The Quality-Quantity Trade-off in the Principal-Agent Framework

This paper uses the principal-agent theory to analytically investigate the optimal incentive-based compensation contract that a processor should offer to a grower performing efforts in quantity and quality. In this process, we contribute to the substantive literature on multi-task principal-agent models by analyzing the quality-quantity trade-off and studying the implications of such a relationship in the principal-agent framework. One striking result of these effects is that, under appropriate incentive-based grower’s compensation, the processor may encourage grower’s effort in quality without crowding out grower’s effort in quantity.quality, quantity, trade-off, incentive contract, principal-agent framework, uncertainty, Agribusiness, Agricultural and Food Policy, D86,

Cultura hip-hop y rap español: una aproximación desde la literatura

No disponibleDepartamento de Literatura Española y Teoría de la Literatura y Literatura ComparadaGrado en Español: Lengua y Literatur

Light scattering from high refractive index nanostructures: Theory and applications

122 p.La presente Tesis se enmarca dentro del campo de la Nanofotónica, es decir, del estudio de la interacción de la luz con la materia en la nanoescala. En particular, de la forma en que una onda plana interacciona con el objeto más simétrico existente en la naturaleza: una esfera homogénea. En resumen, se discute el efecto de las condiciones de Kerker sobre esferas dieléctricas. Sorprendentemente, y a pesar de la simplicidad de los cálculos aquí obtenidos, podremos extraer bastante información que, o no ha sido explorada, o ha sido malinterpretada. Los resultados de esta Tesis aspiran a servir como inspiración de futura investigación teórica y experimental adicional sobre los fenómenos en ella descrito

The Stokes Vector Measurement: A Paradigm Shift in Electric-Magnetic Light Distinction

The multipolar expansion of the electromagnetic field plays a key role in the study of light-matter interactions. All the information about the radiation and coupling between the incident wavefield and the object is embodied in the electric and magnetic scattering coefficients $\{a_{\ell m}, b_{\ell m} \}$ of this expansion. However, the experimental determination of $\{a_{\ell m}, b_{\ell m} \}$ requires measuring the components of the scattered electromagnetic field in all directions, something that is enormously challenging. In this Letter, we demonstrate that a single measurement of the Stokes vector at an angle of choice unlocks fundamental Nanophotonics magnitudes that are concealed in the scattered field. The unveiled quantities are: $\left[|a_{\ell m}|^2, |b_{\ell m}|^2, \Re \{ a_{\ell m} b^*_{\ell m} \}, \Im \{ a_{\ell m} b^*_{\ell m} \} \right]$. Strikingly, our Stokes polarimetry approach allows for distinguishing between the magnetic and electric nature of the radiated electromagnetic field. Thereby, our findings, supported by exact analytical theory, can find applications across all branches of Nanophotonics and Optics, and greatly facilitate routine light-scattering measurements

Modelación de una unidad de anestesia y pabellones quirúrgicos en un hospital chileno usando un lenguaje de especificación y descripción

En este trabajo se aborda el problema de llevar a cabo una modelización formal de los procesos relacionados con la Unidad de Anestesia y Pabellones Quirúrgicos en un hospital chileno. Para realizar este modelo utilizamos el Lenguaje de Especificación y Descripción (SDL). Como resultado se obtuvo un diseño gráfico que consiste en un sistema con 10 bloques, 50 procesos, 102 canales de comunicación y 126 señales de información. También incluye el entorno del sistema que corresponde a las unidades de emergencia, servicios clínicos y unidades de apoyo. El modelo tuvo bastante éxito para documentar y comprender el conocimiento de los procesos que se desarrollan en la unidad. La metodología propuesta permite diseñar un modelo que analiza el sistema de forma modular y estándar. También ayuda en la gestión hospitalaria y facilita la simulación. . Los hospitales públicos son sistemas complejos, con recursos limitados y alta demanda. En ellos, la unidad de Anestesia y Pabellones Quirúrgicos cumple un rol fundamental en la cadena de servicios prestados, tanto por los recursos como por los costos asociados. El objetivo del presente trabajo es describir el sistema de pabellón y cuantificar su demanda y oferta, mediante técnicas de modelación, teoría de colas y/o simulación. En particular se trabajará con la unidad de Anestesia y Pabellones Quirúrgicos del hospital Dr. Gustavo Fricke, de Viña del Mar, Chile

The yield/quality trade-off and contractual choice

This paper provides an analysis of the choice of governance mechanism in agriculture using an integrated perspective based on agency theory. The main ways of organizing agriculture are compared: spot market and incentive contract. With the analytical development of both models, it is explored that the choice of the optimal mechanism depends on initial conditions such as uncertainty, the risk aversion of the agents or the number of competitors. Moreover, according to the predictions made by the economic literature on agrarian organization, the results support the coexistence of both governance alternatives.Crop Production/Industries,

Quality and governance mode choice: a transaction cost approach to the wine industry

We analyze the relationship between product quality and governance mode choice using the results of a survey of DOC Rioja wineries. Wineries that produce high-quality wines are more likely to vertically integrate than are wineries that produce low-quality wines. Consistent with Transaction Cost Economics, we find evidence that asset specificity and uncertainty are important determinants of vertical integration. Finally, the size of the winery is also an important factor that affects governance mode choice in viticulture.quality, governance mode choice, transaction cost, Industrial Organization,

On the co-existence of spot and contract markets: an analysis of quality

The possible co-existence of spot and contract market that can emerge in the presence of quality issues with a number of growers and processors in each stage is something that has largely remained an open question in the literature. This paper is an attempt to fill this void. We use a straightforward two-stage Cournot oligopoly model with specific demand and cost functions. In the first stage, processors decide simultaneously whether or not to set an incentive contract. The second stage is the stage in which growers choose their levels of quantity and quality based on the industry structure developed in the first stage. With the help of numerical simulations we conducted the study of the equilibrium structures. Our results suggest that for a wide range of number of participants in both markets, participation in both markets constitutes a Nash equilibrium for the model.Marketing,

Double Sided Moral Hazard and Share Contracts in agriculture

This paper develops a double-sided moral hazard model of share contract in agriculture, with imperfect quality measurement by the agent and the principal, who contribute to the final good quality in terms of production effort and marketing effort respectively. Using this model, we analyse the implications of the share contract for quantity and quality, often ignored in previous analysis. With the help of a simulation exercise, we prove that the outcome-conditioned share generally weakens the agent´s incentive to make effort in quality input. This finding could explain the contractual evidence in some differentiated markets such as the wine market, where bottle-price conditioned contracts are rarely used.share-contract, double moral-hazard, quality, Farm Management,