Syllabus

Title
1074 Applied Microeconomics
Instructors
Daniel Bekesi, M.Sc.Ph.D.
Contact details
Type
PI
Weekly hours
2
Language of instruction
Englisch
Registration
09/21/12 to 09/28/12
Registration via LPIS
Notes to the course
Subject(s) Diploma Programs
Dates
Day Date Time Room
Wednesday 10/10/12 02:30 PM - 05:00 PM H 2.21 (A)
Wednesday 10/17/12 02:30 PM - 05:00 PM H 2.21 (A)
Wednesday 10/24/12 02:30 PM - 05:00 PM H 2.21 (A)
Wednesday 10/31/12 02:30 PM - 05:00 PM H 2.21 (A)
Wednesday 11/07/12 02:30 PM - 05:00 PM H 2.21 (A)
Wednesday 11/28/12 02:30 PM - 05:00 PM H 2.21 (A)
Wednesday 12/05/12 02:30 PM - 05:00 PM H 2.21 (A)
Wednesday 12/12/12 02:30 PM - 05:00 PM H 2.21 (A)
Wednesday 12/19/12 02:30 PM - 05:00 PM H 2.21 (A)
Wednesday 01/09/13 02:30 PM - 05:00 PM H 2.21 (A)
Contents
The first part of the course repeats the basics of supply and demand, consumer behavior, profit maximization and equilibrium under perfect competition. The second part consits of the analysis of monopolies and selected issues of imperfect competition (such as price discrimination). The third part focuses on intermediate markets forms (oligopoly, monopolistic competition). The fourth part of the course provides an introduction to the fundamentals of game theory.The fifth part is concerned with reasons for market failures.
Learning outcomes
After this course students should have a good knowledge of the key microeconomic theories and models and be able to apply them to real world issues and questions of economic policy relevance. They should be able to distinguish and assess the consequences of alternative market structures (perfect competition, monopoly, monopsony, oligopoly), to understand the basic concepts of game theory, and to identify causes (and possible cures) of market failures.
Teaching/learning method(s)
Lecture, Exercises and Homeworks
Assessment

i) Mid-term Exam: 40% ii) Assignments in groups : 20% iii) Final Exam: 40%

Both exams must be positive in order to get a positive mark. 

Prerequisites for participation and waiting lists

If all classes in ‘Applied Microeconomics’ are fully booked, a waiting list will be provided on the learning platform. We will try to allocate all vacant seats, but nevertheless we cannot ensure a seat for all placed students on the waiting list.

 

Please note, that we will not take into consideration any placements on the waiting list by students who are already registered for one of the classes through the regular registration process on LPIS. Any vacant seats in the classes will only be allocated through the waiting list – neither via email nor by phone nor in the 1st course session.

 

Readings
1 Author: Pindyck, R.S. and Rubinfeld, D.L.
Title: Microeconomics

Publisher: London et al.: Pearson
Edition: 7. Edition
Year: 2009
Content relevant for class examination: Yes
Type: Book
Availability of lecturer(s)

daniel.bekesi@wu.ac.at

Consultation: by appointment

Other
The course program is preliminary; therefore, changes may occur.
Unit details
Unit Date Contents
1 10.10.2012. Review, The Basics of Supply and Demand, Consumer Behavior (Ch. 2-4)
2 17.10.2012. Theory of the Firm, Profit Maximization, Competitive Markets (Ch. 6-8)
3 24.10.2012. Market Power: Monopoly and Monopsony (Ch.10)       deadline: assignment 1
4 31.10.2012. Pricing with Market Power (Ch.11)   
5 07.11.2012. Mid-term Exam (unit 1-4)   +   Monopolistic Competition and Oligopoly I (Ch.12)        deadline: assignment 2
6 28.11.2012. Monopolistic Competition and Oligopoly II (Ch.12)
7 05.12.2012. Game Theory and Competitive Strategy (Ch.13)       deadline: assignment 3
8 12.12.2012. Market Failures I: Asymmetric Information (Ch.17) 
9 19.12.2012. Market Failures II: Externalities and Public Goods (Ch.18)       deadline: assignment 4
10 09.01.2013. Final Exam (unit 5-9)
Last edited: 2012-10-04



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