A.T. Kearney

About: A.T. Kearney is a based out in . It is known for research contribution in the topics: Procurement & Service (business). The organization has 184 authors who have published 171 publications receiving 3607 citations.

Signaling in Equity Crowdfunding

Abstract: This paper presents an initial empirical examination of which start-up signals will induce small investors to commit financial resources in an equity crowdfunding context. We examine the impact of firms’ financial roadmaps (e.g., preplanned exit strategies such as IPOs or acquisitions), external certification (awards, government grants and patents), internal governance (such as board structure), and risk factors (such as amount of equity offered and the presence of disclaimers) on fundraising success. Our data highlight the importance of financial roadmaps and risk factors, as well as internal governance, for successful equity crowdfunding. External certification, by contrast, has little or no impact on success. We also discuss the implications for successful policy design.

Fault-tolerant drive-by-wire systems

Abstract: The article begins with a review of electronic driver assisting systems such as ABS, traction control, electronic stability control, and brake assistant. We then review drive-by-wire systems with and without mechanical backup. Drive-by-wire systems consist of an operating unit with an electrical output, haptic feedback to the driver, bus systems, microcomputers, power electronics, and electrical actuators. For their design safety, integrity methods such as reliability, fault tree and hazard analysis, and risk classification are required. Different fault-tolerance principles with various forms of redundancy are considered, resulting in fail-operational, fail-silent, and fail-safe systems. Fault-detection methods are discussed for use in low-cost components, followed by a review of principles for fault-tolerant design of sensors, actuators, and communication. We evaluate these methods and principles and show how they can be applied to low-cost automotive components and drive-by-wire systems. A brake-by-wire system with electronic pedal and electric brakes is then considered in more detail, showing the design of the components and the overall architecture. Finally, we present conclusions and an outlook for further development of drive-by-wire systems.

Implementing the unrelated product strategy

Abstract: There has been considerable debate over the viability of the unrelated product, or conglomerate strategy. The financial arguments for and against its viability are well known. However, the administrative imperatives for its successful implementation have not been well investigated. The paper argues that there are a number of critical administrative contingencies for successful implementation of this strategy which only a few unrelated product firms have recognized. These concern policies dealing with acquisition, divestment, portfolio structure, management and organization. The paper discusses each in turn, describing specific instances of success and failure to illustrate the major points of the argument.

Reliability of rc members strengthened with cfrp laminates

Abstract: Strengthening of concrete structures in flexure with externally epoxy-bonded carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) laminates is becoming an increasingly popular retrofit technique among researchers and engineers worldwide. A reliability study of such structures is the topic of this paper. First, considering the statistical character of the design variables (geometry, material properties), the effect of changes in these variables on the flexural capacity of CFRP-strengthened members is established. Variabilities in concrete strength and CFRP failure strain and area fraction are most influencial on flexural strength. Next, strength reduction factors are derived, with the aim of achieving a uniform reliability index of about three over a broad spectrum of design conditions. A general strength reduction factor φ= 0.80 is proposed. Finally, the effect of each design variable on the reliability of the system is examined and quantified in terms of the reliability index.

Managerial Compensation and the Cost of Moral Hazard

Abstract: This article investigates managerial compensation and its incentive effects. Our econometric framework is derived from a multiperiod principal-agent model with moral hazard. Longitudinal data on returns to firms and managerial compensation are used to estimate the model. We find that firms would incur large losses from ignoring moral hazard, whereas managers only require moderate additional compensation for accepting a contract that ties their wealth to the value of the firm. Thus the costs of aligning hidden managerial actions to shareholder goals through the compensation schedule are much less than the benefits from the resulting managerial performance.