In a recent paper in this journal, Wojcik (2000) argues that the nested logit model “is likely to be superior” to alternative random coefficients logit specifications, like those we and many others have used in recent work (e.g. Berry, Levinsohn, and Pakes (1995), henceforth BLP). Her conclusion is based on a within sample “prediction” exercise. We would like to raise several issues about her c...

We consider the assortment optimization problem under the classical two-level nested logit model. We establish a necessary and sufficient condition for the optimal assortment and develop a simple and fast greedy algorithm that iteratively removes at most one product from each nest to compute an optimal solution.

We study assortment optimization problems where customer choices are governed by the nested logit model and there are constraints on the set of products offered in each nest. Under the nested logit model, the products are organized in nests. Each product in each nest has a fixed revenue associated with it. The goal is to find a feasible set of products, i.e. a feasible assortment, to maximize t...

The analysis of air-passengers’ choices of departure airport in multi-airport regions is a crucial component of transportation planning in many large metropolitan areas, and has been the topic of an increasing number of studies over recent years. In this paper, we advance the state of the art of modelling in this area of research by making use of a Cross-Nested Logit (CNL) structure that allows...

The application of compositional data analysis through log ratio transformations corresponds to a multinomial logit model for the shares themselves. This model is characterized by the property of Independence of Irrelevant Alternatives (IIA). IIA states that the odds ratio –in this case the ratio of shares – is invariant to the addition or deletion of outcomes to the problem. It is exactly this...

This thesis examines how to model the choice of individual travelers among various possible travel alternatives in the airline industry. A review of the models used to represent that choice situation in the Passenger OriginDestination Simulator (PODS) was undertaken for two reasons. First, the development of computational capabilities has lead to advancements in consumer choice theory that enab...

The A.C. Nielson household scanner panel is used to analyze factors affecting brand-size choices for spaghetti. These data link product purchases, which are scanned, with household demographics and market information on the store where purchased. A multinominal logit model and a nested logit model are specified and estimated. In addition to the effects of inventory and brand loyalty, the most i...