The module introduces students to the field of Industrial Economics and government regulation. The module studies why and how firms and industries behave and interact with each other. Understanding firms' behaviour is relevant not only to the firms but also to the governments that design industrial policies in order to favour consumers without decreasing firms' efficiency.
The module is designed for students who have taken intermediate microeconomics and addresses issues that are present in everyday news: anti-competitive practices, the effect of market power on consumer welfare, incentives for product innovation, and the private and public effects of mergers.
Private Study: 100
Contact Hours: 50
Total: 150
This module contributes to the following courses:
Economics BSc (Professional Economist) Hons
Main assessment methods:
VLE quiz 1 (60 minutes) (15%)
VLE quiz 2 (60 minutes) (15%)
Take Home Examination (70%)
Reassessment methods:
100% Take Home Examination
Taken again in the following trimester, in order to achieve the overall pass mark of 40%.
The University is committed to ensuring that core reading materials are in accessible electronic format in line with the Kent Inclusive Practices.
The most up to date reading list for each module can be found on the university's reading list pages.
The module outcomes have references to the knowledge, skills and behaviours defined by the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education for the Professional Economist (Integrated Degree): Professional economist (integrated degree) / Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
1 Explain how firms' decisions regarding price, advertising and R&D, etc. can be modelled and evaluate the impact of those decisions on the structure and performance of markets (K1, K2, K3, K4, K6)
2 Understand how firm behaviour affects economic welfare (K1, K2, K3)
3 Understand and critically apply concepts of game theory to the analysis of firm's behaviour (K1, K2, K3)
4 Understand the growth of firms through vertical integration and merger activity (K1, K2, K3)
5 Identify and critically evaluate the implications of economic theory for the design, implementation and evaluation of industrial policies in the UK and other countries (K1, K4, K6)
University of Kent makes every effort to ensure that module information is accurate for the relevant academic session and to provide educational services as described. However, courses, services and other matters may be subject to change. Please read our full disclaimer.
