Joint Choice Research Articles

Multicriteria choice of a carrier aircraft and main design parameters of an air launcher decoy

The multicriteria optimization problem on joint choice of a carrier aircraft and main design parameters of an air launcher decoy are considered. The estimation of the design parameter values for the aerial decoy is based on the statistical data processing with the use of the methods for constructing nonlinear regression. The result of solving this problem is a set of Pareto-optimal geometry characteristics of the carrier aircraft and aerial decoy. A person who is responsible for decision-making should choose the most reasonable variant from these characteristics. An example of solving the problem is presented.

A Dynamic Structural Model of Contraceptive Use and Employment Sector Choice for Women in Indonesia

This research investigates the impact of the Indonesian family planning program on the labor force participation decisions and contraceptive choices of women. I develop a discrete choice dynamic structural model, where each married woman in every period makes joint choices regarding the method of contraceptive used and the sector of employment in which to work in order to maximize her expected discounted lifetime utility function. Each woman obtains utility from pecuniary sources, nonpecuniary sources, and choice-specific time shocks. In addition to the random shocks, there is uncertainty in the model as a woman can only imperfectly control her fertility. Dynamics in the model are captured by several forms of state and duration dependence. Women in this model make different choices due to different preferences, differences in observable characteristics, and realization of uncertainty. The choices made by a woman depend on the compatibility between raising children and the sector of employment (including wages). While making decisions regarding contraceptive use, a woman considers the trade-off between costs (monetary and nonmonetary) of having a child and the benefits from having one. The primary source of data for this study is the first wave of the Indonesia Family Life Survey (IFLS 1), a retrospective panel. In my research, I use the geographic expansion and the changing nature of the Indonesian family planning program as sources of exogenous variation to identify the parameters of the structural model. I estimate the model using maximum likelihood techniques with data from IFLS 1 for the periods 1979-1993. Structural model estimates indicate that informal sector jobs offer greater compatibility between work and childcare. Parameter estimates indicate that choices of contraception method and employment sector vary by exogenous characteristics.

Full Rotatability and Singularity of Six-Bar and Geared Five-Bar Linkages

Full rotatability identification is a problem frequently encountered in linkage analysis and synthesis. The full rotatability of a linkage refers to a linkage, in which the input may complete a continuous rotation without the possibility of encountering a dead center position. In a complex linkage, the input rotatability of each branch may be different. This paper presents a unified and comprehensive treatment for the full rotatability identification of six-bar and geared five-bar linkages, regardless of the choice of input joints or reference link. A general way to identify all dead center positions and the associated branches is discussed. Special attention and detail discussion is given to the more difficult condition, in which the input is not given through a joint in the four-bar loop or to a gear link. A branch without a dead center position has full rotatability. Using the concept of joint rotation space, the branch of each dead center position, and hence, the branch without a dead center position can be identified. One may find the proposed method to be generally and conceptually straightforward. The treatment covers all linkage inversions.

Predicting Joint Choice Using Individual Data

Choice decisions in the marketplace are often made by a collection of individuals or a group. Examples include purchase decisions involving families and organizations. A particularly unique aspect of a joint choice is that the group's preference is very likely to diverge from preferences of the individuals that constitute the group. For a marketing researcher, the biggest hurdle in measuring group preference is that it is often infeasible or cost prohibitive to collect data at the group level. Our objective in this research is to propose a novel methodology to estimate joint preference without the need to collect joint data from the group members. Our methodology makes use of both stated and inferred preference measures, and merges experimental design, statistical modeling, and utility aggregation theories to capture the psychological processes of preference revision and concession that lead to the joint preference. Results based on a study involving a cell phone purchase for 214 parent-teen dyads demonstrate predictive validity of our proposed method.

Model for Person and Household Mobility Attributes

Individual mobility attributes have a strong impact on travel choices. In most applied models the only individual mobility attribute addressed is household car ownership. The new generation of activity-based models will be significantly expanded to include a wider range of mobility attributes, such as possession of a driver's license, employer-provided transportation for commuting, car available from work or business, employer-provided or subsidized parking, and transit pass holding. The paper outlines a general framework for inclusion of individual mobility attributes in travel models and statistically explores two of them–-household car ownership and person transit pass holding–-on the basis of the London Area Travel Survey conducted in 2001. A joint choice model for both mobility attributes is estimated, and the corresponding behavioral insights are discussed. Among the key findings, a strong interdependence between mobility attributes such as car ownership, transit pass holding, and employer-provided transportation benefits can be mentioned. The paper also discusses the practical benefits of including mobility attributes in travel models for testing different policy scenarios.

Guideline-Consistent Antidepressant Treatment Patterns Among Veterans With Diabetes and Major Depressive Disorder

Guideline-Consistent Antidepressant Treatment Patterns Among Veterans With Diabetes and Major Depressive Disorder

A Finite Element Analysis of Scarf Joint for Controlling the Triaxiality Function in Adhesive Bonding

Triaxiality function (Rv) has been known as one of the important factors that responsible for damage initiation in adhesive bonding. Damage evolution law for low cycle fatigue (LCF) is function of Rv, von Mises equivalent stress (Seqv) and number of cycles (N). From previous research, it was found that the Rv values of two cases: bulk adhesives and single lap joint (SLJ), were close to unity. Those values are uncontrollable. Meanwhile, the damage equation for general solution contains Rv as an independent variable. There is need to choose another joint type that can characterise Rv as an independent variable. This paper presents the choice of scarf joint as specimen that can simulate variation of Rv. Several types of adhesive joints have been modelled and analysed using ANSYS as finite element analysis (FEA) tool. In ANSYS, Rv values were calculated directly from direct output results: von Misses equivalent stress and Hydrostatic stress. From FEA, it was shown that Rv changed as a function of adhesive bondline angle of the scarf joint. The values of Rv are constant along adhesive line except at the free edges. This choice is better than Cleavage joint where the values of Rv are not constant along adhesive line due to the presence of bending moment.

The Family Under the Microscope: An Experiment Testing Economic Models of Household Choice

We devise and execute three experiments to test key features of models of household decision-making. Using established couples (married and unmarried) we test income pooling, unanimity and Pareto efficiency. Subjects make choices individually and jointly and are asked to make predictions about their partner’s choices. Unanimity is rejected. Income pooling is not rejected in joint choice but has less explanatory power in individual choice. In direct tests both sexes do not pool income completely, but in econometric tests across all tasks, women place an equal weight on payoffs but men discount their partner’s payoffs by between 15 and 20%. We find that transparency has little impact on deviations from income pooling or indeed on behaviour generally. Many joint choices deviate from the Pareto principle in a systematic manner suggesting that choices made as a couple are more risk averse than individual decisions.

A Nonlinear Fracture Mechanics Approach to Modeling Fatigue Crack Growth in Solder Joints

Predicting the fatigue life of solder interconnections is a challenge due to the complex nonlinear behavior of solder alloys and the importance of the load history. Long experience with Sn–Pb solder alloys together with empirical fatigue life models such as the Coffin–Manson rule have helped us identify reliable choices among package design alternatives. However, for the currently popular Pb-free choice of SnAgCu solder joints, designing accelerated thermal cycling tests and estimating the fatigue life are challenged by the significantly different creep behavior relative to Sn–Pb alloys. In this paper, a hybrid fatigue modeling approach inspired by nonlinear fracture mechanics is developed to predict the crack trajectory and fatigue life of a solder interconnection. The model is shown to be similar to well accepted cohesive zone models in its theoretical development and application and is anticipated to be computationally more efficient compared to cohesive zone models in a finite element setting. The approach goes beyond empirical modeling in accurately predicting crack trajectories and is validated against experiments performed on lead-free as well as Sn–Pb solder joint containing microelectronic packages. Material parameters relevant to the model are estimated via a coupled experimental and numerical technique.

Virtual prototyping in design of synchronous belts drives

Today, the synchronous belt drives design involves step-by-step procedures for selecting acceptable belts and other components for a demanded application. For special applications, the design of the belt drives components can be optimised by simulating the drive tests under different loading. The present paper presents a detailed model developed for the characterisation of the behaviour of synchronous belt transmissions, with the final goal of predicting the load distribution on the contact arc and suggesting possible design changes, in order to avoid the improper structure of the transmission. CAE methods, such as FEA or multi-body analysis aim to replace classical tests after experimental validation of computer software results. This method involves a degree of subjectivity during its deployment: the choice of materials and their properties, the choice of joints and applications, defining areas of contact.

Modeling User Responses to Pricing

In a previous contribution, the authors showed how to incorporate user heterogeneity in determining equilibrium route choices in a network in response to pricing. Presented here is a generalization of that framework to incorporate joint consideration of route and departure time as well as heterogeneity in a wider range of behavioral characteristics. A multicriterion simultaneous route and departure time user equilibrium (MSRDUE) model is presented, along with a simulation-based algorithm intended for practical network applications. The model explicitly considers heterogeneous users with different values of time (VOTs) and values of (early or late) schedule delay (VOESDs or VOLSDs) in their joint choice of departure times and paths characterized by a set of trip attributes that include travel time, out-of-pocket cost, and schedule delay cost. The problem is formulated as an infinite-dimensional variational inequality problem and solved by a column generation-based algorithmic framework that embeds (a) an extreme nondominated alternative-finding algorithm to obtain the VOT, VOESD, and VOLSD breakpoints that define multiple user classes and the associated least trip cost (joint departure time and path) alternative for each user class; (b) a traffic simulator to capture traffic flow dynamics and determine travel costs experienced; and (c) a path-swapping multiclass alternative flow-updating scheme to solve the restricted multiclass SRDUE problem defined by a subset of feasible alternatives. Application to an actual network illustrates the properties of the algorithm and underscores the importance of capturing user heterogeneity and temporal shifts in the appraisal of dynamic pricing schemes.

The Effect of Relative Performance Evaluation on the Joint Choice of Risk and Effort

The use of Relative Performance Evaluation (RPE) is widely observed across academic and corporate settings. While the use of RPE is commonly justified by the theoretical prediction that it can increase employee risk-taking and effort beyond that of an incentive plan that rewards based only on individual performance, there is no empirical evidence documenting the effect of RPE on individuals’ joint choice of risk and effort. Prior research has been either unable to untangle the effect of RPE on effort and risk-taking or have focused on only one or the other. Using an experiment, this paper examines if the impact of RPE is different in a setting whereby employees’ performance is jointly affected by their concurrent risk and effort choices versus a setting whereby employees’ risk and effort choices are independent and evaluated separately. The results of this experiment show the impact of RPE to be different in the joint setting. I also find that RPE can potentially encourage more extreme risk-taking behavior. In addition, I do not find on average that RPE is more effective than an individual performance based incentive plan in motivating higher effort and lower risk-aversion in the joint setting.

Application and Validation of Dynamic Freight Simulation–Assignment Model to Large-Scale Intermodal Rail Network

A dynamic intermodal multiproduct freight network simulation–assignment model is presented with application to a large-scale inter-modal rail network. Methodology pertaining to the simulation–assignment framework and representation and implementation considerations in dealing with large networks are discussed. The model is applied to a pan-European rail network spanning 11 countries from Scandinavia to Greece. Shipper decisions are disaggregated to an individual shipment level using a dynamic microassignment methodology in which a joint mode, path, service, and carrier choice is made. A mode choice function for this joint choice is calibrated, and issues relating to heterogeneity of freight characteristics are discussed. The model is validated by analyzing convergence patterns and measures of performance, namely, mode splits, compared with other studies. Two examples demonstrate the role of the model as a policy and decision support tool. The impact of expedited operations at international borders and infrastructure improvements on rail services is quantified.

Domestic Judicial Institutions and Human Rights Treaty Violation

Democratic and autocratic states routinely violate their international agreements protecting human rights. Scholars typically link ratification and compliance behavior theoretically but test their models separately; however, if the behaviors are jointly determined then we should treat them that way empirically. We consider how domestic judiciaries influence the joint choice to ratify and comply with international human rights regimes. Using data on the ratification status of states under the Convention Against Torture (CAT), states’ torture practices, and a series of measures of judicial effectiveness, we examine whether legal institutions are likely to constrain state behavior and by implication raise the costs of ratification.

Technological flows and choice of joint ventures in technology alliances

This paper analyses the influence of technological flows in the choice of joint ventures as a governance form of technology alliances, using a theoretical framework based on Transaction Costs Economics and the Economics of Intellectual Property Rights. We argue that the formation of a joint venture is only necessary in situations for which technological flows make the monitoring of alliance activities and the distribution of cooperation rents difficult. Our hypotheses have been confirmed using a sample of technology alliances created by companies from the European Union between 1992 and 1999.

Go for broke or play it safe? Dynamic competition with choice of variance

We consider a differential game in which the joint choices of the two players influence the variance, but not the mean, of the one‐dimensional state variable. We show that a pure strategy perfect equilibrium in stationary Markov strategies (ME) exists and has the property that patient players choose to play it safe when sufficiently ahead and to take risks when sufficiently behind. We also provide a simple condition that implies both players choose risky strategies when neither one is too far ahead, a situation that ensures a dominant player emerges “quickly.”

Modelling the joint choice of activity timing and duration

This paper develops a model of activity and trip scheduling that combines three elements that have to date mostly been investigated in isolation: the duration of activities, the time-of-day preference for activity participation and the effect of schedule delays on the valuation of activities. The model is an error component discrete choice model, describing individuals’ choice between alternative workday activity patterns. The utility function is formulated in a flexible way, applying a bell-shaped component to represent time-of-day preferences for activities. The model was tested using a 2001 data set from the Netherlands. The estimation results suggest that time-of-day preferences and schedule delays associated with the work activity are the most important factors influencing the scheduling of the work tour. Error components included in the model suggest that there is considerable unobserved heterogeneity with respect to mode preferences and schedule delay.

Growth Opportunities and the Choice of Leverage, Debt Maturity, and Covenants

ABSTRACTWe investigate the effect of growth opportunities in a firm's investment opportunity set on its joint choice of leverage, debt maturity, and covenants. Using a database that contains detailed debt covenant information, we provide large‐sample evidence of the incidence of covenants in public debt and construct firm‐level indices of bondholder covenant protection. We find that covenant protection is increasing in growth opportunities, debt maturity, and leverage. We also document that the negative relation between leverage and growth opportunities is significantly attenuated by covenant protection, suggesting that covenants can mitigate the agency costs of debt for high growth firms.

Domestic Judicial Institutions and Human Rights Treaty Violation

Democratic and autocratic states routinely violate their international agreements protecting human rights. Scholars typically study this phenomenon by focusing on ratification or compliance behavior separately. In our view, these behaviors are inherently linked, and our analysis should address the link explicitly. We consider how domestic judiciaries influence the joint choice to ratify and comply with international human rights regimes. Using data on the ratification status of states under the Convention Against Torture (CAT) and states' torture practices, we find that the joint probability of being ratified under the CAT and violating its terms decreases in the effectiveness of a state's judiciary; and that the joint probability of not being ratified and engaging in behavior proscribed by the CAT increases in the effectiveness of a state's judiciary. The paper suggests that while effective judiciaries offer the promise of an enhanced international human rights law, it is in part a false one. Where judiciaries constrain, states are more likely to avoid these regimes and violate human rights anyway. Where judiciaries do not constrain, states are likely to join and ignore their obligations.

Modeling Joint Choice of Airline Itinerary and Fare Product

The rapid expansion of low-cost airlines and the development of online distribution of airline tickets have put pressure on the pricing and revenue management strategy of network airlines and have substantially modified the airline passenger choice environment, especially in short-haul markets. To analyze the choice behavior of airline passengers, a unique data set is being developed. Passenger booking data are combined with fare class availability data collected daily for a 90-day booking period, and fare rules are applied to reconstruct the passenger choice set and determine which fare products were available at the time of the booking on nonstop itineraries in select business-oriented European short-haul markets. Estimation results from a multinomial logit model of the joint choice of airline itinerary and fare product show that outbound passengers tend to prefer early morning and late afternoon flight departures that allow them to conduct their business activities either before or after their trips. In addition, a significant proportion of passengers traveling during the week tends to prefer higher-priced fully flexible fare products to cheaper nonflexible options; this preference shows the revenue potential of a multiproduct pricing strategy in markets affected by the presence of low-cost competition. This study illustrates how such models may be used to support airline decision making in scheduling, pricing, and revenue management.