Module Information
Course Delivery
Assessment
Due to Covid-19 students should refer to the module Blackboard pages for assessment details
| Assessment Type | Assessment length / details | Proportion |
|---|---|---|
| Semester Exam | 3 Hours | 40% |
| Semester Assessment | Written Essay (2,000 words) (2000 words) | 30% |
| Supplementary Exam | 3 Hours Students must take elements of assessment equivalent to those that led to failure of the module. | 70% |
| Supplementary Assessment | Essay Students must take elements of assessment equivalent to those that led to failure of the module. (2000 words) | 30% |
| Semester Assessment | Group Work (40 minutes) | 30% |
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module students should be able to:
1. Understand and evaluate the role of markets and firms as alternative coordinating mechanisms;
2. Distinguish between the main theories of the firm, and critically evaluate their views on the nature of the firm;
3. Demonstrate an understanding of factors determining horizontal and vertical boundaries of the firm;
4. Demonstrate an understanding of the various forms of market structure and how firms acquire and maintain market power, and approaches to the regulation of market power;
5. Demonstrate an awareness of the form and purpose of competition policy and of policies to promote innovation.
Brief description
This module examines the nature and scope of firms’ activities, and various issues relating to industrial structure and policy. The first part investigates economic explanations of the nature of firms and the scope of their activities, vertical integration, merger and acquisition strategies, diversification, and the internal organization of firms, including corporate governance. The second part examines the relationship between industry and market structure, and firm behavior and performance. Competition policy and technological change are also examined.
Content
• Vertical Boundaries of the Firm: Vertical Integration
• Horizontal Boundaries of the Firm: Diversification
• Internal organization of the firm
• Market Structure: Perfect competition, Monopoly, Oligopoly,
• Product differentiation and Monopolistic Competition
• Competition Policy
• Innovation: Theory and Policy
Module Skills
| Skills Type | Skills details |
|---|---|
| Application of Number | Treatment of numerical problems in tutorial exercises and examination. |
| Communication | Written communication through essay writing. |
| Improving own Learning and Performance | In preparation for, attending and participating in and reflecting on tutorial classes. Preparation and production of assignment, and revision and preparation for the final examination. |
| Information Technology | Appropriate accessing of the internet for reference material. Accessing course information and documents from Blackboard, and use of word-processing skills for the assignment. |
| Personal Development and Career planning | Development of various transferable personal and interpersonal skills, including time-management, critical thinking, writing structured arguments. |
| Problem solving | Developed in lectures and applied in tutorials. |
| Research skills | Assessment through essay enhances research, writing and referencing skills. |
| Subject Specific Skills | Assignments and exams will require students to develop an understanding of business organization and the functioning of industries and markets. |
| Team work |
Notes
This module is at CQFW Level 5