Econometrics of Markets and Competition

Subject ECOM90017 (2016)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2016.

Credit Points: 12.5
Level: 9 (Graduate/Postgraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2016:

Semester 2, Parkville - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period 25-Jul-2016 to 23-Oct-2016
Assessment Period End 18-Nov-2016
Last date to Self-Enrol 05-Aug-2016
Census Date 31-Aug-2016
Last date to Withdraw without fail 23-Sep-2016


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: Seminars, or lectures and tutorials totalling 3-hours per week
Total Time Commitment:

Approximately 2.5 hours of personal study per hour of class time is required to achieve a satisfactory level of performance.

Prerequisites:
Subject
Study Period Commencement:
Credit Points:

and

Subject
Study Period Commencement:
Credit Points:
Corequisites:

None

Recommended Background Knowledge:

Please refer to the Prerequisites. Computer programming experience in MATLAB, C, Java or some other language is helpful, but not necessary.

Non Allowed Subjects:

Students may not gain credit for this course and Honours subject ECON40007 Econometrics of Markets and Competition.

Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

Coordinator

Dr David Byrne

Contact

Email: byrned@unimelb.edu.au

Subject Overview:

This course teaches students how to build econometric models from economic theory to investigate how markets operate, and evaluate policy-relevant questions. Applicants of econometric tools developed in this course will be highlighted in various fields of economics including industrial organization, public economics, health and others. Examples of topics covered include: firms’ use of price discrimination as a profit-maximizing strategy; measuring the welfare effects of mergers for antitrust analysis; identifying strategic interaction amongst governments and its impact on policy decisions; and quantifying moral hazard and adverse selection in health insurance markets. Basic topics in numerical analysis will also be covered, including optimization, numerical integration, and numerical differentiation. The computer software used is MATLAB.

Learning Outcomes:

On successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:

  • Estimate structural econometric models and use counterfactual analysis to assess policy questions
  • Understand basic identification challenges in estimating the parameters of economic models
  • Learn basic programming skills and numerical methods
  • Apply methods learned in the course to address policy questions for an industry.
Assessment:
  • 90 minute end of semester exam (30%)
  • Four class assignments in computer code totaling a minimum of 40 hours work (10 hours per assignment) [Due dates: Assignment 1 – Week 3, Assignment 2 – Week 5, Assignment 3 – Week 9, Assignment 4 – Week 12] (40%)
  • One market written study project consisting of two 1500 word reports (totaling 300 words) [Due dates: 1500 word Market study Part 1 – due Week 6; 1500 word Market study Part 2 – due Week 12] (30%)

Prescribed Texts:

You will be advised of prescribed texts by your lecturer.

Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:

On successful completion of this subject, students should have improved the following generic skills:

  • High level of development: written communication; problem solving; statistical reasoning; application of theory to practice; interpretation and analysis; critical thinking; synthesis of data and other information; evaluation of data and other information; use of computer software; accessing data and other information from a range of sources; receptiveness to alternative ideas.
  • Some level of development: collaborative learning; team work.
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: Master of Economics electives

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