Module Information

Module Identifier
EC31920
Module Title
Industrial Organisation and Policy
Academic Year
2022/2023
Co-ordinator
Semester
Semester 1
Pre-Requisite
Other Staff

Course Delivery

 

Assessment

Assessment Type Assessment length / details Proportion
Semester Assessment ​Coursework (essay)  30%
Semester Assessment Group work (debate)  30%
Semester Exam 3 Hours   40%
Supplementary Assessment ​Coursework (essay)  Repeat failed element  30%
Supplementary Assessment Group work (debate)  Repeat failed element  30%
Supplementary Exam 3 Hours   Repeat failed element  40%

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.

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.

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.

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

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 6