A System Dynamics Approach to Assessing Public Policy Impact on the Sustainable Growth Rate of New Ventures

Authors

Jeff W. Trailer, California State University - ChicoFollow
Kuau Garsson, Tufts University

Issue Season

Spring

Document Type

Article

Abstract

The growth of firms is fundamentally based on self-reinforcing feedback loops, one of the most important of which involves cash flow. When profit margin is positive, sales generate cash, which may then be reinvested to finance the operating cash cycle. We analyze simulations of a sustainable growth model of a generic new venture to assess the importance of taxes, and regulatory costs in determining growth. The results suggest that new ventures are particularly vulnerable to public policy effects, since their working capital resource levels are minimal, and they have few options to raise external funds necessary to fuel their initial operating cash cycles. Clearly, this has potential consequences in terms of gaining competitive advantage from experience effects, word of mouth, scale economies, etc. The results of this work suggest that system dynamics models may provide public policy-makers a cost-effective means to meet the spirit of the U.S. Regulatory Flexibility Act.

Recommended Citation

Trailer, Jeff W. and Garsson, Kuau (2005) "A System Dynamics Approach to Assessing Public Policy Impact on the Sustainable Growth Rate of New Ventures," New England Journal of Entrepreneurship: Vol. 8: No. 1, Article 4.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.sacredheart.edu/neje/vol8/iss1/4