Module Identifier EC36420  
Module Title CONSUMERS, FIRMS AND MARKETS  
Academic Year 2006/2007  
Co-ordinator Mr Dennis A Thomas  
Semester Semester 2 (Taught over 2 semesters)  
Other staff Dr Mark J Rhodes  
Pre-Requisite EC10120 and EC10320 OR EC10510 and EC10610  
Mutually Exclusive EC30220  
Course delivery Lecture   32 Hours.  
  Seminars / Tutorials   8 Hours.  
Assessment
Assessment TypeAssessment Length/DetailsProportion
Semester Exam3 Hours examination at the end of Semester 2  100%
Supplementary Exam3 Hours  100%

Learning outcomes

on completing this module students will have gained an understanding of the following topics:

- the application of conventional indifference-curve analysis of consumer choice
- an alternative, characteristics, approach to consumer behaviour
- the nature, derivation and representation of production costs
- the basic neo-classical theory of the firm
- alternative explanations of firm motivation and behaviour
- the structural features of markets and industries
- the examination, and comparison, of production and pricing decisions in various theoretical market structures
- the employment of basic game theory to treat strategic firm behaviour
- firm pricing behaviour in practice

Aims

Building on the basic economics principles modules taught at Part One it provides a background in applied microeconomics for students studying Business Economics, Business Finance, Business and Management and various Accounting and Finance schemes. It treats the economic analysis of consumer behaviour, demand, production and cost, together with firm decision-making and behaviour within different market structure contexts.

Brief description

This second year module is taught over two semesters and is delivered by lectures and tutorial classes and assessed by formal examination. The module treats the economic analysis of consumer behaviour, demand, production and cost, together with firm decision-making and behaviour within different market structure contexts.

Content

Section A
1. The Conventional Theory of Consumer Choice
2. Theory of Characteristics/Attribute Analysis
3. Production and Costs
4. Firm Behaviour

Section B
5. Markets and Industries
6. Theoretical Market Strcutures
7. Oligopoly and Strategic Behaviour
8. Pricing Behaviour

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 final examination requires rigorous preparation and assimulation of material prior to structured thought and essay writing within a fixed time period.

Reading Lists

Books
** Recommended Text
Brewster, David (1997) Business Economics: Decision-making and the Firm The Dryden Press
Lipczynski, J, Wilson, J and Goodard, J (2005) Industrial Organization: Competition, Strategy, Policy 2nd edition. Prentic Hall
Worthington, I , Britton, C and Rees, A (2005) Economics for Business: Blending Theory and Practice 2nd edition. Prentice Hall
** Supplementary Text
Katz, M L and Rosen, H S (1998) Microeconomics 3rd edition Irwin
Stead, R, Curwen, P and Lawler, K (1996) Industrial Economics: Theory, Applications and Policy McGraw Hill

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 6