Module ECON3061: INDUSTRIAL ORGANISATION

Department: Economics

ECON3061: INDUSTRIAL ORGANISATION

Prerequisites

• Microeconomics (ECON2021) OR Economic Theory (ECON2291)

Corequisites

• None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None.

Aims

• The module aims to build upon material at Levels 1 and 2 in order to develop an understanding of key aspects of industrial organisation. In particular, the module aims to develop the ability of students to use the tools of modern microeconomic analysis to examine the behaviour and performance of firms in industrial and commercial markets, whole providing opportunities to practise and develop a range of key skills.

Content

• Topics are likely to include:
• The measurement and determination of market concentration.
• Static models of oligopoly behaviour.
• Collusion.
• Entry barriers, entry threats and strategic behaviour.
• Firm survival and exit.
• Market structure and profitability.
• Innovation.
• Regulation and Natural Monopoly.
• Topics in industrial organisation.

Learning Outcomes

• Upon completion of the module, students should be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of key aspects of industrial organisation, including the relationship between the structure of industrial and commercial markets and the conduct and performance of firms within them.

• On completion of the module, students should be able to use some of the basic tools of modern microeconomic analysis to examine aspects of the behaviour and performance of firms in industrial and commercial markets.

• Written communication - through formative and summative assessment.
• Planning, Organisation and Time Management - by planning work in order to prepare for tutorial classes, formative assessment and written examinations.
• Problem solving and analysis - by exercising critical thinking in applying relevant theory and empirical evidence to the analysis of problems and issues encountered in seminar worksheets and summative assessment.
• Initiative - by selecting and researching relevant literature and information in preparation for tutorial classes, formative assessment and the written examination.
• Numeracy - by applying core mathematical and quantitative skills to complete a range of seminar exercises.
• Computer Literacy and Information Retrieval - by word processing, accessing and downloading material form DUO, using e-mail to communicate with class leader and other students, undertaking bibliographic search and information retrieval for their student-centred learning topic.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

• Teaching is by lectures and seminars. Learning takes place through attendance at lectures, preparation for and participation in tutorial classes and private study. Formative assessment is by means of one piece of written work. Summative assessment is by means of an online examination.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

One written piece of work to prepare students for the online exam.

■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University