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This dissertation examines product positioning and development strategies by firms. Product strategies not only determine a firm's performance, but they also influence the types of goods that are available in the market. I conduct empirical evaluations on how rivalries shape product decisions, and propose a framework that guides firms to devise incentive schemes to spur new ideas which are vital to the development of innovative products.I begin by focusing on product differentiation strategy among rivals. I develop a theoretical model on programming choice by rival broadcasters in the media industry. The model predicts that the level of product differentiation is determined by the relative strengths of the rivals. I test this model using data from the Chinese satellite television industry. I analyze dynamic product positioning activities of 30 satellite television channels with respect to their dominant rival. Consistent with theory, the empirical evidence shows that weaker firms are more responsive when compared to the stronger ones to differentiate their products from the dominant rival. In a second study, I focus on product imitation strategy among rivals. I empirically examine whether rivals imitate each other when they operate in uncertain market environments. Using data from the Chinese satellite television industry, I analyze product spatial distances between the satellite television channels before and after the commercialization of the dominant rival. I find that rivals cluster in product space when they are attacked by the dominant rival. Moreover, the level of clustering is most intense immediately following the industry shock, and less so as time progresses. I find mixed evidence on firms selectively cluster with rivals that are perceived to possess superior market information.In the final essay, co-authored with John Morgan, we propose how firms may employ tournament incentive schemes to stimulate innovations which are essential to creating new products. Governments and foundations have successfully harnessed tournaments to generate innovative ideas. Yet this tool is not widely used by firms. We offer a framework for managers seeking to organize tournaments for ideas. We present the theoretical underpinnings of tournaments. We then connect the theory with three recent business concepts - the power of the network, the wisdom of crowds, and the leverage of intrinsic motivations - that boost the effectiveness of tournaments.

Since the passage of legislation in 1977, Appalachian mineland reclamation is typically completed using non-native C3 grasses and forbs. Alternatively, reclamation with native prairie (C4) grasses and forbs offers a more ecologically friendly alternative that can contribute to native plant conservation and potentially improve soil properties more quickly than shallower rooted C3 cool-season grasses. We assessed the establishment of native prairie after reclamation, evaluating three treatments for six years after planting—traditional cool season planting, native prairie planted at light density, and native prairie planted at heavy density. All treatments reached the objectives of reclamation—percentage of ground covered by vegetation—within 2 years after planting. All treatments at all sites, except for one site by treatment combination near a forest, showed an increase in plant species richness and Shannon–Wiener diversity in the first four years of reclamation, a peak around 5 years, and subsequent decrease. Little difference in plant richness and Shannon–Wiener diversity among treatments was observed. However, the two native seed mixes quickly diverged from the traditional mix in terms of community structure and diverged further over time, with both native treatments heading towards a more desirable native prairie grassland state, while the traditional mix remained dominated by non-native cool season grasses. The native treatments also exhibited greater increase in microbial biomass and fungi:bacteria ratio over time compared to the traditional mix. Soil organic carbon increased over time regardless of seed mix treatment. Exchangeable base cations and phosphorus generally decreased over time, as expected, regardless of seed mix treatment, likely due to uptake from established plants. Native grassland species were able to establish despite inclusion of some traditional species in the native mix. Native plant establishment likely resulted in benefits including pollinator resources, bird and wildlife habitat, and increased soil health, and we recommend that native prairie mixes be used directly in reclamation moving forward, as they are able to meet reclamation goals while establishing a successful native prairie plant community.

Abstract