Unit information: Industrial Economics in 2014/15

Unit name	Industrial Economics
Unit code	ECON30076
Credit points	20
Level of study	H/6
Teaching block(s)	Teaching Block 4 (weeks 1-24)
Unit director	Dr. Maija Halonen-Akatwijuka
Open unit status	Not open
Pre-requisites	Intermediate Microeconomics ECON21133
Co-requisites	None
School/department	School of Economics
Faculty	Faculty of Social Sciences and Law

Description including Unit Aims

This course examines strategic interactions between firms and the determinants of industrial structure. The first part of the unit is theoretical. It concentrates on the analysis of various aspects of oligopolistic industries, including collusion, vertical relationships, networks and entry. The unit also examines the need to constrain firms' behaviour by competition policy. Furthermore, students apply economic theory to case studies in e.g. vertical restraints in the European car industry and the battle between Blu-Ray and HD DVD.

Industrial Economics in the Spring Term covers applied and empirical models in I.O. The course mostly covers issues in competition policy and its applications to different environments. The unit will help students to interpret empirical evidence and to apply economic theory to practical policy questions.

Intended Learning Outcomes

1. Students will be familiar with theoretical models of Industrial Organization.
2. Students will be able to apply the models in a relevant way in case study analysis.
3. Students will be able to critically interpret empirical evidence on firm performance.
4. Students will be able to apply economic theory and evidence to real-world policy questions.

Teaching Information

Lectures and tutorials

Assessment Information

Formative assessment: 2 2000 word essays assesses intended learning outcomes 1-4.

Summative assessment: 3-hour written exam assesses intended learning outcomes 1-4.

Reading and References

Pepall, Richards and Norman (2008) Industrial Organization: Contemporary Theory and Empirical Applications (Blackwell)

Journal articles