nep-ppm New Economics Papers
on Project, Program and Portfolio Management
Issue of 2022‒12‒12
five papers chosen by
Arvi Kuura
Tartu Ülikool

  1. Social Distancing and Risk Taking: Evidence from a Team Game Show By Jean-Marc Bourgeon; José De Sousa; Alexis Noir-Luhalwe
  2. The role of development co-operation in tackling plastic pollution: Key trends, instruments, and opportunities to scale up action By Alberto Agnelli; Piera Tortora
  3. The role of mobile network operators in next-generation public safety services By Savunen, Tapio; Hämmäinen, Heikki; Kilkki, Kalevi; Kekolahti, Pekka
  4. Accelerating rural energy access for agricultural transformation: contribution of the CGIAR Research Program on Water, Land and Ecosystems to transforming food, land and water systems in a climate crisis By Magalhaes, M.; Ringler, C.; Verma, Shilp; Schmitter, Petra
  5. For the rest of our lives: Flexibility and innovation in Italy. By Dughera, Stefano; Quatraro,Francesco; Ricci,Andrea; Vittori,Claudia

  1. By: Jean-Marc Bourgeon; José De Sousa; Alexis Noir-Luhalwe
    Abstract: We examine the risky choices of pairs of contestants in a popular radio game show in France. At one point during the COVID-19 pandemic the show, held in person, had to switch to an all-remote format. We find that such an exogenous change in social context affected risk-taking behavior. Remotely, pairs take far fewer risks when the stakes are high than in the flesh. This behavioral difference is consistent with prosocial behavior theories, which argue that the nature of social interactions influences risky choices. Our results suggest that working from home may reduce participation in profitable but risky team projects.
    Keywords: COVID-19, social distancing, social pressure, decision making, risk
    JEL: C93 D81 D91
    Date: 2022
    URL: http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ces:ceswps:_10063&r=ppm
  2. By: Alberto Agnelli; Piera Tortora
    Abstract: Plastics leakage has become a pressing issue for many developing countries. While a number of development co-operation initiatives with a focus on tackling plastic pollution have recently emerged, there is currently no comprehensive assessment of the volume and scope of international development co-operation in this area. This report contributes to fill this gap by bringing together OECD’s unique statistical sources and expertise. First, this paper assesses the scale of the plastic pollution problem in developing countries by providing evidence on developing countries’ plastic use, waste, and leakage volumes, and assessing the specificity of plastics-related impacts in developing countries. Secondly, it quantifies development co-operation support in this area through a refined methodology developed as part of the OECD Sustainable Ocean for All Initiative. Finally, the paper presents innovative development co-operation approaches that are helping developing countries to scale up financing and impact of waste management projects.
    Keywords: Circular Economy, Environmental Policy, Foreign Aid, Foreign Assistance, Plastics, Recycling, Solid Waste, Waste, Waste Management, Water Pollution
    JEL: O13 O19 Q25 Q53
    Date: 2022–11–28
    URL: http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:oec:envaaa:207-en&r=ppm
  3. By: Savunen, Tapio; Hämmäinen, Heikki; Kilkki, Kalevi; Kekolahti, Pekka
    Abstract: Field of research - This research is in the field of public safety communications in mobile broadband 4G/5G networks. The focus is on mobile network operators and their business opportunities in the public safety market. Purpose - The purpose of this research is to provide a review of ongoing public safety mobile broadband projects in which mobile operators play a key role. In addition, a business model analysis is presented to determine the role of mobile operators in these projects. A comparison of the two key business models is also included to reveal their general characteristics. Methods and data - The research used a qualitative method, an inductive case study. This method was used to draw general conclusions from a small number of case studies based on ongoing public safety mobile broadband projects. The Casadesus- Masanell and Ricart framework and the business model canvas were used to analyse and compare the two key business models discussed. Data were collected from a variety of sources, including company reports, press releases, international events and conferences, and selected interviews with managers in charge. Findings - The results show that mobile operators have new business opportunities in the public safety market. Their existing mobile networks can be used for public safety services with certain enhancements. Within existing projects, mobile operators have different business models. The two analysed models are network sharing and the one-stop shop model. These models require different resources and offer different business opportunities for mobile operators. Procurement authorities responsible for selecting business models are encouraged to pay attention to the choice of model based on, for example, strategic objectives. Value - Very little research has been done on the business opportunities of mobile operators in the public safety market. This research brings new knowledge to the area and enables further research. Procurement authorities can use the results when deciding on the business model. Mobile operators can benefit from these results by better understanding their own roles in public safety projects and when assessing the business opportunities of a particular project.
    Keywords: mobile network operator,public safety,business model,4G/5G,mobile broadband
    Date: 2022
    URL: http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:zbw:itse22:265667&r=ppm
  4. By: Magalhaes, M.; Ringler, C.; Verma, Shilp; Schmitter, Petra
    Abstract: With adverse impacts of climate change growing in number and intensity, there is an urgent need to reduce emissions from food systems to net zero. This can only be achieved if rural areas in low- and middle-income countries gain access to clean energy. A review of the research and capacity building contributions of the CGIAR Research Program on Water, Land and Ecosystems (WLE) over the last 10 years suggests important contributions in the areas of energy policy and energy investment planning, cost and feasibility frameworks, and business models for clean energy technology uptake. WLE has also conducted successful pilot projects on solar irrigation to provide an evidence base for scaling up innovative energy initiatives. Finally, the program also considered non-agricultural uses of energy where relevant to food systems, and implemented capacity building activities. Going forward, CGIAR has a key role to play in providing information, supporting access and piloting innovative, scalable clean energy interventions to support the achievement of multiple impacts for the poorest and most food-insecure women and men farmers and entrepreneurs.
    Keywords: Agribusiness, Agricultural and Food Policy, Agricultural Finance, Farm Management, Financial Economics, Food Security and Poverty, Research and Development/Tech Change/Emerging Technologies
    Date: 2022–11–01
    URL: http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:iwmirp:329154&r=ppm
  5. By: Dughera, Stefano; Quatraro,Francesco; Ricci,Andrea; Vittori,Claudia (University of Turin)
    Abstract: We study the effect of temporary workers on innovation both theoretically and empirically. First, we develop a model where a representative firm chooses between different types of projects (routine vs innovative) and different types of labor contracts (temporary vs permanent). In doing so, it considers the effect of these different strategies on the workers’ incentives to invest in firm-specific skills. Our key finding is that firms offering temporary contracts are less likely to invest in innovative projects, and that this is effect is stronger in industries characterized by a “garage-business” innovation regime. Second, we test our hypotheses using firm-level data on employment composition and patent filing. Consistently with our theoretical predictions, we find that temporary workers are detrimental to innovation, and that this effect is mitigated by the concentration of patent-filing at the industry-level.
    Date: 2021–09
    URL: http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:uto:labeco:202102&r=ppm

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