Module Specifications.
Current Academic Year 2024 - 2025
All Module information is indicative, and this portal is an interim interface pending the full upgrade of Coursebuilder and subsequent integration to the new DCU Student Information System (DCU Key).
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Date posted: September 2024 No Banner module data is available
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Description This module builds on the Introduction to Microeconomics, by adopting industrial, regional, national and international perspectives in answering questions about the factors determining the performance of firms. Both individual firms and groups of firms - in sub-sectors and sectors, in particular locations, and in networks - are examined. Participants in the module will be aided in developing a wide knowledge of the discipline through many short questions. In depth understanding will be obtained through a focus on a fundamental essay question on each chapter. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Learning Outcomes 1. explain how industrial economics and organization theories and their application began and developed; 2. choose appropriate tools and frameworks for analysing different aspects of organizations and industries; 3. identify where game theory is applicable to decision making in oligopolistic industries; 4. compare and contrast different theories of the firm in terms of their power to explain the nature and development of organizations; 5. explain the determinants of market structure, theoretically, nationally and in the European Union; 6. judge the effectiveness of the main concepts and theories on spatial concentration of economic activity; 7. critically evaluate the various approaches to innovation in organizations, industries and regions. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml |
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Indicative Content and Learning Activities
IntroductionOverview - brief summary of the material to be covered in the modulePerspectives on IndustriesThe origin and evolution of the Structure-Conduct-Performance framework will be explained; alternatives, including the approaches of Porter and Best will be comparedGame TheoryThe importance of oligopolistic structures in modern economies will be demonstrated. Game theory and its contribution to the analysis of oligopoly will be demonstratedNeoclassical Theories of the FirmHaving already been introduced in Introduction to Ecnonomics, these theories will be reviewed and recent developments explainedOther Theories of the FirmThe critiques of neoclassical theories of the firm have led to the development of a number of other theories, some complementary to and others alternative to neoclassical theories. These will be introduced and their application demonstratedNeoclassical Market StructuresMost of these were covered in Introduction to Ecnomics. They will be reviewed and critical questions addressedOligopolyIn this part of the module the variations on the basic Cournot oligopoly model will be introduced, and the need for such variations explainedLocationLocation, including co-location, is extremely important for industrial development. In this section major theories including those of industrial districts and clusters will be coveredTechnological Change and InnovationThe traditional theories of tech change and innovation have been revised in recent years and evolutionary theories, including for example, innovation systems theories, have been introduced. These will be considered, and related to other parts of the module, for example location.Multinational Enterprises and GlobalizationThe existence and importance of MNEs are fundamental to local and global developments of industries. The relationships between MNEs, globalization and local economic development will be discussed. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Indicative Reading List
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