Module Identifier EC36420  
Module Title CONSUMERS, FIRMS AND MARKETS  
Academic Year 2003/2004  
Co-ordinator Mr Dennis A Thomas  
Semester Semester 2 (Taught over 2 semesters)  
Pre-Requisite EC10510 or, EC10120  
Mutually Exclusive EC30230  
Course delivery Lecture   30 Hours  
  Seminars / Tutorials   10 Hours  
Assessment
Assessment TypeAssessment Length/DetailsProportion
Semester Exam2 Hours Examination is at the end of Semester 2 only  70%
Semester Assessment two class tests  30%
Supplementary Exam  100%

Learning outcomes

On completing the 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 basic neo-classical theory of the firm.
? the nature, derivation and representation of production costs.
? the meaning and implications of competitive product markets.
? monopoly and dominant firm behaviour and associated costs and benefits.
? collusive behaviour between oligopolistic firms.
? the employment of basic game theory to treat strategic firm behaviour.
? product differentiation and its implications for competitive behaviour.
? the basic theory of factor input markets.

Aims

This second year module is taught over two semesters. Building on the basic economics principles modules taught at Level One it provides a background in applied microeconomics for students studying Business Economics, Business Finance, Business Studies 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.

Reading Lists

Books
D. Brewster (1997) Business Economics: Decision-Making and the Firm The Dryden Press
P Ferguson, G G Ferguson and R Rothschild Business Economics Macmillan
T C G Fisher and R G Waschick (2002) Managerial Economics: A Game Theoretic Approach Routledge
M Katz and H Rosen Microeconomics Irwin
R Stead, P Curwen and K Lawler Industrial Economics: Theory Applications and Policy McGraw Hill

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 6