A Model for Identify Uncertainty and increase Flexibility in Capital Budgeting Decisions via Real Option ApproachCase Study: A photovoltaic Plant in the South of Isfahan

Economic appraisal of investment projects requires a new thought referred to as real option theory given the governing uncertainty over their financial conditions which can cover deficiencies of traditional methods of capital budgeting such as stationary and not considering uncertainty factors. According to this theory, a model was proposed in the present study to identify and rank environmental uncertainties and effective managerial flexibilities or options on investment decisions in a photovoltaic plant in the south of Isfahan. To this end, uncertainty factors of this plant were identified via field study from the viewpoint of a sample consisted of 36 experts through confirmatory factor analysis. Then, impact factor of each factor on advantages and expenses of the above plant was evaluated using the fuzzy hierarchical analysis. In the next step, the effect of these options on the project value was tested by means of linear regression method. Tools of data collection were two researcher self-made questionnaires. Validity and reliability of each questionnaire were confirmed through Lawshe's content validity index and Cronbach's alpha coefficient. The results indicated the effect of uncertainty factors on investment environment of the plant and a significant relationship between the use of real option and flexibilities with increased effect of investment in this plant. Meanwhile, the experts positively evaluated the effect of expansion, wait and abandonment options to increase the flexibility of investment decisions in this plant.