Fall 2019 - ECON 425 D100
Industrial Organization: Imperfect Competition (3)
Class Number: 3631
Delivery Method: In Person
Overview
-
Course Times + Location:
Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2019: Wed, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
-
Instructor:
Christoph Luelfesmann
cluelfes@sfu.ca
1 778 782-8504
-
Prerequisites:
ECON 302.
Description
CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:
An in depth examination of firm behavior in the context of imperfect competition. Topics covered may include: monopoly and oligopoly pricing; product differentiation; market power; entry deterrence; antitrust laws; and regulation. Emphasis will be given to covering a limited number of issues in detail rather than attempting a broad survey of industrial organization theories.
COURSE DETAILS:
The course analyzes oligopolistic markets with imperfect competition. We start with a brief review of some basic models, as already covered in ECON 302. Extended topics then include 1) the predatory conduct of firms in markets. What can an incumbent firm do to prevent market entry, or to drive out existing rivals? 2) Mergers and other contractual relations between firms: the course investigates horizontal and vertical mergers, discusses the welfare implications of these transactions, and studies exclusive dealing clauses such as those used in franchise agreements. Students are expected to have a good knowledge of elementary calculus, and of game theory. Also, students will present their term papers over the last week of classes.
Grading
- Term exam (to be held before the start of student presentations) 50%
- Term paper and presentation 40%
- Class participation 10%
Materials
REQUIRED READING:
None.
RECOMMENDED READING:
L. Pepall, D.J. Richards and G. Norman, Industrial Organization: Contemporary Theory and Empirical Applications (5th edition), Wiley, 2014. (One or two copies will be placed on reserve)
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