ECM621-Topics in Business Economics

Module Provider: School of Politics, Economics and International Relations
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites: Any students from outside the Economics Department need to have at least a basic knowledge of microeconomics. The second half of the module also involves some maths.
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2022/3

Module Convenor: Dr Nigel Wadeson
Email: N.S.Wadeson@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module covers topics in business economics. About the first half of the material covers the economics of entrepreneurship and theories of the firm.  Students are required to read and critically evaluate relevant and notable research works on these topics. A number of other topics are also covered, such as innovation and advertising. 

Aims:
This module covers various topics in business economics not covered in the Economics of Corporate Strategy module. It aims to give knowledge of the relevant areas of business economics and further improve students' analytical skills.

Assessable learning outcomes:
Students will be assessed on their knowledge and understanding of relevant topics in business economics.

Additional outcomes:

Outline content:

The content of this module is complementary to that of ECM620 'Economics of Corporate Strategy’, in covering different areas of business economics. The emphasis is on broadening and deepening the knowledge and analytical capabilities of students and encouraging them to critically evaluate notable research in the field.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Lectures which will include group discussions of relevant topics and problems. Students may also be asked to present their essays. Includes 1x 1 hour revision session. 

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	21
Guided independent study:	159		20
Total hours by term	180		20
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written exam	70
Written assignment including essay	15
Class test administered by School	15

Summative assessment- Examinations:
One 2-hour unseen written paper.
Postgraduate examinations are held in the Summer term.

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Coursework consists of one essay and a test. It has a total weight of 30% in the final assessment mark.

Formative assessment methods:

Penalties for late submission:

The below information applies to students on taught programmes except those on Postgraduate Flexible programmes. Penalties for late submission, and the associated procedures, which apply to Postgraduate Flexible programmes are specified in the policy £Penalties for late submission for Postgraduate Flexible programmes£, which can be found here: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmissionpgflexible.pdf
The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:
A minimum weighted average mark of coursework and examination of 50%.

Reassessment arrangements:
Re-examination for all modules takes place in August/September of the same year.
Re-assessment is by examination only; coursework is not included at the second attempt.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books:  Waldman and Jensen, Industrial Organization, Theory and Practice (International Student Edition) Paperback, RRP £49.99.  This title is also free to view and read on line.

2) Specialist equipment or materials:  None

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear:  None

4) Printing and binding:  None

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification:  None

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence:  None

Last updated: 22 September 2022