A Multidisciplinary Perspective on the Evolution of Corporate Investment Decision Making

Abstract

This paper offers a multidisciplinary perspective on the evolution of corporate investment decision-making theory and practice since the middle of the 20th century. To this end, perspectives from across the Finance, Management Accounting and Strategic Management disciplines are provided. Additionally, the paper considers the current potential for integration across our understandings from these disciplines. Accordingly, the article should be of interest to students and educators who wish to reconcile their understanding of corporate investment decision-making across financial, accounting, management and strategic perspectives.

Keywords: investment, NPV, cost of capital, strategic investment, behavioural investment, corporate investment, option value, reputation, commitment and trust

JEL Classification: G3, G31