Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2020 - ECON 425 D100

Industrial Organization: Imperfect Competition (3)

Class Number: 2358

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 9 – Dec 8, 2020: Fri, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • 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:

Description:  The course takes a deeper look at oligopolistic markets with imperfect competition. We start with a brief review of some basic models, as covered in Econ 302. Extended topics include 1) the predatory conduct of firms in markets: what can an incumbent form can do to prevent market entry, or to drive out existing rivals? 2) Mergers and other contractual relations between firms: horizontal and vertical mergers, the welfare implications of these transactions, and exclusive dealing clauses such as those used in franchise agreements. Students are expected to have a good knowledge of elementary calculus, as well as game theory. Also, students will present their term papers over the last few weeks of classes.

Grading

  • Term exam (to be held before start of student presentation) 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), Blackwell Publishing, 2015. (One or two copies will be placed on reserve)  

Department Undergraduate Notes:

Please note that, as per Policy T20.01, the course requirements (and grading scheme) outlined here are subject to change up until the end of the first week of classes.

Starting Fall 2020, final exam schedules will be released in October. This will allow students to avoid enrollment conflicts, and will significantly reduce instances of exam hardship. If your course has a final exam, please ensure that you are available during the final exam period December 9 - 20 until you receive confirmation of your exam dates. 

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.

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

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

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

TEACHING AT SFU IN FALL 2020

Teaching at SFU in fall 2020 will be conducted primarily through remote methods. There will be in-person course components in a few exceptional cases where this is fundamental to the educational goals of the course. Such course components will be clearly identified at registration, as will course components that will be “live” (synchronous) vs. at your own pace (asynchronous). Enrollment acknowledges that remote study may entail different modes of learning, interaction with your instructor, and ways of getting feedback on your work than may be the case for in-person classes. To ensure you can access all course materials, we recommend you have access to a computer with a microphone and camera, and the internet. In some cases your instructor may use Zoom or other means requiring a camera and microphone to invigilate exams. If proctoring software will be used, this will be confirmed in the first week of class.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who believe they may need class or exam accommodations, including in the current context of remote learning, are encouraged to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112).