Decision making in projects with sequential and linked substages: the effect of regulatory focus and component sunk costs

Ian Patrick Boudville

Decision making in projects with sequential and linked substages: the effect of regulatory focus and component sunk costs

Ian Patrick Boudville

UWA Business School

Research output: Thesis › Doctoral Thesis

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Abstract

Projects are comprised of resource-constrained, sequential and linked substages. A setback in one of these substages may lead to Escalation of Commitment to a failing course of action (EOC). The objective of this thesis is to determine if component, not composite, sunk costs best predict EOC and if EOC can be mitigated by inducing Regulatory Focus (RF) and Counterfactual Thinking. Findings reveal that component sunk costs best predict EOC. A decision maker's RF also influences EOC when confronted with a risky choice decision. Three means of mitigating EOC are proposed: managing negative affect, varying system goal threat and managing paradox.

Original language	English
Qualification	Doctor of Philosophy
Awarding Institution	The University of Western Australia
Supervisors/Advisors	Parker, Sharon, Supervisor Leighton, Catherine, Supervisor
Award date	31 Oct 2016
Publication status	Unpublished - 2016

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THESIS - DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY - BOUDVILLE Ian Patrick - 2016
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Cite this

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title = "Decision making in projects with sequential and linked substages: the effect of regulatory focus and component sunk costs",

abstract = "Projects are comprised of resource-constrained, sequential and linked substages. A setback in one of these substages may lead to Escalation of Commitment to a failing course of action (EOC). The objective of this thesis is to determine if component, not composite, sunk costs best predict EOC and if EOC can be mitigated by inducing Regulatory Focus (RF) and Counterfactual Thinking. Findings reveal that component sunk costs best predict EOC. A decision maker's RF also influences EOC when confronted with a risky choice decision. Three means of mitigating EOC are proposed: managing negative affect, varying system goal threat and managing paradox. ",

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N2 - Projects are comprised of resource-constrained, sequential and linked substages. A setback in one of these substages may lead to Escalation of Commitment to a failing course of action (EOC). The objective of this thesis is to determine if component, not composite, sunk costs best predict EOC and if EOC can be mitigated by inducing Regulatory Focus (RF) and Counterfactual Thinking. Findings reveal that component sunk costs best predict EOC. A decision maker's RF also influences EOC when confronted with a risky choice decision. Three means of mitigating EOC are proposed: managing negative affect, varying system goal threat and managing paradox.

AB - Projects are comprised of resource-constrained, sequential and linked substages. A setback in one of these substages may lead to Escalation of Commitment to a failing course of action (EOC). The objective of this thesis is to determine if component, not composite, sunk costs best predict EOC and if EOC can be mitigated by inducing Regulatory Focus (RF) and Counterfactual Thinking. Findings reveal that component sunk costs best predict EOC. A decision maker's RF also influences EOC when confronted with a risky choice decision. Three means of mitigating EOC are proposed: managing negative affect, varying system goal threat and managing paradox.

KW - Decision making

KW - Projects

KW - Escalation of commitment

KW - Component sunk costs

KW - Regulatory focus

KW - Counterfactual structure

KW - Negative effect

KW - Goals

M3 - Doctoral Thesis

ER -

Decision making in projects with sequential and linked substages: the effect of regulatory focus and component sunk costs

Abstract

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