Applications and potentials of auction theory in management accounting

Abstract

In economics, the applications of auction theory are very broad. The present paper examines the applications of auction theory, especially in a management accounting context. Auctions are widely used in different applications. Often auctions have been used as procurement auctions with a reverse auction design, for instance to choose the best supplier. In addition, auctions have been used in supply chain management. In particular, the present paper will take a look at internal auctions, which are used to allocate scarce resources within a firm. The main purpose of the present paper is to exposit the state of the art of the applications of auctions and auction theory. But also there is already a huge potential for auction theory as an instrument of management accounting. So the present paper will also take a look at auctions that are used to generate information or to coordinate firms, for example, auctions could be used to determine transfer prices or budgets.