units

ECW3830

Faculty of Business and Economics

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Monash University

Monash University Handbook 2010 Undergraduate - Unit

6 points, SCA Band 3, 0.125 EFTSL

LevelUndergraduate
FacultyFaculty of Business and Economics
OfferedBerwick First semester 2010 (Day)
Gippsland First semester 2010 (Day)
Gippsland First semester 2010 (Off-campus)
Sunway First semester 2010 (Day)
South Africa First semester 2010 (Day)
Coordinator(s)Dr Gennadi Kazakevitch

Synopsis

This unit considers market structures, conduct and performance from the business perspective; economic policy as it affects business, particularly in relation to its dealings with consumers; the variety of approaches to competition and regulation policies from the international perspective; analysis of policies with respect to prices, monopolies, oligopolies and mergers, exclusive dealing, consumer protection and licensing, deregulation and privatisation.

Objectives

The learning goals associated with this unit are to:

  • recognise differences in market structures and understand how those differences affect firms' competitive behaviour and performance
  • understand how and why competition causes changes in market structures by way of mergers, acquisitions, vertical integration and diversification
  • explain the economic rationale for competitive weapons utilised by business in
contemporary competitive environment, such as barriers to entry, pricing and advertising strategies, product differentiation, and innovation
  • explain the rationale for regulation and merits of different theories of regulation.
  • explain the arguments for and against privatisation
  • understand the main features of national competition policies in the countries of
particular interest to Monash University in Australia and overseas
  • critically evaluate attempts to increase competition in particular industries, e.g.
aviation, electricity and telecommunications, where there are ongoing reforms.

Assessment

Within semester assessment: 30%
Examination (2 hours): 70%

Chief examiner(s)

Gennadi Kazakevitch

Contact hours

3 hours per week

Prerequisites

ECW2120 or ECW2731 or equivalent

Prohibitions

ECC3830