Modulhandbuch (Module manual)

M.184.4490 Topics in Competition Policy
(Topics in Competition Policy)
Koordinator (coordinator): Prof. Dr. Burkhard Hehenkamp
Ansprechpartner (contact): Amirhossein Kiannik (Amirhossein.Kiannik[at]uni-paderborn.de)
Credits: 5 ECTS
Workload: 150 Std (h)
Semesterturnus (semester cycle): WS
Studiensemester (study semester): 1-4
Dauer in Semestern (duration in semesters): 1
Lehrveranstaltungen (courses):
Nummer / Name
(number / title)		 Art
(type)		 Kontaktzeit
(contact time)		 Selbststudium
(self-study)		 Status (P/WP)
(status)		 Gruppengröße
(group size)
a) K.184.44901 / Topics in Competiton Policy 30 Std (h) 60 Std (h) P 100 TN (PART)
b) K.184.44902 / Topics in Competition Policy 15 Std (h) 45 Std (h) P 100 TN (PART)
Wahlmöglichkeiten innerhalb des Moduls (Options within the module):
Keine
Empfohlene Voraussetzungen (prerequisites):

​Basic knowledge of industrial organization and game theory is helpful but not essential. We shall use the basic concepts of Nash equilibrium and subgame-perfect equilibrium and apply them to the respective models.

Inhalte (short description):

This module introduces the fundamentals of competition policy, adopting an industrial economics perspective grounded in game theory. It explores how potentially anti-competitive practices—such as cartel formation, collusion, mergers, and pre-emptive strategies—can affect market performance, efficiency, and overall economic welfare. The course also discusses appropriate policy measures aimed at promoting welfare maximization.

An introductory session will be held during the first week of lecture series. From the second week, the course begins with Chapter 2, which covers the concepts of market power and social welfare and is expected to span two weeks. This is followed by Chapter 3, focusing on the definition of the relevant market and the measurement of market power, also over two weeks. Chapter 4 addresses cartels and collusive behavior, typically discussed over four lectures. Chapter 5, which examines mergers, is usually covered in two lectures. The module concludes with Chapter 6, dedicated to the abuse of market power, typically taught over three lectures.

Lectures are held weekly throughout the semester, beginning in the first week. Accompanying exercises start from the fourth week and provide an opportunity to collaboratively solve problems and apply concepts from each chapter. The module concludes with a final exam during the official examination period following the lecture phase.

Lernergebnisse (learning outcomes):
Fachkompetenz Wissen (professional expertise):
Studierende...

​

  • have knowledge of competition theory, of competiton policy and of their foundations in competition law
  • will be able to examine questions of competition policy relevant to cartelization, collusion, mergers, preemptive and other types of anti-competitive behavior with regard to supplier behavior and welfare
  • can assess the incentives for firms to collude and the stability of cartells
  • are able to analyze the incentives for firms to merge and the consequences of mergers for the market
  • are able to assess preemptive behavior as well as abuse of market power with regard to the consequences for the market


    • Fachkompetenz Fertigkeit (practical professional and academic skills):
    Studierende...

    ​

  • know how to read and evaluate literature in the field of industrial organization and competition policy
  • can provide a model-based analysis of competitive issues
  • will be able to discuss cases of competition policy and evaluate them critically


    • Personale Kompetenz / Sozial (individual competences / social skills):
    Studierende...

    ​

  • have basic analytical methods as well as scientific knowledge to use in a professional environment


    • Personale Kompetenz / Selbstständigkeit (individual competences / ability to perform autonomously):
    Studierende...

    ​

  • are able to classify and critically assess literature in the field of competition policy
  • can use the acquired knowledge to investigate complex economic problems in theory and practice


    • Prüfungsleistungen (examinations)
    Art der Modulprüfung (type of modul examination): Modulabschlussprüfung
    Art der Prüfung
    (type of examination)    		 Umfang
    (extent)    		 Gewichtung
    (weighting)
    a) Klausur 90 Min. 100.00 %
    Studienleistung / qualifizierte Teilnahme (module participation requirements)
    Nein
    Voraussetzungen für die Teilnahme an Prüfungen (formal requirements for participating in examinations)
    Keine
    Voraussetzungen für die Vergabe von Credits (formal requirements for granting credit points)
    Die Vergabe der Credits erfolgt, wenn die Modulnote mindestens „ausreichend“ ist
    Gewichtung für Gesamtnote (calculation of overall grade)
    Das Modul wird mit der Anzahl seiner Credits gewichtet (Faktor: 1)
    Verwendung des Moduls in den Studiengängen (The module can be selected in the following degree programmes)
    M.Sc. IBS, M.Sc. BWL, M.Sc. International Economics and Management, M.Sc. Management, M.Sc. Management Information Systems, M.Sc. Taxation, Accountingand Finance, M.Sc. Winfo, M.Sc. Wirtschaftspädagogik, M.Ed. Wirtschaftspädagogik
    Umfang QT (participation requirements):
    Lernmaterialien, Literaturangaben (learning material, literature):
    Motta, M., Competition Policy: Theory and Practice, Cambridge University Press, 2005
    Teilnehmerbegrenzung (participant limit):
    Keine
    Sonstige Hinweise (additional information):

    teaching language: English

    contact: wipo@wiwi.upb.de


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