ECON42410 Economics of Competition Policy

Academic Year 2020/2021

This module will provide students with an understanding of some of the various economic issues in the practice of competition policy. It examines both the theory and practice of competition policy with reference to cases and policies in Ireland and/or the EU as appropriate.
The module begins with an introduction that explains what competition policy is and why it is necessary. Using economic models and predictions from the Industrial Organisation literature, we then examine in detail some key competition policy issues. These include market definition and assessment of market power, collusion, mergers, and vertical agreements. An understanding of these issues will provide an understanding of the likely effects of firm conduct in different settings on welfare. This in turn will aid in assessing the appropriate treatment of various market structures and practices under competition policy.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

On successful completion of this module students should have:

1. An understanding of the rationale for and the objectives of competition policy.

2. An understanding of the key economic issues in competition policy.

3. An ability to apply economic theory to address competition issues that arise in the market.

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

22
Autonomous Student Learning

130
Total

152
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Lectures.
Self-Assessment exercises .
Assignments to develop a range of skills including, critical analysis, an ability to apply lecture material to tasks set, and problem solving skills, 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Continuous Assessment: Two written assignments each worth 15% Varies over the Trimester n/a Graded No

30
Examination: Two-Hour written final exam during examining period 2 hour End of Trimester Exam No Graded No

70

Carry forward of passed components
No
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Summer No
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Class feedback on assignment post-assessment Office hours post-assessment for students who wish to obtain individual feedback on assignments

The core textbook for this module is:
Massimo Motta, Competition Policy, Cambridge University Press 2004.