Monash University Handbook 2011 Undergraduate - Unit

Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered.

Synopsis

Economic policy as it affects business, particularly in relation to its dealings with consumers, and with emphasis on Australian industry and regulation; analysis of policies with respect to prices, monopolies, oligopolies and mergers, exclusive dealing, consumer protection and licensing, corporatisation, privatisation and deregulation; criteria for efficient industry and efficient industry policy; methods for the practical analysis of the performance of industries.

Objectives

The learning goals associated with this unit are to:

1. explain the basis for competition and rationale for regulation, and the basis of different theories of regulation
2. explain the arguments for and against privatisation
3. understand the main features of National Competition Policy in Australia, including its impact on segments of society such as rural Australia
4. understand the variety of approaches to competition policies from the international perspective
5. critically evaluate attempts to increase competition in particular industries, such as aviation, electricity, telecommunications and other relevant industries, where there are ongoing reforms.

Assessment

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

Chief examiner(s)

Paola Labrecciosa

Contact hours

3 hours per week

Prerequisites

Students must have passed ECC1000, ECC1100 and ECC2000 before undertaking this unit

Prohibitions

ECC4383, ECX3900