Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2023 - ECON 325 D100

Industrial Organization (3)

Class Number: 3190

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 4 – Apr 11, 2023: Fri, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 15, 2023
    Sat, 8:30–11:30 a.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    ECON 201 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:

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

  • Written Assignments 20%
  • Midterm Exam 30%
  • Final Exam 50%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

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

The custom edition (available from the SFU book store) contains the relevant chapters from the above book.


REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

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 website 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