Search Results (35)

The rapid evolution of live-streaming commerce has reshaped retail supply chains, shifting market dominance from manufacturers to influential streamers. Despite this shift, the internal mechanisms of selling efforts and paid traffic acquisition remain underexplored. To bridge this theoretical gap, we develop a game-theoretic framework to model the endogenous power structure and compare the streamer-led top-tier (KS) mode and the brand-led ordinary (MS) mode. Our analytical results reveal three key theoretical insights. First, we establish strict positive monotonicity between streamer influence and equilibrium decisions. Regardless of the power structure, an increase in influence consistently drives the streamer to intensify operational inputs while simultaneously inducing the brand to raise the direct selling price. Second, consumer sensitivity acts as a positive driver of the top-tier mode. Higher sensitivity motivates the streamer to scale up sales efforts and paid-traffic volume, which corresponds to an optimal increase in the brand’s retail price. Moreover, the top-tier mode exhibits negative sensitivity to operational costs. We prove that rising costs lead to a significant reduction in the streamer’s operational portfolio and, consequently, to a decrease in the brand’s price, indicating that the high-input equilibrium is constrained by cost frictions. From a managerial perspective, numerical experiments reveal not a “Consensus on Scale” but a “Conflict on Structure.” Specifically, brands maximize profit by collaborating with top-tier streamers, while streamers maximize profit by attaining top-tier influence. However, the brand receives more profit by relinquishing channel leadership with respect to the decision hierarchy. In contrast, the streamer is less profitable as a leader than as a follower due to the “leadership trap,” in which greater operational burdens outweigh first-mover advantages. Full article

This paper develops a dynamic real-options model of tariff deterrence in which the exporting country, though subject to the importing country’s market power, assumes the role of leader in a Stackelberg framework under uncertainty by acting preventively to dissuade the importer from imposing a tariff. The follower holds an option to impose a tariff subject to irreversible enforcement costs, while the leader can undertake costly deterrence, through signaling and capacity building, to delay or prevent action. The interaction generates a preventive equilibrium in which the importing country (the follower) optimally remains inactive, and the exporting country (the leader) sustains continuous deterrence expenditures, which nevertheless may be preferable to submit to tariffs. Uncertainty and irreversibility, which can both be manipulated, enlarge the inaction zone, and increase resilience and adaptability of both contenders. Both conditions tend to stabilize the system but transfer costs asymmetrically: the powerful waits costlessly, the weaker pays to maintain stability. In equilibrium, deterrence requires continuous spending by the leader to keep the follower indifferent between acting and waiting, implying that power operates through potentiality rather than action. The paper extends the Stackelberg framework to international trade, revealing that although the theoretical first-mover advantage rests with the larger, importing country, the smaller, exporting country becomes the de facto leader by acting preemptively to discourage the threat of tariff. Full article

As environmental degradation intensifies, governments increasingly subsidize green manufacturing to promote sustainability. This study develops a game-theoretic model of two competing supply chains, comprising original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and both traditional and green contract manufacturers (CMs), to investigate the impacts of subsidies on green manufacturing adoption. Specifically, we construct a four-stage dynamic game model to examine the interactions among OEMs, CMs, and the government. The main findings are as follows: First, the government subsidy affects OEMs’ adoption decisions only if the production cost of green manufacturing or competition intensity is sufficiently high or if the market sensitivity to green products is relatively low. Second, the optimal subsidy level depends jointly on the production cost of green manufacturing, competition intensity, and market greenness sensitivity: when the production cost of green manufacturing is low (high), the subsidy should rise (fall) with market greenness sensitivity but fall (rise) with competition intensity. Third, while intensified competition reduces OEMs’ profits and overall supply chain performance, its impact on CMs and consumers depends on the production cost of green manufacturing; in contrast, greater consumer sensitivity to green products yields an all–win outcome for all stakeholders. These results yield important managerial implications. For policymakers, when the production costs of green manufacturing are relatively low, green subsidies should be scaled back as market competition intensifies. For manufacturers, it is critical to carefully evaluate the production costs of green manufacturing and the level of government subsidies and to strategically pursue first-mover advantages in advancing sustainable operations, thereby fostering an all-win outcome for stakeholders. Full article

Omni-channel retailers arise to address the deficiencies in consumers’ online shopping experiences; the resulting competition between such retailers and traditional online platforms presents substantial challenges for green product manufacturers. A three-level game model is established to examine a manufacturer’s green contract design (product pricing and greenness determination) and mode selection under the competition between an online platform and a new retailer providing omni-channel services to end customers. The manufacturer can select between two modes: supplying a green product to the online platform and new retailer (mode RR) or selling it directly through the online platform and reselling it to the new retailer (mode PR). Our findings indicate that, first, even if the relationship between the manufacturer and new retailer has changed from cooperation under mode RR to competition and cooperation under mode PR, the manufacturer still favors two-channel sales over single-channel sales and affects consumer channel choices to adjust market shares through mode selection. Second, regarding the impacts of the key parameters on the manufacturer, downstream e-commerce platform retailers and environment are intricate and nuanced. While raising the omni-channel service level enhances profitability in the new retailer across both modes, its environmental impacts differ significantly between them. Additionally, it can harm the online platform in some cases. Nevertheless, when the parameters fall within suitable ranges, the manufacturer and both downstream retailers have a consistent preference for improved omni-channel services under both modes. Finally, there is a significant divergence in mode preferences among the manufacturer and both downstream platform retailers. Due to the first-mover advantage, the manufacturer opts for mode RR over mode PR in most cases. Notably, within a specific range of parameters, they consistently prefer mode RR, which also proves beneficial for the environment, resulting in a Pareto optimal outcome. This proposes a concrete cooperation mechanism among the manufacturer, retailers, and consumers from quantitative insights, which can promote green products to achieve the objective of low-carbon environmental protection. Full article

Based on the actual data of a 300 MW doubly-fed variable speed pumped storage units (DFVSPSUs) in China, the reactive power characteristics of both the stator side and the grid-side converter are analyzed, and the reactive power regulation capability of the unit is discussed. First, the power coupling relationship is analyzed, demonstrating that the reactive power-regulation capability is jointly composed of the stator side and the grid-side converter, without direct coupling between them. Next, we determine the doubly-fed induction generator (DFIG) capacity, explaining that the capacity of the DFIG exceeds the rated capacity of the unit. Then, we note that the stator-side reactive power regulation capability is limited by prime mover power, stator current, and rotor current, while the grid-side converter regulation capability is influenced by converter capacity and rotor-side real power. Furthermore, the stator-side, grid-side converter and total reactive power-regulation capabilities of the unit under different water heads and real power conditions are determined. The results demonstrate that fully considering the grid-side converter can increase the unit’s reactive power regulation capability by 12% to 26%. Finally, by comparing the reactive power operating ranges of fixed-speed and variable-speed units, the reactive power advantages of the variable-speed unit are quantified. Full article

Achieving the synergistic effect of pollution reduction and carbon mitigation (PRCM) is a core pathway for promoting green and low-carbon transition and realizing the “dual carbon” goals, as well as a crucial mechanism for coordinating ecological environment governance with climate action. Based on panel data from three major urban agglomerations (Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei, Yangtze River Delta, and Pearl River Delta) between 2008 and 2019, this study employs network centrality and structural holes to characterize urban network positions (UNP), and systematically investigates the impact mechanisms and spatial heterogeneity of urban network positions on PRCM synergy using a dual fixed-effects model. The findings reveal that (1) urban network positions exert significant inhibitory effects on the overall synergy of PRCM, meaning higher centrality and structural hole advantages hinder synergistic progress. This conclusion remains valid after robustness checks and endogeneity tests using instrumental variables. (2) Heterogeneity analysis shows the inhibitory effects are particularly pronounced in Type I large cities and southern urban agglomerations, attributable to environmental governance path dependence caused by complex industrial structures in metropolises and compounded pressures from export-oriented economies undertaking industrial transfers in southern regions. Northern cities demonstrate stronger environmental resilience due to first-mover advantages in heavy industry transformation. (3) Mechanism testing reveals that cities occupying advantageous network positions tend to reduce environmental regulation stringency and research and development investment levels. Conversely, cities at the network periphery demonstrate late-mover advantages by embedding environmental regulations and building stable technological cooperation partnerships. This study provides a theoretical foundation for optimizing urban network spatial configurations and implementing differentiated environmental governance policies. It emphasizes the necessity of holistically integrating network effects with ecological effects during new-type urbanization, advocating for the establishment of a multi-scale coordinated environmental governance system. Full article

This article examines the rise and recent decline of Tesla in the U.S. electric vehicle market. Using qualitative, semi-quantitative, and statistical methods, the article traces how Tesla acquired a first-mover advantage and how second movers, both established automakers and start-ups, responded to Tesla’s rise. The recent decline in Tesla’s share of the U.S. electric vehicle market is linked to several factors: the proliferation of electric vehicle offerings from competitors, changes in public policy, and controversial decisions by Tesla and its CEO. The article concludes with a discussion of promising future strategies for both Tesla and its competitors. Full article

In this study, we aim to construct an evaluation system to accurately measure the development status and trends of China’s new quality productivity, which is pivotal for the sustainable development of the Chinese economy. In light of the current lack of a standardized evaluation index system and precise measurement methods, we have established an evaluation index system comprising three dimensions—scientific and technological innovation, industrial upgrading, and factor transformation—in alignment with the essence and traits of new quality productivity. By the combination of the entropy method and multi-period weights, we assess the development level of new quality productivity across China’s 31 provinces from 2013 to 2022. The findings reveal the following: (1) Substantial regional disproportions exist among provinces in the advancement of new quality productivity, with Shanghai and Beijing demonstrating a notable first-mover advantage. (2) While the levels of new quality productivity in most provinces are generally modest, an overall positive development trajectory is observed. Drawing upon these outcomes, a set of targeted development strategies are put forward, such as leading scientific and technological innovation, promoting industrial upgrading, and realizing the transformation of elements. This article can enhance our understanding of the spatiotemporal development pattern of China’s new quality productivity, offering a novel theoretical framework and practical approach for fostering new quality productivity tailored to unique circumstances. Consequently, it may facilitate the promotion of economic sustainability. Full article

This study examines the impact of cognitive biases on soccer player performance in penalty shootouts, focusing on the fairness of two different formats: the current ABAB sequence and the alternative ABBA sequence, modeled after the tennis tiebreak system. We consider the context of a real-world penalty shootout scenario, where each team takes five shots. The study brings attention to a previously overlooked aspect of the fairness debate in soccer, emphasizing the significant impact of cognitive biases on outcomes. Using Monte Carlo simulations, we modeled 10,000 penalty shootouts for each format, incorporating psychological biases such as overconfidence, loss aversion, and social comparison to estimate the likelihood of success for each shot. Our findings indicate that while the ABBA format reduces the first-mover advantage observed in the ABAB format, a slight bias in favor of the first team still persists in the ABBA format. Statistical analyses, including two-sample t-tests and chi-square tests, confirmed that the differences in winning probabilities between the two formats are statistically significant. The study suggests that although the ABBA format offers a more balanced approach, cognitive biases continue to play a critical role in influencing outcomes. These results help players stay focused, manage pressure, and improve performance during high-stakes penalty shootouts, leading to better team outcomes. It also allows coaches to act as decision observers by using a checklist to identify cognitive biases in specific decision-making situations. Full article

Clarifying the temporal and spatial characteristics of regional carbon emissions and low-carbon efficiency is of great significance for the realization of carbon peaking and carbon neutrality. This study calculated the carbon emissions in Sichuan Province from 2015 to 2022 based on four major units: energy activity, industrial production, forestry activity, and waste disposal, and its time evolution characteristics and key sources were investigated. Meanwhile, based on the Super-SBM-Undesirable model, the low-carbon efficiency of Sichuan Province and its 21 cities (states) was evaluated, and its spatial heterogeneity characteristics were investigated. The empirical results reveal the following: (1) energy activity was the main contributor to regional carbon emissions, with thermal power generation and industrial energy terminal consumption as the key sectors. Inter-regional power allocation could indirectly reduce the regional emission intensity. The carbon emissions of industrial production showed significant aggregation in cement and steel production. The forest carbon sink had a significant effect on alleviating the regional greenhouse effect. The carbon emissions of waste disposal were small. (2) From 2015 to 2022, the low-carbon efficiency of Sichuan Province showed an overall upward trend. Chengdu had a high level of economic development, a reasonable industrial organization, and a continuous increase in its urban greening rate. Heavy industrial cities such as Panzhihua and Deyang made great efforts to eliminate backward production capacity and low-carbon transformation of key industries. Therefore, they were the first mover advantage regions of low-carbon transformation. Zigong, Mianyang, Suining, and Leshan enjoyed favorable preferential policies and energy-saving space, and were developmental regions of low-carbon transformation. But they need to actively deal with the problem of industrial solidification. The low-carbon efficiency of plateau areas in western Sichuan was relatively low, but they have unique resource endowment advantages in clean energy such as hydropower, so the development potential is strong. Cities such as Ya’an and Bazhong faced a series of challenges such as weak geographical advantages and the risk of pollution haven. They were potential regions of low-carbon transformation. Full article

This study investigates the dynamics of endogenous order placement timing among competing retailers within a single period, driven by the evolution of demand-forecast information. Despite the critical role of accurate market trends and demand forecasts in determining firm success during selling seasons, the existing literature lacks a comprehensive understanding of how firms strategically adjust their order timing with imperfect and evolving information landscapes. By leveraging resources such as predictive analytics systems operated by big data and social media, firms tend to enhance their market demand precision as the selling season approaches, aligning with market practices. With this background, we aim to address the strategic behaviors of competing retailers in timing their orders, filling the aforementioned research gap. We construct a non-cooperative game-theoretical model to analyze the strategic behaviors of competing retailers in timing their orders. The model incorporates factors such as imperfect and evolving information landscapes, considering how firms leverage resources to enhance their market demand precision as the selling season approaches. Our analysis shows two primary equilibria, each shedding light on distinct strategic choices and their implications. First, the better-informed firm decides to execute early orders, capitalizing on the first mover’s advantage, particularly when initial information imprecision exceeds a specific threshold. Conversely, a second equilibrium emerges when the better-informed firm delays its orders, yielding the first mover’s advantage to the less-informed competitor. These equilibria highlight the correlation between order timing strategies and the trajectory of information evolution within the competitive landscape. Additionally, our study extends beyond equilibrium analysis to investigate these strategic choices on supply-chain performance. Full article

Determining how environmental policy affects export competitiveness is essential for achieving win–win objectives in environmental governance and trade development. We examine whether and how China’s emissions reduction policy declines the firm’s export product quality during the 11th five-year plan via the difference-in-difference-in-difference method. The main findings of this paper are as follows: (i) Compared with less polluting industries, the export production quality declines 5.74% and 3.31%, respectively, as the pollution reduction targets of SO₂ and chemical oxygen demand (COD) are set 1 unit higher in more polluting industries. (ii) The negative effect is greater in Western regions as well as state-owned firms. (iii) Local officials facing promotion pressure are more incentivized to raise emissions reduction goals, as well as greater increasing emissions abatement costs, thus leading to greater declines in export quality. However, the innovation compensation effect still remains. (iv) The negative effects can be mitigated through product switching that contributes to resource allocation within firms towards their core products, or executing the first-mover advantage in response to the emissions reduction plan. Full article

The investment in hydrogen-refueling stations (HRS) is key to the development of a hydrogen economy. This paper focuses on the decision-making for potential investors faced with the thought-provoking question of when the optimal timing to invest in HRS is. To fill the gap that exists due to the fact that few studies explain why HRS investment timing is critical, we expound that earlier investment in HRS could induce the first mover advantages of the technology diffusion theory. Additionally, differently from the previous research that only considered that HRS investment is just made by one individual firm, we innovatively examine the HRS co-investment made by two different firms. Accordingly, we compare these two optional investment modes and determine which is better considering either independent investment or co-operative investment. We then explore how the optimal HRS investment timing could be figured out under conditions of uncertainty with the real options approach. Given the Chinese HRS case under the condition of demand uncertainty, the hydrogen demand required for triggering investment is viewed as the proxy for investment timing. Based on analytical and numerical results, we conclude that one-firm independent investment is better than two-firm cooperative investment to develop HRS, not only in terms of the earlier investment timing but also in terms of the attribute for dealing with the uncertainty. Finally, we offer recommendations including stabilizing the hydrogen demand for decreasing uncertainty, and accelerating firms’ innovation from both technological and strategic perspectives in order to ensure firms can make HRS investments on their own. Full article

The digital platform market has evolved into a critical location for firms to engage in innovation and entrepreneurship. However, there is no clear answer to the question of when entrepreneurial firms should enter the digital platform market in order to gain a sustainable competitive advantage. A balanced panel and an individual fixed effect model were built using monthly product data from game developers on the Steam platform. Furthermore, in accordance with first-mover advantage theory, this study empirically investigated the impact of entry timing on product performance of entrepreneurial firms in the digital platform market, as well as the moderating effect of product updates. The results show that the impact of entrepreneurial firms’ entry timing on product performance in the digital platform market has a U-shaped relationship, which is moderated by product updates. These findings not only have implications for entrepreneurs looking to compete in the digital platform market, but also contribute to the sustainable development of the digital platform ecosystem. Full article

The launch of high-quality development has become an inevitable choice at this stage to cope with the new international situation, transform and improve the industrial structure, and pursue the Chinese dream. The aim of this study was to scientifically measure the stage of high-quality economic development and analyze the role of human capital in such development. In this paper, we construct an indicator system based on innovation, sharing, green economy, opening, and coordination. The spatial distribution of high-quality economic development is evaluated by using the genetic algorithm–projection pursuit model, and its impact is studied by using the spatial panel quantile regression method. The results show that the development level of regional economic quality is increasing annually, revealing a situation in which the east is leading, the center is rising, and the west is catching up. Among the factors affecting high-quality economic development, in this region, it has a positive inverted U-shaped influence on neighboring regions. Regarding quality improvement, the impact of human capital presents a U-shaped curve. In other words, it benefits from the catch-up effect of the lower-level provinces and the first mover advantage of the higher-level provinces. Based on this, corresponding countermeasures are put forward. Full article