Course coordinator
Dr Temesgen Kifle
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 1, 2025 (24/02/2025 - 21/06/2025)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Economics School
Economics of the growth strategies of modern corporations, including vertical integration, diversification and multinational enterprise. Economic underpinnings of marketing management, including economics of retailing and Internet businesses.
The course is aimed at giving studentsﾠan understandingﾠof important aspects of the organisation of the economy and of economicﾠorganisations, especially firms. Managers in modern businesses face a complex array of strategic decisions; any one of which may affect the viability of their organisation. In Economics of Business Strategy analytical tools are used to examine a range of common problems faced by senior managers, such as pricing decisions, which products to develop, and whether the firm should diversify its product range. While such problems can be considered from other perspectives, such as marketing, the economic perspective, with its focus on optimisation, provides a useful analytical framework.
Course requirements
Assumed background
Students are expected to have an understanding of first level principles of microeconomics.ﾠThe mathematical requirements of this course are modest. Basic arithmetic and calculus as well as an ability to learn to understand and manipulate simple graphs are required.ﾠ
Prerequisites
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
ECON1010 or 1011
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
ECON2400 or 2700
Course contact
School enquiries
School Enquiries, School of Economics
All enquiries regarding student and academic administration (i.e. non-course content information, e.g., class allocation, timetables, extension to assessment due date, etc.) should be directed toﾠenquiries@economics.uq.edu.au.ﾠ
Enquiries relating specifically to course content should be directed to the Course Coordinator/Lecturer.
Course staff
Lecturer
Dr Temesgen Kifle
Tutor
Dr Salonkara Chaudhuri
Mr Troy Lee
Mr Tom Gargan
Mr Jacob Behne
Mr Arjun Mehrotra
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
Lectures commence in Teaching Week 1.
Tutorials commence in Teaching Week 2.
Please see the Learning Activities section of this Course Profile for the timetabling implications of public holidays.
Important Dates:
· Public Holidays: Fri 18 April (Good Friday), Mon 5ﾠMay (Labour Day).
· Mid-Semester Break: 21 April - 25ﾠApril. Semester 1 classes recommence on Mon 28ﾠApril.
Students should refer to the timetable prior to the commencement of classes to ensure that they have the most up to date information, as from time to time late room changes may occur.
Aims and outcomes
The purpose of ECON2410 is to provide students with an economic framework that can be used to analyse strategic situations and problems faced by modern businesses and corporations.ﾠ The economic principles examined in the course also underpin thinking in management disciplines such as marketing and strategic management.ﾠ At the completion of the course students should be able to identify the appropriate economic tools to use to analyse a range of business problems.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Use microeconomic theory to analyse a range of strategic problems facing modern business enterprises.
LO2.
Appreciate the insights and limits of economic theory in operating a business.
LO3.
Explain through economics why business follows particular practices in different industries.
LO4.
Define and analyse problems based on the modelling framework developed in the course.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quiz | Blackboard Quizzes | 10% - 2.5% each (Best 4 of 6) |
Quiz 1: 12/03/2025 - 14/03/2025 Quiz 2: 26/03/2025 - 28/03/2025 Quiz 3: 9/04/2025 - 11/04/2025 Quiz 4: 30/04/2025 - 2/05/2025 Quiz 5: 14/05/2025 - 16/05/2025 Quiz 6: 28/05/2025 - 30/05/2025
The quizzes open 4pm on Wednesday and close 4pm on Friday. |
| Presentation |
Group video submission on integration
|
10% |
10/04/2025 5:00 pm |
| Essay/ Critique |
Application of theory and concept
|
20% |
16/05/2025 5:00 pm |
| Examination |
Final Exam
|
60% |
End of Semester Exam Period 7/06/2025 - 21/06/2025 |
Assessment details
Blackboard Quizzes
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Quiz
- Weight
- 10% - 2.5% each (Best 4 of 6)
- Due date
Quiz 1: 12/03/2025 - 14/03/2025
Quiz 2: 26/03/2025 - 28/03/2025
Quiz 3: 9/04/2025 - 11/04/2025
Quiz 4: 30/04/2025 - 2/05/2025
Quiz 5: 14/05/2025 - 16/05/2025
Quiz 6: 28/05/2025 - 30/05/2025
The quizzes open 4pm on Wednesday and close 4pm on Friday.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04
Task description
Quizzes will be made up of 5 multiple choice questions and will last 15 minutes with only the best out of two attempts used.
Quiz 1: It will cover topics covered in Lecture 1 and Tutorial 1.
Quiz 2: It will cover topics covered in Lectures 2 and 3 and Tutorials 2 and 3.
Quiz 3: It will cover topics covered in Lectures 4 and 5 and Tutorials 4 and 5.
Quiz 4: It will cover topics covered in Lectures 6 and 7 and Tutorials 6 and 7.
Quiz 5: It will cover topics covered in Lectures 8 and 9 and Tutorials 8 and 9.
Quiz 6: It will cover topics covered in Lectures 10 & 11 and Tutorials 10 & 11.
Use of AI
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Blackboard
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
As this assessment item is best 4 out of 6 quizzes, there is no extension.
Late submission
You will receive a mark of 0 if this assessment is submitted late.
Group video submission on integration
- Team or group-based
- Mode
- Product/ Artefact/ Multimedia
- Category
- Presentation
- Weight
- 10%
- Due date
10/04/2025 5:00 pm
- Other conditions
- Work integrated learning.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04
Task description
Group video submission assessment on Scarecrow Foods' integration opportunities (weighting 10%)
This assessment task aims to blend theoretical knowledge with practical insights from a real-world perspective. The specific objective of this assessment is to deepen your understanding of strategic business concepts related to vertical and/or horizontal integration. You will explore Scarecrow Foods, a company in the food industry, and assess potential opportunities for vertical and/or horizontal integration. A representative from Scarecrow Foods will deliver a guest lecture to your class. Attend the lecture to gain insights into the company's strategic goals, current initiatives, and perspectives on integration opportunities.
Use of AI
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Instructions
Group Formation: Form groups of three members each. Choose your group members based on your preferences and strengths. Each member is expected to actively contribute to the presentation.
Company Selection: The selected company for analysis is Scarecrow Foods. Familiarize yourselves with the company's background, industry position, and current operations.
Research and Analysis: Conduct a comprehensive analysis of Scarecrow Foods to identify potential opportunities for vertical and/or horizontal integration. Consider market trends, competitors, and the company's existing strengths and weaknesses.
Individual Contribution: Each group member should have a specific role in the presentation. Ensure that each student actively presents a part of the content.
Script Development: Develop a script that outlines key points, transitions, and each member's speaking parts. Ensure the script adheres to the allocated presentation time.
Video Presentation: Create a video presentation that highlights Scarecrow Foods' potential for vertical and/or horizontal integration. Cover key aspects such as the rationale for integration, potential benefits, and risks, and how it aligns with the company's overall strategy. Feel free to select any video presentation platform that suits your preferences and is convenient for your group. Note: Ensure that each member's name and student ID are prominently displayed in the video submission to facilitate proper identification and assessment.
Video Recording: Record the presentation using a clear and will-lit environment. Ensure each team member is visible and audible when presenting. Use appropriate video editing tools if needed.
Presentation Structure: The presentation should be well-structured with clear sections: Introduction to Scarecrow Foods and its current market standing; analysis of integration opportunities; and feasibility assessment and potential benefits; and recommendations and strategic insights.
Guest Lecture Reflection: Include a segment in your presentation where you reflect on insights gained from the guest lecture. Discuss any additional information or perspectives shared by the company representative.
Video Specifications: The video’s duration should not go beyond 5 minutes. Ensure clarity of audio and video. Use visual aids, graphics, and relevant data to enhance your presentation.
Visual Aid: Enhance your presentation with visual aids, charts, graphs, or any relevant multimedia content, if needed.
Assessment Criteria: Depth of analysis and understanding of integration concepts; clarity and effectiveness of the presentation; use of relevant data and examples; incorporation of insights from the guest lecture; collaboration and contribution of each group member.
Submission guidelines
Submit via Blackboard.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 7 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
To ensure timely feedback to students the maximum extension limit is 7 days.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Application of theory and concept
- Team or group-based
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Essay/ Critique
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
16/05/2025 5:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04
Task description
Essay (weighting 20%)
This assignment is crafted to promote collaborative learning and foster thorough analysis of subjects pertaining to topics related to the course. Collaborate with your partner to create a thoroughly researched and insightful essay that enhances comprehension of a particular topic.
Use of AI
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Instructions:
Topic Assignment: A topic will be assigned to each pair by the instructor. Note that students are required to form their own pairs for this assignment.
Collaborative Research: Work closely with your partner to conduct thorough research using academic journals, reputable sources, and real-world examples. Analyse the chosen topic from multiple perspectives, considering economic theories, historical contexts, and contemporary developments.
Critical Thinking and Reflection: Demonstrate critical thinking by jointly analysing the implications and consequences of the chosen topic.
Individual Contributions: Both team members should actively contribute to the research, analysis, and writing process.
Structured Essay: The essay should be well-structured with a clear introduction, well-developed body paragraphs, and a concise conclusion. Use evidence, examples, and data to support your joint analysis.
Length and Formatting: The essay should not exceed 1,500 words, excluding the list of references. There are no specific formatting requirements, but you should ensure that your essay is clear and easy to read.
Consistent Referencing Style: You have the flexibility to choose any referencing style for your essay. However, it is crucial to maintain consistency in your chosen style throughout the entire document.
How to Submit: One member of the pair is required to submit this assignment. Ensure the inclusion of a cover page containing the names of the student pair along with their respective student ID numbers.
Plagiarism Warning: Plagiarism will be dealt with very seriously in this University. It is simply not worth trying. If two pairs choose the same topic, each pair must provide a unique perspective and analysis. Any form of academic misconduct, including plagiarism, will result in referral to the School Academic Integrity and Misconduct Officer for investigation.
Submission guidelines
A PDF file should be submitted through the Blackboard course website (click the Assessment button on the left). Submission through email will not be accepted. All assignments submitted will be run through the Turnitin anti-plagiarism software. You are allowed to resubmit your assignment as many times as you want before the deadline (the latest submission will over-write the previous one).
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 7 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
To ensure time for feedback to students the maximum extension limit is 7 days.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Final Exam
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 60%
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
7/06/2025 - 21/06/2025
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04
Task description
- Students will sit the closed book, invigilated exam on campus (paper-based).
- It will consist of MCQs, short answer questions and problem solving questions.
- It will be comprehensive and will address all topics covered in the course throughout the semester.
- The final exam duration is 2 hours.
- The final exam will be centrally timetabled. It will be scheduled during the examination period at a date and time to be confirmed.
- The final examination timetable will be published on my.UQ under "Important Info" as soon as it becomes available.
- You will be alerted to further information about the final exam via our course Blackboard site.
Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 120 minutes |
| Calculator options | (In person) Casio FX82 series only or UQ approved and labelled calculator |
| Open/closed book | Closed Book examination - no written materials permitted |
| Exam platform | Paper based |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Cut off Percent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) | 0% - 29% |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 2 (Fail) | 30% - 46% |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 47% - 49% |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes |
| 4 (Pass) | 50% - 64% |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 5 (Credit) | 65% - 74% |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75% - 84% |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85% - 100% |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
Additional course grading information
A student's final overall end of semester percentage mark will be rounded to determine their final grade. For example, 64.5% rounds to 65%, while 64.4% rounds to 64%.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Additional assessment information
Plagiarism
The School of Economics is committed to reducing the incidence of plagiarism. Further information on plagiarism and how to avoid an allegation of plagiarism is available in this course profile under Policies & Procedures. Please refer to the Academic Integrity Module (AIM). It is strongly recommended that you complete the AIMﾠif you have not already done so.
SUBMISSION OF ASSIGNMENTS
All assignments must be submitted by the due date and time stated in the course profile. For the quizzes, students are required to submit their assignments via the course Blackboard site. For the Essay assignment, students are requiredﾠto submit their assignment as a pdf file via Turnitin on the course Blackboard site.
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.
Other course materials
If we've listed something under further requirement, you'll need to provide your own.
Required
| Item | Description | Further Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| One of the following two editions should work, the syllabus will give page numbers from the 6th edition. (eos6) Economics of Strategy, 6th Edition by D. Besanko, D. Dranove, S. Schaefer, M. Shanley. 2013 (eos5) Economics of Strategy, 5th Edition by D. Besanko, D. Dranove, S. Schaefer, M. Shanley. 2010 |
Recommended
| Item | Description | Further Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| For a good introductory textbook on microeconomics see: Microeconomics, 8th Edition by R. S. Pindyck and D. L. Rubinfeld, Pearson Prentice-Hall, 2013. |
Additional learning resources information
It is recommended that studentsﾠmonitor the business press for topics that are relevant applications of the course concepts. The UQ Library provides accessﾠtoﾠa large number of national and international newspapers (e.g, AFR, The Australian, The Guardian, Financial Times, etc.). TheﾠUQ Library also has aﾠlarge collectionﾠofﾠjournals, industry reports, and otherﾠelectronic resources, and students are stronglyﾠencouraged toﾠmakeﾠfull use ofﾠthese resourcesﾠwhen studying for this course.
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Week 1 (24 Feb - 02 Mar) |
Lecture |
Lecture 1 Economics primer: Basic principles Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
Week 2 (03 Mar - 09 Mar) |
Tutorial |
Tutorial 1 Tutorial on work covered in Lecture 1 Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
Lecture |
Lecture 2 The horizontal boundaries of the firm Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
|
Week 3 (10 Mar - 16 Mar) |
Tutorial |
Tutorial 2 Tutorial on work covered in Lecture 2 Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
Lecture |
Lecture 3 The vertical boundaries of the firm Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
|
Week 4 (17 Mar - 23 Mar) |
Tutorial |
Tutorial 3 Tutorial on work covered in Lecture 3 Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
Lecture |
Lecture 4 Integration and its alternatives Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
|
Week 5 (24 Mar - 30 Mar) |
Tutorial |
Tutorial 4 Tutorial on work covered in Lecture 4 Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
Lecture |
Lecture 5 Competitors and competition (Part I) Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
|
Week 6 (31 Mar - 06 Apr) |
Tutorial |
Tutorial 5 Tutorial on work covered in Lecture 5 Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
Lecture |
Lecture 6 Competitors and competition (Part II) Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
|
Week 7 (07 Apr - 13 Apr) |
Tutorial |
Tutorial 6 Tutorial on work covered in Lecture 6 Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
Lecture |
Lecture 7 Entry and exit Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
|
Week 8 (14 Apr - 20 Apr) |
Tutorial |
Tutorial 7 Tutorial on work covered in Lecture 7. (Friday 18 April is a Public Holiday (Good Friday) - therefore no tutorials will be held on this day. Students signed on to a Friday tutorial are invited to attend another session for this week only). Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
Lecture |
Lecture 8 Dynamics: Competing across time Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
|
Mid-sem break (21 Apr - 27 Apr) |
No student involvement (Breaks, information) |
Mid-Semester Break No lecture or tutorials will be held this week |
Week 9 (28 Apr - 04 May) |
Tutorial |
Tutorial 8 Tutorial on work covered in Lecture 8 Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
Lecture |
Lecture 9 Industry analysis and Strategic positioning for competitive advantage (Part I) Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
|
Week 10 (05 May - 11 May) |
Tutorial |
Tutorial 9 Tutorial on work covered in Lecture 9. (Monday 5 May is a Public Holiday (Labour Day) - therefore no tutorials will be held on this day. Students signed on to a Monday tutorial are invited to attend another session for this week only). Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
Lecture |
Lecture 10 Strategic positioning for competitive advantage (Part II) Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
|
Week 11 (12 May - 18 May) |
Tutorial |
Tutorial 10 Tutorial on work covered in Lecture 10 Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
Lecture |
Lecture 11 Sustaining competitive advantage (Part I) Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
|
Week 12 (19 May - 25 May) |
Tutorial |
Tutorial 11 Tutorial on work covered in Lecture 11 Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
Lecture |
Lecture 12 Sustaining competitive advantage (Part II) Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
|
Week 13 (26 May - 01 Jun) |
Tutorial |
Tutorial 12 Tutorial on work covered in Lecture 12 Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
Lecture |
Lecture Revision: Topics checklist and exam preparation Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments - Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.