Linear Programming And The Theory Of The Firm

Application of Linear Programming to the Theory of the Firm

This title is a detailed academic monograph that explores the use of linear and non-linear programming in economic theory, specifically applied to the theory of the firm. Originally developed as a doctoral dissertation at the University of California, the study draws heavily on contributions from leading economists and mathematicians. The work acknowledges the influence of George Dantzig, who pioneered linear programming, as well as contributions from Professor G.C. Evans, who provided guidance on mathematical rigor. The monograph also recognizes Professor A.W. Tucker’s foundational work on non-linear programming, which enabled the author’s exploration of quadratic programming applications in monopolistic settings. The research, inspired by and partially funded through a United States Air Force initiative to advance administrative techniques, underscores the practical applications of programming theory within large organizations. This monograph emphasizes both the theoretical advances in economic modeling and the broader relevance of linear and quadratic programming approaches to real-world organizational challenges. This title is part of UC Press's Voices Revived program, which commemorates University of California Press’s mission to seek out and cultivate the brightest minds and give them voice, reach, and impact. Drawing on a backlist dating to 1893, Voices Revived makes high-quality, peer-reviewed scholarship accessible once again using print-on-demand technology. This title was originally published in 1951.

Application of Linear Programming to the Theory of the Firm

The Theory of the Firm

Firms are a ubiquitous feature of the economic landscape, with much of the activity undertaken within an economy taking place within their boundaries. Given the size of the contribution made by firms to economic activity, employment and growth, having a theoretical understanding of the nature and structure of firms is crucial for understanding how an economy functions. The Theory of the Firm firstly offers a brief overview of the past, consisting of a concise discussion of the classical view of production, followed by an outline of the development of the neoclassical - or ‘textbook’ - approach to firm level production. Secondly, the ‘present’ of the theory of the firm is discussed in three sections. The first section considers the post-1970 theory of the firm literature per se, while the second section scrutinises the relationship between the three most prominent of the modern sets of theories: the reference point, property rights and transaction cost approaches. The third section looks at the theory of privatisation. The unique aspects of this book includes its discussions of the post-1970 contributions to the theory of the firm; the integration of the theory of the entrepreneur with the theory of the firm; and the theory of privatisation. This volume offers an intuitive introduction to the theories of the firm as well as simple formal models of the most important contributions to the literature. It also outlines the historical evolution of the traditional and modern theories of the firm. This book is of great interest to those who study history of economic thought, industrial economics and organizational studies.