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A model for irreversible investment with construction and revenue uncertainty

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  • Thijssen, Jacco J.J.

Abstract

This paper presents a model of investment in projects that are characterized by uncertainty over both the construction costs and revenues. Both processes are modeled as spectrally negative Lévy jump-diffusions. The optimal stopping problem that determines the value of the project is solved under fairly general assumptions. It is found that the current value of the benefit-to-cost ratio (BCR) decreases in the frequency of negative shocks to the construction process. This implies that the cost overruns that can be expected if one ignores such shocks are increasing in their frequency. Based on calibrated data, the model is applied to the proposed construction of high-speed rail in the UK and it is found that its economic case cannot currently be made and is unlikely to be met at any time in the next decade. In addition it is found that ignoring construction uncertainty leads to a substantial probability of an erroneous decision being taken.

Suggested Citation

  • Thijssen, Jacco J.J., 2015. "A model for irreversible investment with construction and revenue uncertainty," Journal of Economic Dynamics and Control, Elsevier, vol. 57(C), pages 250-266.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:dyncon:v:57:y:2015:i:c:p:250-266
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jedc.2015.06.001
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Thijssen, Jacco J.J., 2022. "Optimal investment and abandonment decisions for projects with construction uncertainty," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 298(1), pages 368-379.
    2. Delaney, L., 2020. "A Model of Investment under Uncertainty with Time to Build, Market Incompleteness and Risk Aversion," Working Papers 20/13, Department of Economics, City University London.
    3. Delaney, Laura, 2021. "A model of investment under uncertainty with time to build, market incompleteness and risk aversion," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 293(3), pages 1155-1167.
    4. Zhang, Xinhua & Gan, Dongmei & Wang, Yali & Liu, Yu & Ge, Jiali & Xie, Rui, 2020. "The impact of price and revenue floors on carbon emission reduction investment by coal-fired power plants," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 154(C).

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Investment under uncertainty; Railway investment; Optimal stopping;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D81 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Criteria for Decision-Making under Risk and Uncertainty
    • G31 - Financial Economics - - Corporate Finance and Governance - - - Capital Budgeting; Fixed Investment and Inventory Studies

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