Monash South Africa Economics (ECS3830)
6 points, SCA Band 3, 0.125 EFTSL
Synopsis
This unit considers market structures, conduct and performance from the business perspective; economic policy as it affects horizontal and vertical relationships in business, particularly in relation to its dealings with consumers; the variety of approaches to competition and regulation policies from a South African and international perspective; analysis of policies with respect to prices, monopolies, oligopolies and mergers, consumer protection and licensing, deregulation, privatisation and nationalisation.
Outcomes
The learning goals associated with this unit are to:
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- recognise differences in market structures and understand how those differences affect firms’ competitive behaviour and performance
- understand how and why competition causes changes in market structures by way of mergers, acquisitions, vertical integration and diversification
- explain the economic rationale for competitive weapons utilised by business in contemporary competitive environment, such as barriers to entry, pricing and advertising strategies, product differentiation, and innovation
- explain the rationale for regulation and merits of different theories of regulation
- explain the arguments for and against privatisation
- understand the main features of national competition policies in South Africa and other African nations compared to international experience
- critically evaluate attempts to affect competition in particular industries, e.g. electricity and telecommunications.
Assessment
Within semester assessment: 40%
Examination: 60%
Examination: 60%
Workload requirements
Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of scheduled learning activities and independent study. Independent study may include associated readings, assessment and preparation for scheduled activities. The unit requires on average three/four hours of scheduled activities per week. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher directed learning, peer directed learning and online engagement.
Chief examiner(s)
Dr Tendeukayi Mugadza
Prerequisites
ECB2731 or ECG2731 or ECS2731 or ECW2731
Prohibitions
ECC3830, ECF3900, ECG3830, ECW3830, ECX3900
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Undergraduate – Unit
Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered.
Faculty
Business and Economics
Coordinator(s)
Dr Tendeukayi Mugadza
Offered
South Africa
- First semester 2017 (Day)
- Summer semester B 2017 (On-campus block of classes)
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