Technological advantage and market loss: Siemens and the X-ray machine business in Japan (1900–1960)

This paper focuses on the involvement of Siemens on the market for radiology equipment in Japan between 1900 and 1960 from a business history perspective. It explores why the German multinational was unable to keep its dominant position on the Japanese market in the interwar years, despite its technological competitiveness. In particular, it examines the strategic choices made by the firm (export, licensing, direct investment) in relation to the changing economic and technological environment, highlighting the importance, for foreign multinationals, of working together with national trading firms involved in the distribution of drugs and products for doctors, as the Japanese medical market was already well structured when the country opened up to the West. Four phases have been identified. At first, before World War I, German manufacturers of X-ray machines, especially Siemens, enjoyed a virtual monopoly in Japan and favored an export strategy. The political and technological shifts that occurred during the war (interruption of trade with Germany, development of the Coolidge X-ray tube by General Electric) led to a more competitive market in Japan. Siemens reorganized its involvement in this business via a contract signed with a domestic medical goods trade company, Goto Fuundo (1926). Yet this proved insufficient to overcome the competition, and Siemens finally decided to relocate some of its production facilities for X-ray machines in Japan by entering into a joint venture with Goto (1932). Relations between Siemens and Goto were severed by the war, and Goto tried until the 1950s to go it alone in this field but failed due to a lack of organizational capability. As for Siemens, it reverted to its export strategy approach, re-entering the market in the 1950s.Siemens, Goto Fuundo, X-ray machines, medical market

ATM Direct Charging Reform: the Effect of Independent Deployers on welfare

Recently in Australia, the interchange fees on shared ATM transactions were removed and replaced by a fee directly set and received by the ATM owner ("direct charging scheme"). We develop a model to study how the entry of independent ATM deployers (IADS) affects welfare under the direct charging scheme. Paradoxically, we show that the entry of IADS benefits banks ! It is also good for consumers if they sufficiently value the ATMs deployed by the independent deployers.direct charging reform

ATM Direct Charging Reform: the Effect of Independent Deployers on Welfare

In Australia, on the 3rd of March 2009, the interchange fees on shared ATM transactions were removed and replaced by fees directly set and received by the ATM owners. We develop a model to study how the entry of independent ATM deployers (IADs) affects welfare under this direct charging scheme. Paradoxically, we show that the IAD entry benefits banks. It may be good for consumers if they sufficiently value the associated growth of the ATM network.ATMs; Direct Charging Reform; Independent Deployers

Paying for ATM usage : good for consumers, bad for banks ?

We compare the effects of the three most common ATM pricing regimes on consumers’ welfare and banks’ profits. We consider cases where the ATM usage is free, where customers pay a foreign fee to their bank and where they pay a foreign fee and a surcharge. Paradoxically, when banks set an additional fee profits are decreased. Besides, consumers’ welfare is higher when ATM usage is not free. Surcharges enhance ATM deployment so that consumers prefer paying surcharges when reaching cash is costly. Our results also shed light on the Australian reform that consists in removing the interchange fee.Banks ; ATMs ; Interchange Fees ; Welfare

Should Economists Listen to Educational Psychologists? : Some Economics of Student Motivation

This paper sheds light on the role of student motivation in the success of schooling. We develop a model in which a teacher engages in the management of student motivation through the choice of the classroom environment. We show that the teacher is able to motivate high-ability students, at least in the short run, by designing a competitive environment. For students with low ability, risk aversion, or when engaged in a long-term relationship, the teacher designs a classroom environment that is more focused on mastery and self-referenced standards. In doing so, the teacher helps to develop the intrinsic motivation of students and their capacity to overcome failures.Education; Student Achievement; Intrinsic and Extrinsic Motivation; Effort; Goal Theory.

TFIIIC Localizes Budding Yeast ETC Sites to the Nuclear Periphery

Peer reviewedPublisher PD

Breaking the Seal of Confession: Examining the Constitutionality of the Clergy-Penitent Privilege in Mandatory Reporting Law

The article focuses on intersection of mandatory reporting legislation and the clergy-penitent privilege illustrates a conflict between the public policy goal of protecting children and the constitutional right to Free Exercise of religion and negative effects on the reporting of child abuse