The role of market accessibility and entry is the central theme of this dissertation. Two theoretical models of oligopoly theory are examined in a controlled laboratory market setting. Experimental testing of Contestability Theory is extended beyond the natural monopoly case and a "safe haven" provides subjects with a viable alternative to the "contestable" market. Evidence reported supports the conclusion that the contestable market is robust to the introduction of the alternate market. The theory of Bertrand-Edgeworth duopoly is explored from a game theoretic perspective with special attention to buyer queuing rule assumptions. Experimental evidence underscores sensitivity of market outcomes to the queuing rule adopted. The presence of excess capacity relative to market demand tends to push theoretical Bertrand-Edgeworth equilibria toward competitive levels. This result is substantiated by experimental evidence and is independent of the queuing rule assumed. The similarity between the Bertrand-Edgeworth excess capacity case and a contestable natural monopoly market is investigated. The presence of excess capacity/potential entrants is shown to exert more downward pressure on observed laboratory market prices than the presence of additional competitors alone. This result is at odds with the traditional Structure-Conduct-Performance Paradigm. A herfindahl index calculated from experimental results has almost no power to predict market outcome.

Laboratory experiments have suggested that the coexistence of certain heteromyid rodent species is facilitated through differential use of seed dispersions (clump sizes). Field experiments with the Bannertail kangaroo rat, Dipodomys spectabilis, and Merriam's kangaroo rat, D. merriami, indicate their use of different clump sizes is not sufficiently specialized to permit coexistence. Field experiments based on the assumption that these species interact primarily through aggression demonstrated that during at least one season of the year D. spectabilis excludes the smaller D. merriami from its foraging range. Preliminary characterization of spatial heterogeneity of resource productivity implies that the competitive coexistence of these species is regional and is dependent upon the existence of areas with low productivity that are not economically usable by D. spectabilis. These areas of low productivity may serve as a competitive refuge for D. merriami, facilitating its persistence. A brief review of the evidence for the occurrence of competition between heteromyid species is presented, as is a selected review of the evidence supporting the various hypotheses explaining the competitive coexistence of heteromyid rodents.

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Dropout among youth players is a problem in Swedish icehockey. Leaders in youth hockey teams work closely with players on an almost everyday basis during season and have a big influence on players and their activities. This study aims to identify possible reasons for dropouts by interviewing coaches and leaders in icehockey clubs. A total of eight coaches and leaders in different ice hockey clubs were interviewed. Results show that the coaches highlight three reasons for early dropout; focus on competition, results and too much training in younger ages.

The rapid growth of the Chinese economy is reflected in the global expansion of Chinese enterprises. While a lot of attention has been devoted to the expansion of foreign owned enterprises in China since 1978, the interest of this study has extended to Chinese owned service firms which are venturing abroad, with a particular focus on a Chinese hotel chain-Guangdong (International) Hotel Management Limited. This research undertakes an exploratory study - based on inductive and evaluative approach - to generate new, analytical insights into the social phenomenon of a Chinese hotel chain's internationalisation. In entering in international hotel marketplace, Mainland Chinese companies face a very competitive environment in which most of the major players have already achieved strong market positions. Based on consideration of theories and analysis of the empirical evidence, this study develops a theoretical framework of the internationalisation of Chinese hotel companies which is linked to the specific characteristics of the country in transition from a centrally-planned economy to a market economy.