• Korean Journal of Construction Engineering and Management
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• v.15 no.4
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• pp.58-67
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• 2014

The proportion of investment in national R&D projects in construction and transportation has been increasing continuously; in terms of the size of R&D projects, there are many medium- to large-sized projects of over KRW 10 billion. However, in spite of such continuous increase in R&D investments, there are many technologies developed but not commercialized, i.e., the quiescence of technology. Accordingly, it is necessary to link the R&D results to commercialization by expanding the scope of R&D projects. In this context, this study presented objective reference prices to be used in contracting/transacting technology and implementing commercialization strategy by conducting technology valuations against on-going research projects with earnings approach, and by estimating value of patented technology. Sum of free cash flow (business value) that can be generated during the life of the technology was estimated as KRW 512 million by reflecting a discount rate of 16.34% to convert it into the present value. In addition, the technology value was computed as KRW 227million by applying a technology factor of 44.39% to the above value. Based on the technology value estimated in this way, it is necessary to establish industrialization and commercialization strategy of the technology.

• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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• v.8 no.6
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• pp.1634-1647
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• 2007

"To invest or not to invest?" Most business leaders are frequently faced with this question on new and ongoing projects. The challenge lies in deciding what projects to choose, expand, contract, defer, or abandon. The project valuation tools used in this process are vital to making the right decisions. Traditional tools such as discounted cash flow (DCF)/net present value (NPV) assume a "fixed" path ahead, but real world projects face uncertainties, forcing us to change the path often. Comparing to other traditional valuation methods, the real options approach captures the flexibility inherent to investment decisions. The use of real options has gained wide acceptance among practitioners in a number of several industries during the last few decades. Even though the options are present in all types of business decisions, it is still not considered as a proper method of valuation in some industries. Mining has been comparably slow to adopt new valuation techniques over the years. The reason fur this is not entirely clear. One possible reason is the level and types of risks in mining. Not only are these risks high, but they are also more numerous and involve natural risks compared with other industries. That is why the purpose of this study is to deal with a more practical approach to project valuation, known as real options analysis in mining industry. This paper provides a case study approach to the copper mining industry using a real options analysis. It shows how companies can minimize investment risks, exercise flexibility in decision making and maximize returns.