ECX3900

Business economics

Dr Mita Bhattacharya

6 points · Two 1-hour lectures and one 1-hour tutorial per week · First semester (Caulfield) · Second semester (Peninsula) · Prerequisite: ECX2710 or MKX2111

Objectives On completion of this subject students should understand the concepts used in the economic analysis of business and the policy framework within which business operates; be able to analyse how business policies impact; be able to evaluate, from the perspective of the firm or economy as a whole, the impacts of policy on business; be able to apply models of behaviour to specific cases; have developed a critical interest in economic policy directed to business; and have developed skills in researching impacts of policy on business, and in communicating the results of this research.

Synopsis Business in Australia; objective; different forms; demand and cost structure; capital structure; structure-conduct-performance paradigm; industry structure; diversification and vertical integration; barriers to entry of firms; advertising; research and development; innovation; industry and trade policies; effects of policies on international markets with emphasis on Asian market; regulations of businesses and functions of regulatory bodies; the performance of public and private sector.

Assessment Tutorial presentation: 10% · Research report (3000-words): 30% · Examination (2 hours): 60%

Prescribed texts

Caves R, Ward I, Williams P and Wright C Australian industry; Structure conduct performance 2nd edn, Prentice-Hall, 1987
Shepherd W G The economics of industrial organization 4th edn, Prentice-Hall, 1996

Back to the 1999 Business and Economics Handbook