Essays on time-sensitive markets

This dissertation presents both theoretical and empirical studies of time-sensitivity in a variety of markets. Time-sensitivity refers to the fact that the delay in delivering services or releasing products decreases their value. It consists of three essays. The first essay considers competition between providers who serve delay-sensitive customers, focusing on the effects of alternative delay-cost structures. The second essay studies the delay between theatrical and DVD releases for the motion pictures industry. The third essay empirically studies the effects of delays in the production of U.S. films and in their distribution overseas over the 2000-2006 period.