Industrial Economics with Insurance BSc

This module covers the two broad areas of market structure and competition policy. Topics covered include the measurement and determinants of market concentration, links between market structure and industrial/firm performance, advertising and R&D in the context of industrial economics, public policy on inter-firm agreements and restrictive practices, abuse of monopoly power and merger control.

This module will analyse the conduct and strategies of firms from a game theoretic point of view. Topics to be covered include basic game theory, models of oligopoly, pricing tactics, strategic entry deterrence, standard settings, networks and technology adoption, cooperation, communication and competition.

This module will offer an introduction to some theoretical concepts related to the allocation of risk by financial institutions. Then it will apply these concepts to the analysis of financial and banking crises.

This module covers the two broad areas of regulation and competition policy. Topics covered include:

• natural monopoly regulation
• retail price control
• access pricing
• universal service obligations
• public policy on inter-firm agreements and restrictive practices
• abuse of monopoly power and merger control

This module examines the antecedents and consequences of corporate restructuring. Factors triggering corporate restructuring are considered in a number of alternative organisational settings. In particular, the role of corporate governance in inducing and shaping corporate restructuring receives special attention (in particular, executive compensation and the market for corporate control).

The process of restructuring is discussed against a background of resource-based, agency and behavioural theories of the firm. The impact of corporate restructuring on the size, complexity, incentive systems and ownership structure of large firms is examined. Finally, the evidence relating to the effects of corporate restructuring on performance, employment, R&D and corporate governance is examined.

This module examines individual decision-making under conditions of risk and uncertainty, and investigates the effectiveness of insurance as a means of controlling risk.

This module will discuss the processes utilised by corporate enterprises to manage the risk of fortuitous loss. Once corporate risks have been identified and their impact on the firm measured, risk management attempts to control the size and frequency of loss, and to finance those fortuitous losses which do occur. 

This module provides you with analytical capability in a range of key applied algebra techniques as typically used in the quantitative study of problems in business, finance and economics. The complexity of solving general (large) systems of equations is examined in terms of matrix techniques. Matrix algebra is extended to identify characteristics of matrix systems in term of eigenvalues and eigenvectors. Techniques are developed to solve difference equations and systems of equations subject to constraints. Optimisation of management and operations research type problems will be addressed with elementary linear programming techniques. 

This module will provide an introduction to econometric techniques for modelling data. Topics to be covered include:

• panel data modelling (difference-in-difference models; regression discontinuity designs; experiments)
• qualitative response models
• time series models

This module will provide you with an understanding of methods, results and models of behavioural economics and behavioural finance. We will talk about experiments and their importance in several fields. Within this context we will cover topics such as:

• how to design an experiment
• asset markets
• labour markets
• social dilemmas
• bargaining
• contests
• behavioural finance
• market structure
• risk

You will learn how to design your own experiment and how to interpret empirical results.

This module is an opportunity for you to work largely independently and in depth on a subject of your choice to be approved by staff from the Business School. 

You will be encouraged to understand the political and institutional frameworks within which business operates. Businesses do not simply react to policies set by government however; they are intimately involved in the processes of policy formation and decision making will be examined. You will be encouraged to think critically about policy formation and the role of business in this process. 

This module introduces and develops frameworks which enable businesses to understand the buying behaviour of consumers.

The module includes lecture content to consider the background, need for, and potential of ‘entrepreneurship for social change’. This includes reviewing

• the fundamentals of the business and society relationship
• the emergence and potential of social and environmental entrepreneurship
• the organisational forms where entrepreneurship for social changes takes place, for example, Cooperatives, Charitable Foundations, Social Enterprises, B-Corps
• the ecosystem that supports entrepreneurship for social change, for example, social venture capitalists, institutions, networks

Further, the module introduces a series of concepts and engages you in using practice tools/ frameworks for entrepreneurship for social change, at times these will be anchored by the UN’s SDGs.

This module examines the workings of the major financial markets. Markets for equity and debt are dealt with (money and foreign exchange markets are also the focus) as are markets for derivative instruments. The module covers the key theoretical models of modern finance, key market conventions and mechanisms, financial risk management with derivative instruments.

This module discusses and analyses the management of the international finance function of firms. Typical issues include:

• foreign exchange markets
• foreign exchange and other international risks
• international financial markets
• international investment decisions
• foreign trade 

This module covers:

• introduction to law and economics: the Coase theorem, property rights and transaction costs
• economics of corporate law: ownership, agency and governance structures
• economics of contract law: efficient breach and efficient remedies
• economics of tort law: efficient liability rules
• economics of criminal law: fines and imprisonment
• economics of legal processes: litigation, settlement and trial
• competitive markets: products liability
• non-competitive markets: economics of antitrust law and regulation

The module provides an introduction to logistics and supply chain management (LSCM) within the international context. It examines how LSCM strategies contribute to businesses' competitive advantage, the relationship aspects between business partners in delighting end-customers and supporting operational activities and the international transport of goods. The module is taught by reference to academic literature and management practice, including case-studies and application to special topics such as humanitarian logistics and international trade. 

This module provides a broad-based introduction to the theory and practice of using computer and communication systems to solve problems in organisations.

The module is designed to provide the theoretical knowledge and technology-based insights needed in order to manage effective problem solving with information technologies and systems (IT&S), and to extract the most value from an actual or potential application of IT&S.

Specific domains include the strategic management of IT&S; the development, implementation and use of IT&S; the impacts of specific IT&S on organisational forms and activities.

An overview of marketing and society, macro-marketing issues, responsible and sustainable marketing, consumer response to marketing activities, marketing's impact on society and consumption.

This module will engage you in the more practical elements of innovation and enterprise activity, in terms of creating new businesses and entrepreneurship within the corporate environment. You will become prepared for enterprise activity across a variety of contexts. 

This module provides an understanding of the factors which influence a company's choice of location, and of how to approach the design of layouts to support a company's strategic objectives and maximise the efficiency of its operations.

This module aims to provide you with the skills, knowledge and practical experience required to respond to the challenges involved in managing, commercialising and marketing technological innovation and new business development.