PUBP 720 MANAGERIAL ECONOMICS AND POLICY ANALYSIS

George Mason University: The Institute of Public Policy - Thur. 7.05-9.35 pm

 

Dr. G. Chris Rodrigo - Room 212  Tel: 703-993-8223   E-mail: crodrigo@gmu.edu  Spring 2002

 

This course aims to develop competence in the use of microeconomic concepts for public policy analysis. It is designed for graduate students in Public Policy with at least basic competence in algebra. The course will cover basic consumer theory, demand estimation and forecasting, production theory, technological change and productivity analysis, linear programming, market structure and competition, capital budgeting, externalities and market failure and the role of government. Instruction will be by lecture, take-home and in-class exercises. Since this course focuses on developing analytical techniques, it is crucially important that students attempt all exercises and consult the instructor when difficulties are encountered. Office hours are Mondays and Thursdays 5 - 7 pm. Consultations can also be arranged by appointment at other times.

 

Problem sets will be assigned in most areas and will have to be handed in before the next class. There will be a mid-term examination, a final examination and some impromptu exercises that will be solved in class. Some of the class exercises will be done in groups of two, so please pick a fellow student whose skills complement your own, to work with on the exercises. Grades will be based on all of the above aggregated as indicated below.

 

Problem sets worked out from home                                                10%

Impromptu class exercises                                                          10%

Mid-term examination                                                     40%

Final examinations                                                                 40%

 

Text:  Intermediate Microeconomics, 8TH Edition, by Walter Nicholson (Dryden Press, 2000)

 

Course outline and tentative schedule of classes

 

1.  Review of mathematical techniques    

2.  Demand theory

3.  Demand estimation and forecasting     

4.  Production theory and technological change

5.  Productivity and cost analysis

6.  Linear programming

7.  Perfect competition, monopoly and monopolistic competition    

            MID TERM EXAM

8.  Oligopoly and game theory

9.  Pricing techniques    

10. Risk analysis

11. Capital budgeting and project evaluation      

12. Role of government  

13. Growth, trade and technological change in the global economy        

14. General review and overview

            FINAL EXAM