Course 2012-2013 a.y.

Course Objectives

The course examines the sources and the determinants of a firm's competitive advantage. By drawing upon the theoretical concepts of industrial organization and game theory, the course introduces to the tools of business strategy available to managers. Following an introduction to game theory and to the basic models of imperfect competition, the course focuses on a range of real business situations, including among others firm entry, vertical integration, price discrimination, research and development, and intellectual property rights. The ultimate goal of the course is to provide students with a toolkit of business strategy concepts and with the ability to think critically about the development of new business strategies in real-life business contexts.

Course Content Summary

• Game theory and basic oligopoly models
• Product differentiation
• Price discrimination
• Dynamic competition and collusion
• Entry and entry deterrence
• Research and development
• Innovation and patents
• Vertical relations
• Vertical integration
  

Detailed Description of Assessment Methods

Textbooks