Abstract Interfaces with Other Disciplines Optimal new product positioning:

Identifying an optimal positioning strategy for new products is a critical and difficult strategic decision. In this research, we develop a genetic algorithm based procedure called GA SEARCH that identifies optimal new product positions. In two simulation comparisons and an empirical study, we compare the results from GA SEARCH to those obtained from the best currently available algorithm (PRODSRCH). We find that GA SEARCH performs better regardless of the number of ideal points, existing products, number of attributes or choice set size. Furthermore, GA SEARCH can account for choice set size heterogeneity. Results show that GA SEARCH outperformed the best current algorithm when choice set size varied at the individual level, an important source of consumer heterogeneity that has been ignored in current algorithms formulated to solve this optimization problem

Managerial assessment of potential entrants: Processes and pitfalls

While others have studied the awareness and action phases of incumbent response, there has been little research on the threat assessment phase. In this paper, we focus on the incumbent’s threat assessment decision process, i.e. how task characteristics can influence the evaluation of potential entrants. In an experiment using experienced marketing managers as subjects, we examine the influence of firm dependence, decision accountability and task complexity on their information acquisition behavior while assessing potential entrants. Our results provide important insights into how companies can an

Fighting off the big guys: comparing competitive retail services strategies in industrialized and developing world settings

Retail competition, Developing economies, Retail strategy,