Competition and Strategy

Subject ECON20005 (2015)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2015.

Credit Points: 12.5
Level: 2 (Undergraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2015:

Semester 2, Parkville - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period 27-Jul-2015 to 25-Oct-2015
Assessment Period End 20-Nov-2015
Last date to Self-Enrol 07-Aug-2015
Census Date 31-Aug-2015
Last date to Withdraw without fail 25-Sep-2015


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: Two 1-hour lectures and a 1-hour tutorial per week
Total Time Commitment: Not available
Prerequisites:

The following:

Subject
Study Period Commencement:
Credit Points:
Semester 1, Semester 2
12.50
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge:

Please refer to Prerequisites and Corequisites.
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

Coordinator

Prof Harry Clarke

Contact

hrclarke@unimelb.edu.au

Subject Overview:

This is an introductory course in game theory and information economics. Topics include static and dynamic models of strategic interaction, decision making under uncertainty, adverse selection, signalling and screening models, coordination and cooperation, horizontal and vertical integration, collusion and product differentiation. Empirical examples, applications to business and public policy and field evidence will be emphasised.
Learning Outcomes:
  • Develop game theoretic and strategic reasoning and its application to real-world phenomena.
  • Develop a basic understanding of information economics and how contracts can help alleviate problems related to asymmetric information.
  • Develop background on imperfectly competitive markets and the role for anti-trust policy.
Assessment:

A 2-hour end-of-semester examination (70%), and assignments during the semester totalling not more than 3000 words (30%).
Prescribed Texts:

Games of Strategy, by Avinash Dixit, Susan Skeath, David H. Reiley, Jr., Third Edition, W.W. Norton and Company (eds.)
Breadth Options:

This subject potentially can be taken as a breadth subject component for the following courses:

You should visit learn more about breadth subjects and read the breadth requirements for your degree, and should discuss your choice with your student adviser, before deciding on your subjects.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:

  • High level of development: written communication; problem solving; application of theory to practice; interpretation and analysis; critical thinking; synthesis of data and other information; evaluation of data and other information; receptiveness to alternative ideas.

  • Moderate level of development: oral communication; collaborative learning; team work; accessing data and other information from a range of sources.

  • Some level of development: statistical reasoning; use of computer software; accessing data and other information from a range of sources.

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