nep-ppm New Economics Papers
on Project, Program and Portfolio Management
Issue of 2024‒01‒01
seven papers chosen by
Arvi Kuura, Tartu Ülikool


  1. Scoring and Funding Breakthrough Ideas: Evidence from a Global Pharmaceutical Company By Joshua Krieger; Ramana Nanda; Ian Hunt; Aimee Reynolds; Peter Tarsa
  2. Unlocking co-creation for green innovation: An exploration of the diverse contributions of universities By OECD
  3. REPORT : Study on ‘Institutionalizing Science Advice to Governments By Lanka, Academy of Sciences of Sri
  4. Shadow players: Western consultancies in the Arab world. How multinational consulting firms shape public policy By Ansari, Dawud; Werenfels, Isabelle
  5. Infraestructura para el desarrollo y la transformación social en Córdoba y Sucre By Jaime Bonet-Morón; María Aguilera-Díaz; Yuri Reina-Aranza
  6. Potenzialabschätzung von technischen Wasserspeicheroptionen, Bewässerungsansätzen und ihrer Umsetzbarkeit By Ebers, Niklas; Stupak, Nataliya; Hüttel, Silke; Woelfert, Mats; Müller-Thomy, Hannes
  7. Stock Market Reactions to Corporate Blockchain Announcements By Rogalski, Timo

  1. By: Joshua Krieger (Harvard Business School, Entrepreneurial Management Unit); Ramana Nanda (Imperial College London); Ian Hunt (NIBR); Aimee Reynolds (NIBR); Peter Tarsa (NIBR)
    Abstract: We study resource allocation to early-stage ideas at an internal startup program of one the largest pharmaceutical firms in the world. Our research design enables us to elicit every evaluator’s scores across five different attributes, before seeing how they would allocate capital to the projects in a head-to-head comparison. In head-to-head comparisons, evaluators displayed a systematically higher preference for projects that scored high on execution-related attributes, compared to the organization’s proposed weight on these attributes. Because of this, projects of similar overall quality perceived as being high risk and high reward were systematically penalized relative to projects perceived as less transformational, but safer bets. Our results shed light on a potential mechanism for why breakthrough ideas are handicapped in R&D funding.
    Date: 2022–08
    URL: http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hbs:wpaper:23-014&r=ppm
  2. By: OECD
    Abstract: In the context of the green transition, universities have much to offer in joint green innovation projects with business, government and citizens. As hubs of diverse expertise, universities are uniquely placed to build interdisciplinary teams and bridge gaps between society and industry. Their regional ties also enable them to engage with the local ecosystem. This paper draws from ten international case studies of university partnerships with industry and society in green mobility, green energy and green products, services and processes. The comparative evidence gathered from interviews with representatives from these initiatives examines universities’ practices for green co-creation. Additionally, the paper outlines policy recommendations crucial to supporting these initiatives, essential for the global success of sustainable development efforts.
    Keywords: civil society, co-creation, Green transition, Industry-science linkages, Innovation, Innovation policy, STI policy, universities
    JEL: O30 O36 O38
    Date: 2023–12–04
    URL: http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:oec:stiaac:163-en&r=ppm
  3. By: Lanka, Academy of Sciences of Sri
    Abstract: The provision of appropriate science advice to governments is of national, regional, and global importance. However, many countries, especially in the developing world, lack effective framework to provide science advice to governments, which was laid bare during the COVID-19 pandemic. Hence, there is an urgent need to describe and analyse the structures and processes providing science advice to governments with a view to strengthening science advice. Science advice requires synthesizing and brokering valid, relevant, and reliable scientific evidence in respect of different policies. The National Academy of Sciences of Sri Lanka conducted a study on the status and processes of institutionalizing Science Advice to Governments in the Australasian region. The aims of the study were to a) propose and facilitate the development and strengthening of systematic science advice in member countries and its institutionalization b) Improve awareness among partners on a range of laws and regulations that exist legitimizing institutions and the processes used for government science advice c) develop capacities of participating academies in providing science advice d) enable academies to play a role and be part of the science advice process The methodology included administration of a structured questionnaire to gather data for the Situation Analysis with respect to science advice in partner countries. The questionnaire responses were categorized under several headings identified as the ‘Colombo Framework’: Selection of advisors, organizational structures to provide advice, the process followed to collate and synthesize advice, the process of communication, and evaluation of the process and impact of advice. The results showed a diversity of responses indicating a range of structures and processes: • The structures and types of advisors included, chief science advisor or advisors, a science advisory office or agency, science advisory boards, science advisory councils and ad-hoc arrangements during emergencies or crises, such as task forces. • Selection of advisors varied from appointments by an executive authority to nominations by science organizations or selection processes based on academic credentials. • The initial framing of questions requiring science advice were by policymakers, parliament committee or the President and advisory council. • Collation and synthesizing evidence: The methods used included systematic reviews, meta-analyses, through surveys, consultative meetings, expert opinion, foresight tools and workshops and/meetings of the experts where the evidence was reviewed. • The process of communicating science advice included reports issued by the science advisors, or advice directed to the Presidential Office, to Cabinet office, or submitted through Secretary of the Ministry of Science and Technology to the Head of State, or reports to the relevant minister and presidential secretariat. • The impact of science advice on policy was rarely evaluated. • Case Studies for individual countries supplemented the situation analysis for that country. • A SWOT analyses was compiled based on each country responses to reflect the totality of responses and for guidance in drafting a framework for Roadmaps for each country. As part of the project a three-day workshop was held in Colombo, Sri Lanka on 'Institutionalizing Science Advice to Governments' 6-8 July 2023. A descriptive ‘Colombo Declaration’ was released calling on governments to partner with scientists and demonstrate stronger commitment in strengthening action to institutionalize science advice to governments. The concluding session described future actions of developing Roadmaps and Case Studies by each partner country. The contextualized roadmaps will be developed through an iterative process and ‘work in progress’ submitted by most partner agencies were included in the report. The key outcomes of the Project were the following: 1. Documentation of Science Advice Systems in countries with situation analysis, reinforced with case studies and SWOT analyses and a framework for contextualized roadmaps that could form the foundation for further activities with support from the IAP and AASSA. 2. Developed and disseminated the ‘Colombo Declaration’ calling on governments to institutionalize science advice 3. Availability of validated questionnaire and framework (‘Colombo framework’) to replicate similar studies elsewhere. 4. Development of a process for promotion of institutionalization of science advice to governments that could be replicated in other countries or regions. 5. Promoted awareness among public, public administrators and policymakers and younger generation of scientists to be part of this transformative process, particularly to ensure continuity of efforts. 6. Contextualized Roadmaps design process has been initiated that is meant to trigger further discussions.
    Date: 2023–11–24
    URL: http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:osf:socarx:ygp84&r=ppm
  4. By: Ansari, Dawud; Werenfels, Isabelle
    Abstract: Across public sectors in the Arab world, international consultancy firms already play a pivotal role and are further expanding their operations. Among other projects, con­sultancies have (co-)designed such high-profile strategies as Saudi Arabia's "Vision 2030" and Morocco's "Green Agenda". Currently, they are stepping up their activities in national energy and climate strategies. Their operations involve almost no local public participation, which diminishes the legitimacy and quality of the policies crafted and undermines local development. Besides the ramifications for the Arab world, the consultancies' work in that region also affects German and European interests, even when it is commissioned by European actors or international organizations. If negative impacts are to be avoided, greater awareness and more transparency about the consultancies' activities are needed. Moreover, it is crucial to scrutinise whether, when and to what extent it is expedient to commission international consultancy firms.
    Keywords: international consultancy firms, “, ‎, Vision 2030”, (Saudi Arabia), “, ‎, Green Agenda”, (Morocco‎, ), Morocco, Jordan, Egypt, Gulf states, McKinsey
    Date: 2023
    URL: http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:zbw:swpcom:279944&r=ppm
  5. By: Jaime Bonet-Morón; María Aguilera-Díaz; Yuri Reina-Aranza
    Abstract: International and national literature provides evidence indicating that investment in infrastructure is one of the key elements to achieve economic and social development. The departments of Córdoba and Sucre require an investment in infrastructure to generate competitiveness for companies in the region, reduce poverty and social inequality, help conserve or regenerate ecosystems that contribute to improving climate change, and avoid current transportation problems, which hinder urban mobility and commercial exchange within the country and abroad. This work identifies and analyzes the existing infrastructure needs in the departments of Córdoba and Sucre in four areas: (i) transportation, (iii) adaptation to climate change, (iii) culture and sports and (iv) aqueduct and sewage. In addition, it quantifies the investment required to close the social and economic gaps with the rest of the country, based on the most relevant or prioritized infrastructure projects. The needs of the territories are broad and there are still important differences between rural and urban areas. This implies challenges that require the strengthening of local capacity to move forward. **** RESUMEN: La literatura internacional y nacional aporta evidencia indicando que la inversión en infraestructura es uno de los elementos clave para lograr el desarrollo económico y social. Los departamentos de Córdoba y Sucre requieren una inversión en infraestructura para generar competitividad a las empresas de la región, reducir la pobreza e inequidad social, ayudar a conservar o regenerar los ecosistemas que contribuyan a mejorar el cambio climático, y evitar los problemas actuales de transporte, que dificultan la movilidad urbana y el intercambio comercial con el interior del país y el exterior. Este trabajo identifica y analiza las necesidades existentes en infraestructura en los departamentos de Córdoba y Sucre en cuatro áreas: (i) transporte, (iii) adaptación al cambio climático, (iii) cultura y deporte y (iv) acueducto y alcantarillado. Además, cuantifica la inversión requerida para cerrar el rezago social y económico con el resto del país, a partir de los proyectos de infraestructura más relevantes o prioritarios. Las necesidades de los territorios son amplias y sigue habiendo importantes diferencias entre las zonas rurales y urbanas. Esto plantea retos y desafíos que exigen el fortalecimiento de la capacidad local para lograr avanzar.
    Keywords: Infraestructura, inversión, proyectos, Caribe colombiano, Infrastructure, investment, projects, Colombian Caribbean
    JEL: H54 O22 R42 R58
    Date: 2023–12
    URL: http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:bdr:region:322&r=ppm
  6. By: Ebers, Niklas; Stupak, Nataliya; Hüttel, Silke; Woelfert, Mats; Müller-Thomy, Hannes
    Abstract: Irrigation is one of the most effective measures to avoid or reduce yield losses caused by droughts. When water resources are limited, the main challenge relates to the issue of increasing water availability for crop production without causing or exacerbating conflicts of interest with other water-consuming sectors. Considering the already observed change of rainfall patterns in Germany, water storage reservoirs could be part of the solution to agricultural producers. Such reservoirs can be filled in autumn or winter months either with surface water run-off in case of persistent or heavy precipitations, or with abstractions from surface waters when water levels and discharges are high. The stored water can then be used for irrigation in case of spring or summer droughts, thus improving water availability and increasing the reliability of water provision for agricultural producers as well as reducing the conflicts of interest regarding groundwater extractions. This working paper presents the results of a comprehensive literature review carried out in order to identify research needs in the field of agricultural water management and to provide orientation for the research project LAWAMAD – Agricultural Water Management in Germany. In the first step the available technical water storage options and the criteria which are of importance when deciding on their implementation are reviewed. Subsequently, the feasibility of these options for German agriculture is being discussed and the four most suitable ones – water storage basin, rainwater retention basin, infiltration facility and dams are identified. The choice of a technical water storage option and the decision about its size and volume depends among other things with the already available or envisioned irrigation infrastructure and farm strategies to optimize irrigation. Respectively, we discuss the existent irrigation methods, their advantages and disadvantages, as well as chances and risks of irrigation from the agronomic and the economic efficiency perspectives. In the final step of our literature review we provide an overview of the current state of scientific discussion on the barriers to investments in irrigation and water storage infrastructure from three theoretical perspectives.
    Keywords: Land Economics/Use, Resource /Energy Economics and Policy, Risk and Uncertainty
    Date: 2023
    URL: http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:jhimwp:338987&r=ppm
  7. By: Rogalski, Timo
    Abstract: The dissertation's central focus lies in investigating the influence of temporal, industry-specific, firm-specific, and project-specific factors on the stock market risk and return associated with corporate blockchain announcements. Structured into three chapters, the research employs theoretical frameworks and empirical analyses to uncover nuanced insights. Chapter 2, anchored in signaling theory, examines the general market impact of corporate blockchain announcements, considering temporal factors, cryptocurrency hype phases, and differences between US and EU-based companies. It reveals significant positive stock market returns associated with blockchain news, amplified by project success, business-relatedness, and cryptocurrency hype periods. Chapter 3 extends the analysis to industry-level factors, revealing that firms in the Information Technology industry benefit more from blockchain announcements. It explores additional project-level effects, such as blockchain partnerships and consortium joinings, and assesses their impact on market risk. The findings suggest that blockchain announcements do not substantially alter a firm's risk profile. Chapter 4 focuses on specific blockchain use cases, emphasizing environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues. It uncovers significant positive market reactions to ESG-related blockchain announcements and explores shareholder returns in supply chain management and finance-related use cases. The study suggests that shareholders react more favorably to project-specific announcements and less favorably to initiatives involving external IT service providers. By thoroughly analyzing diverse factors, this dissertation contributes to the ongoing academic discourse on the valuation of blockchain technology, offering a comprehensive understanding of the dynamics shaping corporate market value and risk in the era of blockchain adoption.
    Date: 2023–12–05
    URL: http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:dar:wpaper:141778&r=ppm

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