Thesis (S.M.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Engineering Systems Division, Technology and Policy Program, 2007. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 130-133). / Revenue Management (RM) is the process of managing the sales of perishable assets by controlling price and inventory so as to maximize profit. It was developed in the late 1970s after the deregulation of the US airline industry, and has enabled the US airline industry to increase its revenue by offering dynamic prices associated with demand. Many academic articles have understandably focused on applications to the airline industry. This thesis deals with the application of RM to the railway industry. The railway is considered the most energy-efficient mode of transportation, and its role has become increasingly important around the world with ever growing concerns about the global energy crisis and climate change. Implementing an RM strategy for railways is expected to contribute to a significant lessening of this environmental burden by making better use of the existing railway infrastructure. Furthermore, it is not only advantageous for the railway operators, but also for the passengers who can benefit from discounted tickets. In fact, several countries have already introduced RM to their railway systems. However, the results have not always turned out as desired and the goals set out by the policy makers have not always been achieved. / (cont.) Most research looking at the issue of how RM should be applied to the railway industry has employed a quantitative approach. While the development of mathematical models is clearly valuable, what is equally needed from the viewpoint of policy makers and railway practitioners is social consideration to better implement RM strategies. In order to bridge the gaps between quantitative research and policy implementation, this thesis 1) explores how RM has been implemented to the railway industry by showcasing several empirical examples, 2) proposes a new framework which is used to define an approach for implementing RM, and 3) applies the framework to new national settings, Japan and Portugal. This thesis focuses on qualitative analysis to implement RM practice to the railway industry. Specifically, it analyzes who is the salient stakeholder, and how they are treated by applying stakeholder theory. / by Itaru Abe. / S.M.

Thesis (S.M.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Engineering Systems Division, Technology and Policy Program, 2007. / This electronic version was submitted by the student author. The certified thesis is available in the Institute Archives and Special Collections. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 69-73). / Humanity is currently on an unsustainable path of growth and development. One tool to address sustainability in industrial activities is Industrial Symbiosis, which is the study of cooperation across industry boundaries to increase sustainability. Past efforts to generate these relationships have struggled. Central to these failures is the difficulty of identifying and motivating stakeholders. This thesis proposes a new approach to analysis that directly addresses these failures. The approach analyzes an entire domestic industry for attractive opportunities to cooperate. By making the profit of stakeholders the primary criteria for investigation, this approach identifies opportunities where existing incentives to cooperate are greatest. This research demonstrates the new approach in a case study of brick manufacturing in the United States. Through the use of life cycle assessment, geographic information systems, and decision analysis, this thesis identifies the brick manufacturing facilities that are most likely to gain substantial economic benefit from the use of processed glass cullet as a fluxing agent. Additionally, the analysis demonstrates that these economic benefits are connected to environmental benefit. The results of this case study indicate that the approach is not only feasible, but if it is transferable to other industries, it taps into a substantial competitive advantage for data rich manufacturing sectors like those in the United States. These economic benefits will also lead to increased environmental sustainability. / by Matthew M. Hodge. / S.M.

Thesis (S.M.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Engineering Systems Division, Technology and Policy Program, 2002. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 49-51). / We introduce an e-business analytical framework that focuses on transaction flows, including information, physical goods, and services. Within this framework, global e-business involves transaction flows that cross both organizational and national boundaries. Many challenging technology and policy issues arise from this trans-boundary characteristic of global e-business. These issues are analyzed using web aggregation as an example global e-business application. We start the analysis by introducing web aggregation services and their enabling technologies. Our survey of current status of web aggregation indicates that most services are still operated regionally despite their global presence. Although benefits of web aggregation have been realized in regions with extensive use of information aggregation, little is done at the global level. Our case study on worldwide price distribution of a nearly homogeneous consumer electronics product indicates great potential for global aggregation to bring information and efficiency to the global market. In addition to lack of global integration, we identified other deficiencies of web aggregation. Technological challenges and possible solutions to overcoming these deficiencies are discussed. However, having technological capability for trans-boundary information flow does not solve all problems in global aggregation. National policies often prohibit such flow into nations that have different policies, especially in database and privacy protection areas. We analyze these policy issues and propose future research on international policy harmonization. / by Hongwei Zhu. / S.M.

Thesis (S.M.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Technology and Policy Program, 2000. / This electronic version was submitted by the student author. The certified thesis is available in the Institute Archives and Special Collections. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 127-128). / by David H.W. Steare. / S.M.

Thesis (S.M.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Technology and Policy Program, 2000. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 76-78). / The greatest contribution to greenhouse gas emissions is the burning of fossil fuels, which releases nearly six billion tons of carbon per year into the atmosphere. These fuels will continue to be used well into the 21st century, although there is a urgent need to manage a sustainable economic development. Since power plants are the largest point sources of CO 2 emissions, capturing the carbon dioxide at power plants and sequestering it has been suggested. This approach would be complementary to the current strategics that aim at reducing greenhouse gas emissions by improving the energy efficiency and by increasing the use of non-fossil energy resources. However, a major barrier to CO2 capture and sequestration is Its cost. This thesis presents the results of a detailed analysis of costs associated with today's technology for CO2 separation and capture at three types of power plants: Integrated Gasification Combined Cycles (IGCC), coal-fired simple cycles (Pulnrized Coal, PC), and natural gas-fired combined cycles (Natural Gas Combined Cycles, NGCC). The analysis is based on studies from the literature that are reviewed and adjusted to a common economic basts. A composite cost model is then developed, and a sensitivity analysts performed to identify the cost-drivers of the capture. Finally, the economics at the three types of power plants arc predicted for a 10-year horizon, and the competitiveness of CO2 separation technologies under a specific policy scenario arc discussed. / by Jérémy David. / S.M.

Thesis (S.M.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Sloan School of Management, Technology and Policy Program, 1999. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 113-117). / This thesis aims to evaluate a new transportation technology (fuel cells) against a proven technology (internal combustion engine). Technology is ever evolving, and the new must be an improvement upon the old; otherwise, there is no sense in adopting the new and unproven technology. For the commercialization of the fuel cell vehicle to be successful, it has to be competitive with the internal combustion vehicle in terms of policy parameters which influence the automobile's development and diffusion. These parameters are performance, environmental effects, and economics. A meaningful comparison considers these parameters. Thus the criteria chosen for the comparison are indicators of the parameters-energy efficiency, emissions, and cost to the consumer. A variety of fuels are chosen for each type of vehicle, and the full fuel cycle energy efficiency and emissions resulting from the extraction, production and consumption of these fuels are considered. This results in a comparison that takes into account the entire system associated with the use of fuels in a vehicle. The energy efficiency and emissions are estimated using a simple Reference Case, and a number of previous studies. The cost to the consumer for each type of vehicle is estimated using previous cost studies. Both the initial cost and the operating costs are included in the analysis. The results of the analysis indicate that, considering the full fuel cycle, fuel cell vehicles are more energy efficient and emit fewer pollutants than internal combustion vehicles. However, the difference between the two are dampened by the inefficiencies and emissions associated with the extraction and production of the fuel. Even if fuel cell vehicles are mass-produced, they are still more expensive than conventional vehicles. Thus there is a tradeoff between improved efficiency and environmental performance, and cost. Fuel cell vehicles may possibly cost less than conventional automobiles if they last longer, and are priced on a per kilometer basis. Despite the higher cost, consumers may be willing to pay a premium for improved performance. Moreover, other considerations not within the scope of this thesis, such as other performance parameters and a vehicle support network, must be taken into account. / by Christine Pilar L. Picazo. / S.M.

Thesis (S.M.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Engineering Systems Division, Technology and Policy Program, 2004. / Leaf 95 blank. / Includes bibliographical references (leaf 68). / (cont.) payoff IT investments. When the North American Aerospace Industry invests less than any other industry in the high risk investments, its foreign counterpart invests more than any other industry. The second major finding is that the governance mechanisms in place are similar in the two Aerospace Industry segments, contrary to the IT Portfolios. IT decisions are made usually by IT executives or business executives, based on the information provided by Chief level executives and at least one other business group. Finally, the third major finding is that the Aerospace Industry gets above average returns from IT by being good at IT Business Planning, Top Management involvement and User Satisfaction. However, a major effort needs to be placed on improving user satisfaction as it is not always properly managed and hinders returns from IT. The lack of extensive communication also hinders the returns from IT by not guarantying top management involvement and awareness of the IT governance mechanisms. / This thesis originated by a need for the Lean Aerospace Industry to study in the Aerospace Industry what seems to be a troublesome domain for many other industries: Information Technologies (IT). Beforehand, there were two ways to do so: study how aerospace companies implement major systems like Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) or Product Data Management (PDM). After a few short case studies, it seemed companies were puzzled by the true extent and the pervasiveness of IT. Therefore, we chose to not look at IT "locally" but try to understand the bigger picture. This thesis is largely based on the pioneering work done by Peter Weill and the Center for Information Systems Research of the MIT Sloan School of Management on IT Portfolio and IT governance. It rationalizes IT by setting it as a portfolio, just like financial investments. Balancing the IT portfolio will ensure anticipated alignment with the corporate strategies. However, the elaboration of proper IT governance mechanisms is necessary to ensure value and return from IT. Defining the governance is "specifying the decision rights and accountability framework to encourage desirable behavior on the use of IT". We therefore applied the IT Portfolio and IT governance frameworks defined by Peter Weill to the Aerospace Industry through the analysis of surveys available in Appendix D. We were able to get data from ten different companies spread out across the world. This allowed us to examine several IT profiles, and to make several significant findings, among which three are of major importance and are described below. The first major finding is that the North American IT portfolio is risk-averse, while the aggregated rest of the world is prone to invest heavily in high risk/high / by Gregoire Ferre. / S.M.

Thesis (S.M.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Engineering Systems Division, Technology and Policy Program, 2002. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 128-139). / Policies to address the environmental challenges associated with the disposal of electronics waste are being developed in the US and the EU. This paper offers a standard critique of those policies and also analyzes them in terms of the likelihood they will induce innovation in response to their requirements. The US proposal relaxes the hazardous waste handling requirements for cathode ray tubes and mercury containing equipment, with the intent that more of them will be recycled. However, the rule does not contain any requirement that recycling occur, and the economic incentives to do so are minimal. Technological innovation and diffusion of current technology are both unlikely responses to the proposed rule. In addition, the rule does not apply to many users and types of electronics equipment, thereby only addressing a very small portion of the overall electronics waste issue. The rule fails to consider other materials found in electronics equipment and issues regarding recyclability, recycled content, secondary markets, and materials substitution. Two of the EU proposed directives are much more comprehensive in their coverage of electronics waste. They require certain recycling targets to be met and mandate the elimination of some hazardous substances from electronics equipment. Diffusion and incremental innovation are likely responses, with perhaps radical innovation only as the targets become more stringent in future years. The directives require additional clarification regarding the types of electronics equipment covered, financing mechanisms, the structure of the recycling targets, the granting of exemptions, and the development of secondary markets. Portions of the two EU proposed directives may be challenged under World Trade Organization rules. An analysis shows that provisions in the directives could face some difficulty in obtaining exemptions. A growing disconnect between global trade rules and the making of environmental policy is examined. Finally, one additional proposed EU policy that would require manufacturers of electronics equipment to consider the life cycle environmental impacts of the equipment during its design and manufacture is analyzed. At present, innovation is an unlikely response to this directive, though the inclusion of specific performance requirements could substantially improve it. Suggested modifications are offered for each of the policies examined. / by William Arthur Nickerson. / S.M.

Thesis (S.M.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Engineering Systems Division, Technology and Policy Program, 2004. / Includes bibliographical references (leaf 30). / The economic cost of reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emission is an important policy consideration. As public awareness of climate change consequences increase, there is increased political support for greenhouse gas emission controls. However, there are disagreements over the intensity of controls as well as the implementation timeline. A major factor of consideration is the economic cost. Due to the complexity of the climate change issue, many people have chosen to focus on the carbon equivalent quota price as a proxy for the magnitude of cost. While the carbon price is a helpful guide, it provides an incomplete picture of all the distortions and their interactions. This thesis aims to break down the different components of welfare loss in computer general equilibrium (CGE) models, so as to further understand the issue. The MIT Emissions Prediction and Policy Analysis (EPPA) model, a large-scale computable general equilibrium (CGE) model, simulates trends in global economics and greenhouse gas emissions. Utilizing the EPPA model, I examined the distortions resulting from carbon taxation, domestic taxation, changes in terms of trade, international oil market effect, and international capital flow. This thesis focused on Japan and the European Union, showing that high carbon price does not always correlate with a proportional high percentage welfare loss. / (cont.) The distortion induced by interaction of non-carbon taxation dwarfs that of carbon taxation. As a result, some countries with a high carbon price may experience low national welfare loss relative to other countries with lower carbon price. Finally, I complete the thesis by examining the different policy implications for this detailed understanding of economic cost of climate change policies. / by Kok Hou Tay. / S.M.

Thesis (S.M.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Engineering Systems Division, Technology and Policy Program, 2003. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 43-44). / Thirty years of high economic growth has transformed South Korea into a middle-income country with strengths in many promising industries. However, the government of South Korea realizes that the country must constantly push into new areas to maintain its economic growth rates and achieve its goal of joining the ranks of advanced, First World nations. With the economic emergence of China and Southeast Asia, this pressure to advance up the value chain has intensified. Thus the government has been actively seeking new growth areas that will aid in the next level of South Korea's development. This thesis aims to examine the prospects of the Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) industry as a source of growth for the South Korean economy over the coming 20 years. It investigates the industry's potential for domestic growth as well as South Korea's prospects for becoming a major participant in the global market for ITS equipment and integration services. This paper discusses the arguments for various policies to encourage the development of the ITS industry. In particular, it draws on information about the latest ITS enabling technologies and South Korea's existing data infrastructure, as well as the country's financial constraints to analyze the feasibility of building a common ITS data transport infrastructure in the Seoul Metropolitan area. It also reviews the arguments for policies designed to develop ITS as an export industry. The examination suggests that South Korea's existing strengths in related technical fields, and the unique circumstances which make it an ideal test bed for new technologies, presents the country with opportunities for taking an early lead in this still developing market. In addition, the costs of funding key policies to encourage the development of ITS are well within reach for the national government, considering its financial situation. The paper concludes that the prospects for the ITS equipment and integration market over the next two decades are bright, and that the Korean government should consider nurturing it as a potential high-growth industry. ITS should not only be viewed as a promising technology for improving the efficiency of Korea's domestic transportation system, but as an industry that should be actively supported for its export potential. / by Jeffrey H. Kim. / S.M.