Decision Structures in Franchise Systems of the Plural Form

Many successful franchise chains directly own a positive fraction of stores --- a structure referred to as plural form. We propose that this ownership structure is chosen as a commitment not to expropriate franchisees. The theoretical model is based on an empirical analysis of contract and interview data from the US fast-food sector and well known stylized facts: First, franchisees typically have strong contractual obligations to implement activities selected by the chain. Second, franchisees pay a revenue-based royalty to the chain. Therefore, the chain has incentives to select inefficient activities that yield high revenues but are too costly. If uniform standards require that activities must be the same in company-owned and franchise stores, a substantial fraction of company-owned stores works as a commitment device to select more efficient activities. The theoretical analysis further predicts that a strong contractual commitment to uniform standards is preferable if the fraction of company-owned stores is sufficiently high. This prediction is supported by our data.franchising, plural form, contracts

A study on the chemical and physical inactivation of Avian bornavirus

Avian bornavirus (ABV) is the etiological agent of Proventricular Dilatation Disease, a fatal neurological disease of pet and aviary kept Psittacine birds (parrots). ABV is believed to be transmitted through the fecal-oral route. Viral susceptibility to environmental factors, such as pH and drying, and to disinfectants is unknown. Knowledge of this susceptibility is needed by bird owners and aviculturists to assist in reducing environmental contamination and transmission of the virus. In this study, the effectiveness of three commonly used disinfectants, BacDown® Detergent Disinfectant, F10SC Veterinary Disinfectant, and Virkon® S, and the survivability of ABV at differing pH environments and to drying was evaluated

Fish Species, Some Uncommon, Collected From the Lower Minnesota River

Fish collections were made in the lower Minnesota River in the vicinity of the Black Dog Generating Plant and at the intake structure of the plant from April, 1976, to April, 1977 as part of a section 316(b) demonstration study. Composition of the fish community of the area is reported along with notes on several species whose occurrence was considered unusual . New information on the occurrence of river carpsucker (Carpiodes carpio Rafinesque) and river darter (Percina shumardi, Girard) to the Minnesota River is also presented

IDSC USA Response to NIWRGs Appeal

The Brief of the Respondent, the United States of Americ

IDSC USA Opening Brief

The Brief of the Appellant, the United States of Americ

IDSC USA Response to NIWRGs Appeal

The Brief of the Respondent, the United States of Americ

IDSC USA Opening Brief

The Brief of the Appellant, the United States of Americ

IDSC Reply Brief USA

The Reply Brief of the United State