Competition Policy
Code
2128
Academic unit
null
Department
null
Credits
3,5
Teacher in charge
Pedro Pita Barros
Teaching language
English
Objectives
The objective of this course is to apply microeconomic concepts and tools to the issues of Competition Policy. Besides the theoretical analysis of the questions involved, attention will be devoted to policy issues, and to the approaches followed in the EU and Portugal. Some knowledge of market interaction theory is helpful but no pre-requisite course exists. Students may take refresh readings as indicated below.
Prerequisites
N/A
Subject matter
List the main topics covered in the course:
-Competition Policy in Europe
-Competition Policy in Portugal
-Market Power and welfare
-Definition of relevant markets
-Predatory strategies
-Collusion. Eniency
-Horizontal mergers
-Vertical restraints
Bibliography
Philip Lowe, 2009, The design if competition policy institutions for the twenty-first century: the experience of the European Commission and the Directorate-General for Competition, in X
Vives esditor, Competition Policy in the EU - Fifty years on from the Treaty of Rome.
Massimo Motta, 2004, Competition Policy - Theory and Practice, Cambridge University Press.
Preliminary readings: Church and Ware, Industrial Organization - A Strategic Approach, (available as PDF): charapter 2 - welfare economics of market power; charapter 4.1 - sources of market power; charapter 7 - Game Theory I; charapter 8 - Classic models of oligopoly
Teaching method
The course will have a mix of ex-cathedra sessions, class discussions and take-home problem- solving questions.
Evaluation method
-Final exam (F) 50% (a minimum grade of 8 in the exam is required)
-Term report (T) 50%
The final grade, G, is obtained, before adjustment for participation in class, as G=0,5 (F+T). The requirement of minimum grade of 8 points in the exam is independent of the way final grade is computed.
Participation in class final grade adjustments of up to 2 points (upwards or downwards) can be made based on participation in class. It is not required that you talk a lot in class to satisfy this criterion. If you cannot attend lectures on a regular basis, please inform during the first week. Term report Each student has to deliver a report discussing a main issue in competition policy. The general rules of the University apply in case of academic dishonesty and in any situation not foreseen in the above.