Xiangzhu Han
| Date of Ph.D. defense: | January 16, 1998 |
| Title of thesis: | Product Differentiation, Collusion and Standardization |
| ISBN: | 90 5668 033 1 |
| Promotor: | Prof.dr. Pieter Ruys |
Abstract:
This thesis analyzes why products become increasingly heterogenous in both their physical
and qualitative appearances in the modern market economy. Among the important causes,
competition from outside goods, non-uniform but concentrated consumer distributions, and
competition and cooperation, are studied for the demonstration of their economic
implications. The applications are twofold. First, there are the incentives of durable-goods
producers to tie their aftermarkets with their primary markets, and the social consequences
of that action. Second, there are the international trade policies of standardization. The
analysis focuses on whether a domestic durable-goods producer, being a quality follower
and incumbent, will agree on standardizing its products with a foreign durable-goods
producer, under international competition and government protection.
Global / English