Microeconomics – MBA
Course textbook:
- Evans, Anthony J., 2020 “Economics: A complete guide for business“, London Publishing Partnership
1. Consumer behaviour and negotiation
1a. Value creation* (+)
1b. Understanding cost* (+)
Textbook: Chapter 1.2 and Chapter 2.1
2. Supply decisions
2a. Cost curves* (+)
Evans, A.J., “La Marmotte”, January 2012
Instructions: Complete Exhibit 1 and provide suggestions for the two key decisions
2b. Economies of scale (+)
Rivkin, J.W., “Dogfight over Europe: Ryanair (A)” Harvard Business School case no. 9-700-115, November 21st 2007 (£)
Discussion question: What are some sources of economies of scale? How do they apply to British Airways in 1986?
Textbook: Chapter 2.2, 2.3 and 2.4
3. Markets and prices
3a. Auctions (+)
Hild, M., Dwidevy, A., and Raj, A., 2004, “The Biggest Auction Ever: 3G Licensing in Western Europe”, Darden Business Publishing (£)
Discussion question: What are the alternatives to auctions?
3b. Equilibrium assignment (+)
Textbook: Chapter 3.1, 3.2, and 3.3
4. Asymmetric information and market design
4a. Adverse selection (+)
4b. Prediction markets (+)
Coles, Peter, Lakhani, Karim and McAfee, Andrew, “Prediction Markets at Google” Harvard Business School Case No. 9-607-088, August 20, 2007
Textbook: Chapter 3.4 and Chapter 4.4 and 4.5
5. Strategic microeconomics
5a. Game Theory (+)
5b. Oligopoly (+)
Textbook: Chapter 5.2
Note:
Sessions marked with an asterix (*) have a lecture handout available in advance, which can be downloaded.
Cases marked with a pound sign (£) are either available via Blackboard or through the library.