The typical statistical cost control model determines when a cost deviation is significant, but does not determine the optimum search procedure for restoring the process to a state of control. This search procedure is important because any given cost deviation may be the result of a number of...

Network scheduling activities are usually addressed in a two-stage process of static schedule determination and subsequent control monitoring. A more complete view combines these two subsets of decisions with information acquisition decisions into a dynamic optimization framework. Such a...

Traditional standard cost variance analysis procedures are examined as motivational devices in a principal-agent model. The reexpressing of a cost realization into components (such as individual factor price and quantity variances) is shown to be useful if an incentive problem exists and if the...

Our previous attempt resulted in a paper by the same five authors, "Quantum information and accounting information: their salient features and conceptual applications," published in the July-August 2006 issue of the Journal of Accounting and Public Policy. We now extend the previous paper to...

To examine the potential gains from a second production source, we examine how source switching is optimally structured. The model focuses on a purchaser who manages the acquisition process, an incumbent supplier, and a potential entrant or second supplier. Because the costs of the incumbent and...

We analyze the optimal behavior of an organization when its employees can manipulate the organization's accounting system to their private advantage. We find that the organization may benefit by helping its employees manipulate the system. This help can reduce the employees' private returns from...

This paper surveys conflicts of interest in the corporate governance arena, with emphasis on auditors, boards of directors, analysts and investment bankers, regulators, management, attorneys and investors. Enron provides a host of examples as well. I stress the multifaceted nature of these...