The peak load pricing problem has been discussed quite extensively in the literature. Central to the problem is the choice of output capacity and price for a basically nonstorable commodity such as electricity. This article considers both uncertain demand and uncertain capacity simultaneously in...

This article analyzes the role of competitive compensation schemes (in which pay depends on relative performance) in economies and imperfect information. These compensation schemes have desirable risk, incentive, and flexibility properties; they provide for an automatic adjustment of rewards and...

This article employs weekly time series data on the Joint Executive Committee railroad cartel from 1880 to 1886 to test empirically the proposition that observed prices reflected switches from collusive to noncooperative behavior. An equilibrium model of dynamic oligopoly with asymmetric firms,...

This article analyzes the effect of credible capacity limitation on the interaction between an incumbent and an entrant. The prospect of price competition deters entry by a less efficient firm with unlimited capacity. If, however, the entrant practices "judo economics" and limits its capacity...

This article demonstrates that when consumers are offered a choice between pickup and delivery, a firm can increase profits relative to the case when no choice is tendered, as in the mill or uniform spatial pricing models. Further, this choice yields a lower level of welfare than that obtained...

We examine wages and employment for junior and senior workers when seniority is firm-specific. We show that if workers are risk averse, the firm chooses both the junior and senior wage independently of the wage offers received by its workers from other firms. Junior workers are paid less than...

The Hopkinson rate is the most common method of pricing electricity for industrial use. It consists of an "energy charge" for total kilowatt hour consumption plus an additional "demand charge" based on the maximum usage by the plan during any quarter-hour period during the month. Despite this...

Many disputes between buyers and sellers concern product quality and whether a claim of poor product performance is covered by a warranty issued by the seller. We develop an analytical framework in which average product quality, buyer preferences, production and transaction costs, and the extent...

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The role of the liability form as a signalling device is analyzed in a model of occupational choice (entrepreneurs, employees), with asymmetric information in loan markets about the abilities of entrepreneurs. The properties of the equilibrium are described. When factor prices are exogenous, the...