Industrial Organisation (EC0017)

? Credit Points : 20 ? SCQF Level : 10 ? Acronym : MSE-4-IO

This course analyses firm behaviour in industries where a small number of firms operate and where the theory of perfect competition does not therefore apply. Alternative theoretical models are needed since firms' actions now directly affect competitors' profits and consumer welfare. This course aims to equip students with tools to identify and understand strategic firm behaviour and enable them to discuss the design of regulation and discuss their impact on welfare. The course presumes that students have a familiarity with micro theory and basic game theory. Topics in Economic Analysis 1 is a prerequisite. Although mainly theoretical, this course also intigrates empirical studies: The first part of the course (approximately two thirds of the total) provied a broad exposition to topics and industries that current researchers are studying by discussing models of monopoly pricing, oligopoly behaviour, product differentiation, innovation, advertising and entry. The second part is more empirical and proposes several topics on imperfect competition, the need for regulation and the analysis of real cases concerning European antitrust legislation. This part will be conducted through group presentations on the proposed topics.

Entry Requirements

? Pre-requisites : Topics in Economic Analysis 1

? Costs : None

Subject Areas

Home subject area

Economics, (Management School and Economics, Schedule H)

Delivery Information

? Normal year taken : 4th year

? Delivery Period : Semester 2 (Blocks 3-4)

? Contact Teaching Time : 2 hour(s) per week for 10 weeks

First Class Information

Date	Start	End	Room	Area	Additional Information
10/01/2008	09:00	11:00	Room 11.01, David Hume Tower	Central

All of the following classes

Type	Day	Start	End	Area
Lecture	Thursday	09:00	10:50	Central

Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes

After successful completion of this course students should have developed analytical and assessment skills and a structured thinking that will enable them to apply the knowledge drawn from general models to real-world cases. They will also develop group and communication skills and the ability to manage tasks and their time and to obtain information from a variety of sources.