Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2021 - ECON 325 D100

Industrial Organization (3)

Class Number: 2798

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2021: Fri, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Dec 16, 2021
    Thu, 12:00–3:00 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    ECON 201 or 301, with a minimum grade of C-; 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:

Description: Industrial Organization studies markets of imperfect competition.  Producers do not take prices as given and instead, interact strategically with one another. We first investigate the optimal 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 60%
  • In-class written assignments 10%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

L. Pepall, D.J. Richards and G. Norman, Industrial Organization: Contemporary Theory and Empirical Applications (Custom edition), Wiley, 2014.
ISBN: 9781119794325

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.

Final exam schedules will be released during the second month of classes. If your course has a final exam, please ensure that you are available during the entire final exam period 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 2021

Teaching at SFU in fall 2021 will involve primarily in-person instruction, with approximately 70 to 80 per cent of classes in person/on campus, with safety plans in place.  Whether your course will be in-person or through remote methods will be clearly identified in the schedule of classes.  You will also know at enrollment whether remote course components will be “live” (synchronous) or at your own pace (asynchronous).

Enrolling in a course acknowledges that you are able to attend in whatever format is required.  You should not enroll in a course that is in-person if you are not able to return to campus, and should be aware 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.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who may need class or exam accommodations, including in the context of remote learning, are advised to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112) as early as possible in order to prepare for the fall 2021 term.