Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2019 - ECON 325 D200

Industrial Organization (3)

Class Number: 4817

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2019: Tue, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Dec 16, 2019
    Mon, 3:30–6:30 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    ECON 201 or 301; 60 units.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Introduces students to the economics of imperfect competition. Topics covered include the theory of the firm, market structure, and various aspects of firm strategy such as pricing, advertising, product differentiation, and innovation. Related questions of public policy will also be addressed. Quantitative.

COURSE DETAILS:

Industrial Organization studies markets of imperfect competition.  Producers do not take prices as given and instead, interact strategically with each other. We first investigate the optimal supply and price policy of a monopolistic firm, including issues such as bundling and price discrimination. Then, we introduce the basic theories of oligopolistic markets. Finally, we discuss some advanced topics such as endogenous entry decisions, vertical integration and exclusive dealing arrangements.  

Students are expected to have a working knowledge of elementary calculus. The game-theoretical concepts used in this course will be introduced in class. 

Grading

  • Midterm exam 30%
  • Comprehensive final exam 70%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

You will have a choice between:

Pepall, Richards and Norman, Industrial Organization: Contemporary Theory and Empirical Applications (5th Edition), Wiley, 2014.  
ISBN: 978-1118250303

and a Custom copy with selected chapters from the same book:

Peppal, Richards, and Norman. Custom Version of Industrial Organiaztion: Conteporary Theory and Empirical Applications (5th Edition), Wiley, 2014.
ISBN: 978-1119376712

Department Undergraduate Notes:

***NO TUTORIALS DURING THE FIRST WEEK OF CLASSES***

Students requiring accommodations as a result of a disability must contact the Centre for Accessible Learning (CAL) at 778-782-3112 or caladmin@sfu.ca.

Registrar Notes:

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS