Ateneo - UPO

The course offers students an overview of the main economic theories concerning market dynamics, production organization, and business development, with particular emphasis on the implications for corporate strategy and industrial policy. It begins with an overview of market structures (perfect competition, monopoly, cartel, oligopoly, monopolistic competition), highlighting the contribution of applied economics in supporting policymakers to enhance market competitiveness (i). The course then focuses on business strategies (internationalization and innovation), as well as the industrial policies adopted in these areas (ii). Topics are supported by case studies and practical applications, aimed at guiding students through the subject matter and facilitating their learning process.

Modern Industrial Organization - 3/ed Dennis W. Carlton e Jeffrey M. Perloff, Mcgraw-hill Plus several scientific article on the treated topics.

The course has the following learning objectives: (i) to enhance students’ knowledge and understanding of market economic analysis; (ii) to strengthen their ability to apply acquired knowledge in interpreting market dynamics and identifying potential business strategies; (iii) to develop sound judgment in selecting the most appropriate techniques and/or models for studying these topics, as well as in interpreting the results obtained; (iv) to improve communication skills by fostering the ability to identify practical implications and convey key messages to relevant stakeholders; (v) to increase learning capabilities through the analysis of relevant literature and case studies reflecting the current state of the Italian market.

The course does not require any particular background or specific prior knowledge. However, basic understanding of Economics, and Mathematics is recommended.

The course includes: (i) Lectures covering the core topics of the syllabus; (ii) Seminar sessions where students actively contribute to the learning process by presenting articles and case studies on topics relevant to law and economics, and engaging in group discussions; (iii) Guest lectures by international scholars, offering insights on subjects of particular relevance to the course.

Students with physical disabilities, Learning Disabilities or Special Education Needs can request specific services and tools via the Staff Sviluppo e Coordinamento Carriere e Servizi alle Studentesse e agli Studenti, consulting the University webpage: https://uniupo.it/it/servizi/servizi-studenti-disabili-e-dsa . Students with disabilities, learning disabilities or special education needs, once they have contacted the University Staff, can refer to the tutor in charge of the course to define the examination modalities, concerning academic aspects.

Student evaluation is based on: (i) An oral presentation of an article or case study during the course; (ii) A final written exam at the end of the course. Midterm assessments are also scheduled during the course for attending students.

Part One: firm and cost analysis (i); perfect competition (ii); monopoly (iii); cartels (iv); oligopoly (v); monopolistic competition (vi). Part Two: access to capital markets (i); intellectual property rights and technological innovation (ii); internationalization (iii). Part Three: case studies and practical applications related to the topics covered.

By the end of the course, students will be able to: (i) understand how microeconomic theory can be used to analyze markets and business strategies; (ii) apply economic concepts and models to market analysis; (iii) identify possible legislative interventions aimed at supporting market competitiveness.