Module Information

Module Identifier
EC31920
Module Title
Industrial Organisation and Policy
Academic Year
2017/2018
Co-ordinator
Dr Maria Plotnikova
Semester
Semester 2
Pre-Requisite
EC30220
Other Staff
 

Course Delivery

Delivery Type Delivery length / details
Lecture 22 x 1 Hour Lectures
Seminar 5 x 1 Hour Seminars
 

Assessment

Assessment Type Assessment length / details Proportion
Semester Exam 3 Hours   Unseen written examination  80%
Semester Assessment Coursework assignment 1500 words  20%
Supplementary Exam 3 Hours   Unseen written examination  Repeat failed element  80%
Supplementary Assessment Coursework assignment 1500 words  Repeat failed element  20%

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:

* The role of markets and firms as alternative coordinating mechanisms;

* Transaction cost economics;

* The determination of firm boundaries with respect to diversified and vertically integrated activities;

* Internal organisational forms;

* The implications of the separation of the ownership and management (control) functions;

* Principal-agent theory and incentive contracts;

* The form, implications and limitations of the structure-conduct-performance paradigm;

* The relationship between, and evidence regarding, profitability and market structure;

* The purpose, design and implementation of competition policy;

* Innovation and its promotion.

Aims

The module is divided into two parts. The first section investigates economic explanations of the nature of firms and the scope of their activities. It also examines the internal organisation of firms, with particular regard to decision-making and the control problems that may occur, together with the implictions of the separation of ownership from managerial control. The second section focuses on industry and market structures, and examines the relationship between structural characteristics and firm behaviour, and various aspects of firm and industry performance. It also examines the form and purpose of competition policy and of policies to promote technological change.

Brief description

This third year module is delivered by lectures and tutorial classes and assessed by coursework essay and final examination. It treats the nature and scope of firms activities and various issues relating to industrial structure and policy.

Content

Section A

  • Economic Co-ordination: Firms, Markets and Organisations
  • Firm Boundaries: Vertical Integration
  • Firm Boundaries: Diversification
  • Internal Organisation
  • Ownership and Control
Section B

  • Structure, Conduct and Performance
  • Profitability and Market Structure
  • Competition Policy
  • Innovation: Theory and Policy

Transferable skills

Apart from attaining and improving subject specific skills the module enables students to develop and enhance a variety of transferable skills. Attendance at lectures requires students to listen and digest material and take structured notes. Participation in tutorials involves prior preparation together with communication and presentation during class. The study sheets assist students in organising their thoughts, reading and preparation of notes and self-test accumulated knowledge as they progress through the module. All aspects of the module necessarily involve time management skills.

The coursework assignment requires students to display and develop preparation, research, writing and referencing abilities within set deadlines. The final examination requires rigorous preparation and assimulation of material prior to structured thought and essay writing within a fixed time period.

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 6