A cost estimate for a project such as the acquisition of a new aircraft or satellite system carries with it an inherent probability that the actual cost will exceed the estimate-that changes in requirements, technology, the economic environment, and a multitude of other factors that may occur over the life of the project will change the final cost. One major approach to cost risk analysis-the evaluating and quantifying of the uncertainty of a cost estimate-has been probabilistic: expressing the uncertainty in a cost estimate as a probability distribution over a range of potential costs. Cost analysts in industry and government and researchers in statistics and management have often proposed that, to get probability distributions for platforms using new and untried technologies, expert judgment should be tapped and subjective probability distributions elicited from the experts to represent cost uncertainty. This technical report reviews procedures for eliciting subjective probability distributions in cost risk analysis, both in the cost risk field and in other disciplines in which elicitation has been a topic of research-primarily, statistics and psychology. Because of a lack of empirical work in elicitation, especially in cost risk, the author also interviewed a number of senior people in the cost risk community, who gave insight into the practices of the field. This report should be of interest to cost analysis professionals who wish to quantify uncertainty when using expert opinions in cost risk analysis.

"Channels of distribution is one of the hottest areas in marketing and sales today. And no one understands the subject better than Ken Rolnicki! Managing Channels of Distribution supplies a much-needed source of knowledge and expertise that professionals can rely on. Based on case studies and real-life experience, the book explains the complexities of managing multiple channels -- distributors, dealers, manufacturer’s reps, VARs, private labels, brokers, wholesalers, retailers, and all the rest. In the process, Rolnicki explores both macro and micro business influences that affect channel effectiveness. Special attention is paid to the frustrating areas of channel power and conflict, the dangerous issue of legalities, and the most critical topic of all -- the channel design sequence."

Introduction to Business covers the scope and sequence of most introductory business courses. The book provides detailed explanations in the context of core themes such as customer satisfaction, ethics, entrepreneurship, global business, and managing change. Introduction to Business includes hundreds of current business examples from a range of industries and geographic locations, which feature a variety of individuals. The outcome is a balanced approach to the theory and application of business concepts, with attention to the knowledge and skills necessary for student success in this course and beyond. This is an adaptation of Introduction to Business by OpenStax. You can access the textbook as pdf for free at openstax.org. Minor editorial changes were made to ensure a better ebook reading experience. Textbook content produced by OpenStax is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

A comprehensive philosophically grounded argument for the use of social welfare functions as a framework for governmental policy analysis.

Getting Multi-Channel Distribution Right provides a comprehensive treatment of modern distribution strategy that is analytically solid, clearly written, and relevant for managers as well as MBA and executive MBA students, and the professors who train them. It covers concepts, metrics, tools, and strategic frameworks for managing distribution in physical and digital channels. Focusing on the challenges of managing multiple channels of distribution in an evolving marketplace—rather than the process of designing a distribution channel from scratch—it leans more heavily on metrics and tools and incorporates perspectives from academic research, as well as in-depth case studies from marketing and general management practice. Introduces an organizing framework of pull and push marketing for how suppliers work together with their channel partners. Integrates across physical and digital, independent and company-owned, routes to market. Maps the functions of traditional and newer intermediaries in the channel ecosystem and identifies the root causes of conflict between them. Provides tools and frameworks for how much distribution coverage is required and where. Shows how product line, pricing, trade promotions, and other channel incentives can help to coordinate multiple channels and manage conflict. Illustrates how push and pull metrics can be combined into valuable dashboards for identifying positive feedback opportunities and sustaining the channel partnership. With the help of Getting Multi-Channel Distribution Right you’ll discover how to successfully develop, execute, and adapt distribution strategy to the evolving marketplace.

Using numerous real-life examples, Distribution Channels explores the chain that makes products and services available for market and explains how to make the most of each step of the process. By defining the role and significance of the various partners involved, including distributors, wholesalers, final-tier channel players, retailers and franchise systems, the text provides a clear understanding of the entire go-to-market process, whilst also explaining channel partners' business models and how to engage with them for effective market access. Distribution Channels covers both the tactical and strategic dimensions of channel economics as well as containing information on accessing and servicing markets and customers, controlling brands, integrating web and online channels, building the value proposition and creating differentiation. Comprehensive and clear, this book provides you with the knowledge needed to improve your business model to ensure maximum market exposure and successful product delivery. The book is also supported by online resources, including additional figures, bonus chapters, and lecture slides.