough to warrant discussion. A literature review revealed much ethical discussion, but little discussion was found on economic outcomes related to donors and selling human organs. It was demonstrated in the literature how an increased organ supply will benefit recipients. If allowing the sale of organs is the way to increase the organ supply for the benefit of recipients, then, in order to demonstrate that donors will not be exploited, it must be demonstrated how, and if, such sales would benefit those donors. This study explores whether or not one should sell human organs. Using basic models, this study develops economic scenarios and outcomes related to the selling of human organs with particular focus on pricing and profitability in relation to donor benefit. Theoretical outcomes show that the donor will not benefit in the long run.

Details

International Journal of Social Economics, vol. 30 no. 10
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0306-8293

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 August 1999

Frank Dewhurst, Angel R. Martínez‐Lorente and Barrie G. Dale

This paper explores the application of total quality management (TQM) to public sector organisations. The examination of the operating characteristics of these organisations has…

2878

Abstract

This paper explores the application of total quality management (TQM) to public sector organisations. The examination of the operating characteristics of these organisations has been made against ten dimensions of TQM (e.g. supplier relationships and workforce management) identified and defined by the authors using the academic literature. From the examination TQM is found to be of benefit to public sector organisations but particular characteristics of their operation, in particular, the lack of understanding of customer satisfaction issues, the contentment of managers and staff to work to rules and regulations and observe precedent, and the lack of internal drive and motivation to improve processes, make the TQM intervention more difficult. It is also observed that regulatory bodies can provide the incentive to improve, acting in the same role as demanding customers in a competitive situation.

Details

Managing Service Quality: An International Journal, vol. 9 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0960-4529

Keywords

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