679 research outputs found
A Contribution to the Understanding of Illegal Copying of Software: Empirical and Analytical Evidence Against Conventional Wisdom
This paper analyzes the causes of illegal copying and its effects in the software market across 66
countries. By studying the aggregated and joint effects of different variables, the analysis shows that
supply constraints in the software market, shortage of after-sale support, and characteristics legal
framework are major drivers of illegal copying when controlling for income per capita. It also concludes
there is enough evidence to show there is a threshold of illegal copying over which its aggregated effect on
the software market is positive, and this is an efficient mechanism for market creation. Thus, allowing
illegal copying in some countries and at certain periods of time may be a profit generating decision in the
long-term, especially in countries with low-developed software markets and with presence of Open Source
software. For other hand, the results provide evidence to understand why proprietary software companies
would prefer enforcing their copyrights and intellectual property rights contingently and as result of a
rational decision-making process
CaracterĂsticas y determinantes de la demanda residencial de energĂa elĂ©ctrica en los Municipios del Eje cafetero
MaestrĂa en EconomĂa, Facultad de Ciencias Contables, EconĂłmicas y Administrativas.El mercado energĂ©tico en Colombia, viene siendo objeto de estudio de gran interĂ©s ante la imperiosa necesidad de establecer los patrones de su funcionamiento, con miras a aportar elementos para los actores de la cadena de valor, desde la generaciĂłn hasta la comercializaciĂłn, por lo cual se hace un anĂĄlisis de las variables principales que pueden determinar la demanda de energĂa elĂ©ctrica por parte de los hogares a nivel de los Departamentos de Caldas, QuindĂo y Risaralda, encontrando que conforme a la teorĂa, la demanda se encuentra relacionada con la tarifa, sin embargo el uso de instrumentos de polĂtica energĂ©tica para regularla tiene impactos en el corto plazo, lo que induce a programas de choque para lograr efectividad, asĂ mismo queda evidenciado las limitaciones para explicar el crecimiento econĂłmico desde la demanda de los hogares, lo que arroja resultados contradictorios en las mediciones previas, siendo complementario la tendencia a que en el mediano plazo se asista a un cambio en la estructura de consumo de los hogares en tĂ©rminos de la canasta energĂ©tica provocado por una mayor conciencia ambiental por parte de las futuras generaciones
Measuring Broadbandâs Economic Impact
Does broadband matter to the economy? Numerous studies have focused on whether there is a digital divide, on regulatory impacts and investment incentives, and on the factors influencing where broadband is available. However, given how recently broadband has been adopted, little empirical research has investigated its economic impact. This paper presents estimates of the effect of broadband on a number of indicators of economic activity, including employment, wages, and industry mix, using a cross-sectional panel data set of communities (by zip code) across the United States. We match data from the FCC (Form 477) on broadband availability with demographic and other economic data from the US Population Censuses and Establishment Surveys. We find support for the conclusion that broadband positively affects economic activity in ways that are consistent with the qualitative stories told by broadband advocates. Even after controlling for community-level factors known to influence broadband availability and economic activity, we find that between 1998 and 2002, communities in which mass-market broadband was available by December 1999 experienced more rapid growth in (1) employment, (2) the number of businesses overall, and (3) businesses in IT-intensive sectors. In addition, the effect of broadband availability by 1999 can be observed in higher market rates for rental housing in 2000. We compare state-level with zip-code level analyses to highlight data aggregation problems, and discuss a number of analytic and data issues that bear on further measurements of broadbandâs economic impact. This analysis is perforce preliminary because additional data and experience are needed to more accurately address this important question; however, the early results presented here suggest that the assumed (and oft-touted) economic impacts of broadband are both real and measurable
Architectural innovation, functional emergence diversification in engineering systems
Thesis (Ph. D.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Engineering Systems Division, Technology, Management, and Policy Program, 2007.This electronic version was submitted by the student author. The certified thesis is available in the Institute Archives and Special Collections.Includes bibliographical references (leaves 255-265).The evolution of the architecture of long-lived complex socio-technical systems have important consequences and can happen in unexpected ways. This dissertation explores this question through the study of the architectural evolution of Municipal Electric Utilities (MEUs) and their diversification into broadband services in the United States. Our research seeks answers to questions of process (why and how did this happen?), impact (what was the economic effect of this evolution?), theory (what is the phenomenon that explains this evolution?) and method (how can we study such changes?). The number of MEUs offering broadband services increased by more than 200% between 2000 and 2005, which made MEUs one of the most important providers of fiber-based broadband services in the nation. As a result, the entry of MEUs into broadband became a heavily debated policy issue at local, state, and national levels, and many laws were proposed for restricting or broadening their role in broadband. Our research provides the first evidence about the economic impact of this phenomenon for better-informed policy making. The analysis of the architectural evolution of MEUs required appropriate methods.(cont.) We integrated the Representation Stage of the Complex Large Interconnected Open Socio-Technical (CLIOS) Process and Object Process Methodology (OPM) under a framework for system architecture analysis, and developed the CLIOS-OPM Integrated Representation Method (COIReM). COIReM' objective is to study the architectural evolution of socio-technical systems. We applied it to the evolution of MEUs using data from case study research, documentation, field research and interviews. We find that the evolution of MEUs and their entry into broadband services resulted from a process we define as Functional Emergence (FE): the process by which a new externally delivered function emerges triggered by the combined effect of technical and contextual changes affecting internal functions of a complex socio-technical system. The diversification of MEUs into broadband shows that small technological changes related to the internal functions of the system in the presence of regulatory and organizational adaptation, can stimulate the emergence of new externally delivered functions. Especially in organizations with high absorptive capacity and dynamic capabilities, these new functions can become sources of strategic diversification. The inability to understand these dynamics can create dramatic competitive disadvantages.(cont.) For example, in this case technical changes created significant resources that, while not being perceived as valuable by the system itself, were greatly valued and demanded by an active local customer base. The impact of this evolution was studied quantitatively using Matched Sample Estimators. Results showed that: (i) the adoption of IP-enabled services had a positive impact on the internal efficiency of MEUs, (ii) there is no evidence to support the contention advanced in some policy discussions that MEUs are subsidizing their broadband business with funds from their electric power operations, and (iii) MEUbased broadband is associated with higher growth rates in the number of local business establishments, even after adjusting for the presence of private broadband providers. These qualitative and quantitative results have important implications for policy making. We argue that the entry of MEU into broadband owes more to their nature as an electric utility than as a municipal agency. We suggest that, as result of the economies of scope between electric power and broadband services, MEUs represent a case of sustainable broadband facilities-based providers and that, given the effects in internal efficiency and local economic development, they should be exempted from state legislation preventing local governments from offering telecommunication services.(cont.) This research makes four main contributions. First, it uncovers a new behavior of complex technological systems: small technological and contextual changes affecting internal components and functions can produce the emergence of new external functions. Second, we propose a new framework to study the architectural evolution of socio-technical systems. Third, it provided evidence that, in the case of MEUs, this behavior is observable and measurable. Finally, the thesis provides a framework with which to formulate intervening policy measures.by Carlos Alberto Osorio-UrzĂșa.Ph.D
Assessing Embodied Carbon in Structural Models: A Building Information Modelling-Based Approach
The construction industryâs recognition of the importance of embodied carbon (EC) drives the need for streamlined early-stage EC assessment. The adoption of building information modelling (BIM) allows for integrating EC assessment into current workflows, as BIM data are fundamental to the assessment. This paper presents a BIM-based prototype tool developed to provide a quick and comprehensive assessment of EC in structural models. The prototype utilises visual programming language (VPL) and a database of external carbon factors to automate the assessment process and displays the results in a visualisation model. The prototype also offers high-level insights to support informed decision making and a detailed analysis to identify areas for optimisation. The results of this study indicate the effectiveness of the prototype in identifying EC hot spots and enabling informed decision making for optimisation. From an academic perspective, the study addresses a research gap by demonstrating the viability of integrating EC assessment in the early stages of design. In terms of practical implications, the presented prototype tool offers practitioners a solution that streamlines the assessment of EC in structural models, enabling informed decision making and identification of optimisation opportunities. In terms of policy, the research is aligned with the industryâs recognition of ECâs importance and supports sustainable building practices towards achieving net zero carbon goals
Technology, Government, Business, and Universities: The Innovation Ecosystem
The purpose of this presentation is to present an overview of the roles of the government, business enterprises,
and universities in the promotion and creation of innovation. Our approach is to present key concepts, principles,
methods, tools and use illustrative examples from research and executive practice. We begin by defining
âinnovationâ. We argue that innovation is both a process and an output. From a process perspective, innovation
is an emergent property of a complex social-technical system composed of government, business enterprises,
and universities. The behavior of this system is the result of policies engineered by the government. We illustrate
this point with examples of various macro economies, e.g. Chile. Using these examples we illustrate effective
government policies. Next we discuss innovation as an output from business enterprises. We focus on enterprise
level methods and tools for innovation. They are: business model transformation, business process reengineering,
inventive problem solving, analysis of customer requirements, technology roadmapping, and knowledge
management. Consistent with our practice, we illustrate the use of these methods and tools in detail. Next,
we touch on the role of universities. For universities to promote innovation, we identify six research paths, three
research strategies, and two goals. We cite a few examples from MIT. We present a key role of universities: to
create interpretation spaces for researchers, government, and business where new innovative knowledge and
ideas can be explored and generated in an environment of strong mutual trust. Innovation is impossible without
decisive executives who are committed to action. Therefore, we present a detailed discussion of a new prescriptive
approach that take a fresh look at decision-making for executives and policy makers. Finally, we distill from all
of the above a set of principles that help unlock innovation. Finally we distill from all of the above a set of principles
that help to unlock innovation
Choice of birth control methods among European women and the role of partners and providers
Background: The choice of a birth control method is influenced by socio-cultural and personal factors. We explored the perceived influences in womenâs choice of a birth control method in five European countries (Germany, France, the U.K., Romania and Sweden), where contraception is widely used.
Study design: Cross-sectional study of 1137 randomly selected women, aged 18-49 years. An anonymous, 31-item questionnaire related to birth control methods was used. Logistic regression was used to identify variables associated with partner participation in choice of a contraceptive.
Results: Oral contraceptives were mainly used in Germany (54.3%), France (50.5%) and Sweden (34.6%) and condoms in the UK (29.6%) and Romania (22.9%). Sweden showed the highest use of intrauterine devices (19%). Romania had the lowest use of contraception. Oral contraceptives and intrauterine devices use were frequently suggested by providers instead of by women. Choosing the method with the partner was associated with age (OR=0.97, 95%CI 0.94-0.99), university graduate (OR=1.59, 95%CI 1.01-2.29), married (OR=1.52, 95%CI 1.01-2.29) and with using a method that requires partnerâs cooperation (OR=8.18, 95%CI 5.46-12.27).
Conclusions: Hormonal contraceptives and intrauterine devices are commonly recommended by providers rather than requested by women. Partner preferences are taken into account when his cooperation in the use of the method is needed. As fertility care is a male and female issue, there is still more room for actively involving both women and men in choice of a birth control method
A Multiple System of Radio Sources at the Core of the L723 Multipolar Outflow
We present high angular resolution Very Large Array multi-epoch continuum
observations at 3.6 cm and 7 mm towards the core of the L723 multipolar outflow
revealing a multiple system of four radio sources suspected to be YSOs in a
region of only ~4 arcsecs (1200 AU) in extent. The 3.6 cm observations show
that the previously detected source VLA 2 contains a close (separation ~0.29
arcsecs or ~90 AU) radio binary, with components (A and B) along a position
angle of ~150 degrees. The northern component (VLA 2A) of this binary system is
also detected in the 7 mm observations, with a positive spectral index between
3.6 cm and 7 mm. In addition, the source VLA 2A is associated with extended
emission along a position angle of ~115 degrees, that we interpret as
outflowing shock-ionized gas that is exciting a system of HH objects with the
same position angle. A third, weak 3.6 cm source, VLA 2C, that is detected also
at 7 mm, is located ~0.7 arcsecs northeast of VLA 2A, and is possibly
associated with the water maser emission in the region. The 7 mm observations
reveal the presence of an additional source, VLA 2D, located ~3.5 arcsecs
southeast of VLA 2A, and with a 1.35 mm counterpart. All these radio continuum
sources have a positive spectral index, compatible with them being YSOs. We
also propose that the high velocity CO emission observed in the region could be
the superposition of multiple outflows (at least three independent bipolar
outflows) excited by the YSOs located at the core, instead of the previous
interpretations in terms of only one or two outflows.Comment: Accepted for publication in The Astrophysical Journal (2007 December
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