Competition and Strategy

Subject 316-210 (2008)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2008.Search for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 12.500
Level: Undergraduate
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2008:

Semester 2, - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: Two 1-hour lectures and a 1-hour tutorial per week
Total Time Commitment: Not available
Prerequisites: 316-102 Introductory Microeconomics.
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
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 R Hodler
Subject Overview:

The subject introduces students to the rapidly growing literature in economics and business on strategic interaction with an emphasis on applications to business and public policy. Topics covered include game theory; decision making under uncertainty; the prisoners' dilemma; dynamic strategy and strategic positioning; credible commitments and deterring competitors; cooperation and coordination; brinkmanship and industry shakeouts; strategic negotiation; horizontal and vertical integration; tacit collusion; sustaining collusion and collusive devices; uncertainty; and reputation as a competitive advantage. The subject will emphasise applications.

Assessment: A 2-hour end-of-semester examination (60%), a mid-semester test (10%) and assignments totalling not more than 3000 words (30%).
Prescribed Texts: None
Recommended Texts:

Information Not Available
Breadth Options: This subject is a level 2 or level 3 subject and is not available to new generation degree students as a breadth option in 2008.
This subject or an equivalent will be available as breadth in the future.
Breadth subjects are currently being developed and these existing subject details can be used as guide to the type of options that might be available.
2009 subjects to be offered as breadth will be finalised before re-enrolment for 2009 starts in early October.
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:

  • High level of development: written communication; problem solving; application of theory to practice; interpretation and analysis; critical thinking; synthesis of data and other information; evaluation of data and other information; receptiveness to alternative ideas.

  • Moderate level of development: oral communication; collaborative learning; team work; accessing data and other information from a range of sources.

  • Some level of development: statistical reasoning; use of computer software; accessing data and other information from a range of sources.

Related Course(s): Bachelor of Arts

Download PDF version.