Department of Economics
Economics 552.01,L, D, E: MANAGERIAL ECONOMICS AND BUSINESS STRATEGY
Winter Quarter, ---------Instructor Information
Dr. Koushik Ghosh
Office: Shaw-Smyser 427; E-MAIL: ghoshk@cwu.edu
Phone: 963-1914
Office Hours: Pending discussion in class.
Course Description:
This course covers the application of microeconomic theory and statistical methods, to
managerial decision-making and business strategy.
Statement of Purpose:
This course fulfills one of the requirements for the Masters in Professional Accountancy
Program. This course broadens the course content in the MPA program beyond the
accounting discipline. It provides MPA students with skills and knowledge in managerial
economics and business strategy that will help fulfill the program's objective of
contributing to students' success in their careers and on the CPA exam.
Course Outcomes:
1. Critical Thinking-the student will be able to use marginal analysis to critically
analyze problems; and demonstrate the efficiency of this analytical tool by
building scenarios in which this method of analysis can be used to develop
optimum managerial decisions.
2. Quantitative Reasoning-the student will be required to demonstrate an
understanding of probability theory. The student must be able to analyze
statistical data, and interpret regression results.
3. Use of Mathematical Reasoning in Economics-the student must demonstrate
an ability to use intuitive calculus to interpret economic models and
equations, and hence analyze complex empirical equations.
4. Effective Writing-the student will be required to explain and interpret using
economic theories, economic scenarios, which generate alternative solutions.
They will be asked to compare and contrast the different equilibrium solutions
and critically assess alternate viewpoints and methodologies.
Text and Readings: (ADDITIONAL CLASS ANNOUNCEMENTS ABOUT BB POSTS)
Michael R Baye. Managerial Economics and Business Statregy, 7th ed., McGraw
Hill, 2011.
In addition to other reading assignments it is recommended that students attempt
to keep abreast of current events by reading a major daily newspaper, e.g. The
Washington Post, The New York Times or the Financial Times.
Course Requirements:
1. Additional readings and assignments may be announced in class. The
effect of such assignments on your grade will be detailed in class, if and
when they are announced. NO SPECIAL REQUESTS FOR INDIVIDUAL
ASSIGNEMENTS TO IMPROVE THE GRADE WILL BE ENTERTAINED.
2. Students will receive an “F” if caught cheating.
3. University policies on withdrawals will be strictly adhered to.
4. Students are required to take all three exams and three quizzes. Grades
will be computed using the scores of the three exams. The average quiz
score may be used to substitute for one of the first two exams. No
makeup quizzes or tests will be given. If for some valid reason a student
cannot take the test/quiz when scheduled, the instructor must be
notified before the test /quiz is given. In case the student is unable to
take an exam at the scheduled time due to a valid reason the student
will be allowed to use the quiz average to substitute for ONE EXAM that
is not taken. 10 PERCENT OF THE QUIZ AVERAGE WILL BE ADDED TO
THE SCORE OF YOUR FINAL EXAM.
5. Study questions and guides will be announced in class, and needs to
be followed CAREFULLY to maximize chances of success in the course.
Final Exam:
The comprehensive final, WHICH IS MANDATORY, will be administered on
WEDNESDAY of finals week, during the regular class time.
Tentative dates for exams and quizzes:
Quizzes and exams will be administered approximately every 3 and a half weeks.
This APPROXIMATE schedule will be firmed as course progresses-WATCH
FOR BB ANNOUNCEMENTS, CHECK CWU E-MAIL AND FOLLOW
INTRUCTIONS IN CLASS.
Approximate Grade Scale: (MINOR ADJSUTMENTS MAY BE MADE)
A 92%
B+ 86%
B- 80
C 72%
D+ 64% D- 56%
A- 89%
B 82%
C+ 76%
C- 68%
D
60%
PLEASE FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS IN CLASS FOR ANY CHANGES TO THE ABOVE
INFORMATION.
Course Outline: (WATCH FOR ADDITIONAL CLASS ANNOUNCEMENTS ABOUT
BB POSTS and SELECTIONS FROM THE FOLLOWING CHAPTERS)
Topics
Chapter 1
The Fundamentals of Managerial Economics
Chapter 2
Market Forces: Demand and Supply
Chapter 3
Quantitative Demand Analysis
Chapter 4
The Theory of Consumer Behavior
Chapter 5
The Theory of Production and Cost
Chapter 6
The Organization of the Firm
Chapter 7
The Nature of Industry
Chapter 8
Managing Competitive, Monopolistic, and
Monopolistically Competitive Markets
Chapters 9
Basic Oligopoly Models
Chapter 10
Game Theory: Inside Oligopoly
Chapter 11
Pricing Strategies for Firms with Market Power
Chapter 12
The Economics of Information
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Advanced Topics in Business Strategy
Government and Markets
College of Business Honor Code:
As College of Business students we pledge to uphold these standards of
professionalism and conduct ourselves in accordance with them. We will
not lie, cheat, or steal, and will not tolerate those who do. Our behavior
defines who we are and what we will become.
Disability Support Services:
Student with disabilities who wish to set up academic adjustments in this
class should give me a copy of the “Confirmation of Eligibility for Academic
Adjustments” from the DSS Office as soon as possible so we can discuss
how the approved adjustments will be implemented in this class. Students
without this form should contact Disability Support Services Office,
Bouillon 205 or dssrecpt@cwu.edu or 963-2171.