Determining when to adopt advanced information technologies: A multi-stage real option analysis

Abstract

Nowadays, the development of advanced information technology (IT) is rapid. Adopting such advanced IT products in an organization has been considered as crucial to establish an effective competitive strategy. However, determining the best time to implement a particular advanced technology is critical. In this study, the optimal adoption time to implement advanced new technologies is suggested. We recommend implementing expensive advanced new technologies in several stages and apply a multi-stage option pricing model to calculate the optimal solution, that is, to generate the maximum profit and the corresponding timing for each stage. The implications of such timing are interpreted as rational references for practitioners.