38 The Strategic Use of Regulatory Investment by Industry Sub-Groups Sharon Oster 1980. The study shows that the regulatory process can be used as a powerful weapon by subgroups within an industry against other subgroups. It argues that new regulations should be evaluated as a result of, and as a contributor to, the competitive balance. Using case analyses of the activities of five regulated utilities, this report examines the reasons for utilities' interest in diversifying into nonregulated energy-related fields, the subsidization of these nonregulated activities, and the potential remedies that small businesses have to counter unfair or illegal competition. An Economic Analysis with Special Reference to Personal Computer Marketing Howard P. Marvel 1985.
Small businesses are major retailers of microcomputers.
In this study of distribution in the personal computer market, it was found that manufacturers prefer chains for easier imposition of vertical restraints. The increased use of vertical restraints may cause policymakers to move against such restraints.