Industrial Economy
A.Y. 2026/2027
Learning objectives
The main objective of the course is to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to understand the functioning of markets and the behavior of companies in a competitive context. Through both a theoretical and applied approach, students will acquire analytical tools to interpret business strategies and identify the determinants of market structures and industrial dynamics, also with a view to designing economic policies in this area.
Expected learning outcomes
At the end of the course, the student will be able to:
- Understand the fundamental principles of industrial economics, applying theories relating to market structures and company behavior.
- Analyze competitive dynamics in different industrial sectors, identifying the market forces that influence competition and company behavior.
- Evaluate the strategic behavior of companies, using analytical tools to formulate competitive strategies in contexts of perfect, monopolistic and oligopolistic competition.
- Examine public and regulatory policies, evaluating the impact of these policies on the functioning of markets and competition.
- Understand the fundamental principles of industrial economics, applying theories relating to market structures and company behavior.
- Analyze competitive dynamics in different industrial sectors, identifying the market forces that influence competition and company behavior.
- Evaluate the strategic behavior of companies, using analytical tools to formulate competitive strategies in contexts of perfect, monopolistic and oligopolistic competition.
- Examine public and regulatory policies, evaluating the impact of these policies on the functioning of markets and competition.
Lesson period: Second trimester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
Second trimester
Course syllabus
1. Introduction to industrial organization
2. Consumer
3. Firm
4. Competition, equilibrium, efficiency
5. Market failures, regulation and competition policy
6. Price discrimination
7. Games and strategies
8, Oligopoly
9. Collusion and price wars
10. Market structure and its evolution
11. Horizontal mergers
12. Entry, exit and strategic behavior
13. Vertical relationships
14. Product differentiation
15. Research and development
16. Network externalities
2. Consumer
3. Firm
4. Competition, equilibrium, efficiency
5. Market failures, regulation and competition policy
6. Price discrimination
7. Games and strategies
8, Oligopoly
9. Collusion and price wars
10. Market structure and its evolution
11. Horizontal mergers
12. Entry, exit and strategic behavior
13. Vertical relationships
14. Product differentiation
15. Research and development
16. Network externalities
Prerequisites for admission
Basic knowledge of microeconomics, at the level of the microeconomics course taught in the program.
Teaching methods
The course is conducted entirely in person and consists of lectures, practical exercises, case study discussions, and simulations.
Teaching Resources
Cabral, L. (2018), Economia industriale, Carocci Editore.
Additional (optional) readings will be communicated at the beginning of the course.
Additional (optional) readings will be communicated at the beginning of the course.
Assessment methods and Criteria
Assessment of learning consists of a final written examination lasting one hour and thirty minutes. The exam is composed of four multiple-choice questions designed to assess knowledge of the reference text and reasoning skills, two open-ended questions, and two problem-solving exercises. Students will be allowed to use a calculator.
The assessment will be based on the accuracy of the answers, the precision of the technical language used, and the correctness of the procedures employed to solve the exercises.
Each multiple-choice question is worth 2 points (with no penalty for incorrect answers); each open-ended question is worth 6 points; and each exercise is worth 6 points.
The final grade is expressed on a 30-point scale. The exam is passed with a score of 18 or higher. Honors (*cum laude*) are awarded for a score of 30.5 or higher.
The assessment will be based on the accuracy of the answers, the precision of the technical language used, and the correctness of the procedures employed to solve the exercises.
Each multiple-choice question is worth 2 points (with no penalty for incorrect answers); each open-ended question is worth 6 points; and each exercise is worth 6 points.
The final grade is expressed on a 30-point scale. The exam is passed with a score of 18 or higher. Honors (*cum laude*) are awarded for a score of 30.5 or higher.
Professor(s)
Reception:
Wednesday 9-12
Room 16, second floor, via Conservatorio 7/MS- TEAMS (please send me an email for booking a slot)