ECON42580 Economics of CompetitionPolicy

Academic Year 2023/2024

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 policy with some reference to cases nationally and internationally, as appropriate.
The module begins with an introduction that explains the importance of competition policy. Using economic models and predictions from the Industrial Organisation literature, we then examine in detail some key competition issues. These include market definition and assessment of market power, collusion, mergers, and certain vertical agreements.
Comprehending the economics 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 ability to apply economic theory to address competition issues that arise in the market
3. Analytical and critical thinking skills in the area of competition policy

Indicative Module Content:

The module begins with an introduction that explains the importance of competition policy. Using economic models and predictions from the Industrial Organisation literature, we then examine in detail some key competition issues. These include market definition and assessment of market power, collusion, mergers, and certain vertical agreements.
Comprehending the economics 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.

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

22
Autonomous Student Learning

100
Total

122
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Develop content to enhance student critical thinking and analytical ability 
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
Examination: Final exam during examining period 2 hour End of Trimester Exam No Graded No

70
Assignment: Written Assignment Unspecified n/a Graded No

30

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

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Written feedback provided to students post assignments

textbook : Massimo Motta, Competition Policy, Cambridge University Press 2004.
- relevant articles will be posted on Brightspace
Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
 
Spring
      
Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 22 Fri 09:00 - 10:50
Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 20, 21, 23, 24, 25, 26, 30, 31, 32, 33 Fri 11:00 - 12:50
Spring