MINI PROJECTS
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A clear statement of the research objectives of the project.
There is literature on the use of agent based models in the field of Strategic Management (see
Management Science for an example) that can be used as a platform to identify potential gaps
in research in the area of Strategic Management. In this area, firms are characterised as
complex systems composed by multiple components (decision makers, units, areas, etc)
whose final behaviour is not known and it is emergent on the interaction between these
components.
My personal research in strategic management is in the area of competitive dynamics and
resource-based view of the firm. Therefore, potential questions are related to the interaction
between firms or between areas inside firms competing for certain resources whose emergent
behaviour is not known.
Therefore, the student is expected to perform a literature review to identify the state-of-theart in the area and then use some of the published models (or variations) in performing
research in the area of strategic management.

A discussion of why it is interesting.
There is a vast literature on the use of agent based models in the field of Strategic
Management so the student may be interested in making a contribution to a vibrant
community.

A brief summary of the background to be assimilated and techniques required.
Agent based modelling…see Gilbert and Terna (2000) How to build and use agent-based
models in social science, Mind and Society, 1 57-72. Or Gilbert and Troitzsch (1999)
Simulation for the Social Scientist, Open University Press.

A list of prospective deliverables.
A model with experiment data related to the validation of theories in strategic management
related to strategy as an emergent process.

An indication of the relation to end/downstream users: who should benefit from this [line of]
research?
I will benefit from this research. The student will have a first opportunity to start a career in
the area of business and strategy.

A brief outline of avenues for a follow-up PhD project.
Given the interesting research in strategic management using agent based models and my
actual research agenda, the student can follow this project with a PhD in the area of strategy,
management and competitive dynamics.