EC208-Business Economics

Module Provider: School of Politics, Economics and International Relations
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:5
Terms in which taught: Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites: EC201 Intermediate Microeconomics
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

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

Type of module:

Summary module description:
This module introduces a number of areas of business economics not covered in the industrial organisation module, with a concentration on theory. It requires reading from a variety of sources and so is suitable for students particularly interested in business economics.

Aims:
To provide an overview of a number of key areas of business economics.

Assessable learning outcomes:
At the end of the module students should be able to understand and apply the theories taught.

Additional outcomes:
Improved analytical reasoning.
Improved general ability to structure and solve problems.
Improved general ability to understand and critically assess applied economics literature.

Outline content:
Economics of entrepreneurship; small business; international business; theories of the firm.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
Formal lectures and seminars; supported independent study.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures		20	2
Seminars		4
Guided independent study:		156	18
Total hours by term		180	20
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written exam	80
Written assignment including essay	20

Summative assessment- Examinations:
One 3-hour unseen written paper.
Part 2 examinations are held in the Summer term.

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

One 2,000 word essay.

Formative assessment methods:

Penalties for late submission:

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 overall mark of 40%.

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:  None

2) Specialist equipment or materials:  None

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear:  None

4) Printing and binding:  There may be optional costs associated with photocopying or printing sources listed on the reading list relating to this module. Please note that the Library charges approximately 5p per photocopy.

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification:  None

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence:  None

Last updated: 30 March 2023