Managerial Economics

Module Identifier: AB23320
Module Title: Managerial Economics
Academic Year: 2027/2028
Semester: Semester 1
Co-ordinator: Dr Maria Plotnikova
Reading List: View on Aspire
Pre-Requisite: AB13220
Co-Requisite: AB23120
Other Staff: Dr Maria Plotnikova; Professor Homagni Choudhury

Assessment

Assessment Type	Assessment details	Proportion
Semester Assessment	Written Essay: 2000 Words	20%
Semester Assessment	Group Work: 25 Minutes	20%
Semester Exam	Exam: 3 Hours	60%
Supplementary Assessment	Essay: 2000 Words	40%
Supplementary Exam	Supplementary exam: 3 Hours	60%

Learning Outcomes

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

Understand and evaluate the role of markets and firms as alternative coordinating mechanisms;
Distinguish between the main theories of the firm, and critically evaluate their views on the nature of the firm;
Demonstrate an understanding of factors determining horizontal and vertical boundaries of the firm;
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;
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

• Theories of the Firm
• 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.

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 5