Industrial Organization, 7.5 credits

Main field of study

Course level

Advancement level

Entry requirements

• At least one year (60 ECTS credits) of full-time undergraduate studies with at least 30 ECTS credits in Economics or equivalent
• English corresponding to the level of English in Swedish upper secondary education (Engelska 6)
  Exemption from Swedish

Intended learning outcomes

After completion of the course the students should be able to:

• analyze how markets work with focus on industries characterized by imperfect competition
• describe the meaning of market structure and what determines the market structure in different industries
• apply microeconomic theory on the analysis of the strategy of firms in different industries
• explain the possibilities and problems with the regulation of markets with imperfect competition, have knowledge about liberalization processes particularly in Sweden and be able to suggest different regulatory measures to correct for market failures.

Course content

The course analyzes markets; the interaction between different industries' basic prerequisites, market structure, and company strategies, and the outcome this has on the industry's way of functioning. In the course, microeconomic theory is applied to understand how the market's actors behave under different market forms and what effects different strategies have on the way the market functions. In the market analysis, public regulation is particularly in focus. Theories for public regulation, competition law, and experiences from the regulation of different markets and the liberalization processes that have taken place in Sweden in recent years are studied.

Teaching and working methods

Teaching will be in the form of lectures and seminars. Self-studies are a necessary in addition to the teaching in class. 
 

Language of instruction: English.

Examination

Examination takes place through:

• active participation in seminars and written reports, grading scale: Pass or Fail
• individual written exam, grading scale: ECTS

For a final grade of Pass, at least Pass is required on all sections. The final grade will be decided by the result of the individual written exam.

Detailed information about the examination can be found in the study guide.

If special circumstances prevail, and if it is possible with consideration of the nature of the compulsory component, the examiner may decide to replace the compulsory component with another equivalent component.

If the LiU coordinator for students with disabilities has granted a student the right to an adapted examination for a written examination in an examination hall, the student has the right to it.

If the coordinator has recommended for the student an adapted examination or alternative form of examination, the examiner may grant this if the examiner assesses that it is possible, based on consideration of the course objectives.

An examiner may also decide that an adapted examination or alternative form of examination if the examiner assessed that special circumstances prevail, and the examiner assesses that it is possible while maintaining the objectives of the course.

Students failing an exam covering either the entire course or part of the course twice are entitled to have a new examiner appointed for the reexamination.

Students who have passed an examination may not retake it in order to improve their grades.

Grades

Other information

Planning and implementation of a course must take its starting point in the wording of the syllabus. The course evaluation included in each course must therefore take up the question how well the course agrees with the syllabus. 

The course is conducted in such a way that there are equal opportunities with regard to sex, transgender identity or expression, ethnicity, religion or other belief, disability, sexual orientation and age.

If special circumstances prevail, the vice-chancellor may in a special decision specify the preconditions for temporary deviations from this course syllabus, and delegate the right to take such decisions.

About teaching and examination language

The teaching language is presented in the Overview tab for each course. The examination language relates to the teaching language as follows: 

• If teaching language is “Swedish”, the course as a whole could be given in Swedish, or partly, or as a whole, in English. Examination language is Swedish, but parts of the examination can be in English.
• If teaching language is “English”, the course as a whole is taught in English. Examination language is English.
• If teaching language is “Swedish/English”, the course as a whole will be taught in English if students without prior knowledge of the Swedish language participate. Examination language is Swedish or English depending on teaching language.

Department