Course coordinator
Dr Kenan Kalayci
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
Application of economic analysis to business decision-making & organisation: basic economic tools, business objectives, demand analysis; pricing policies & competitive strategies, cost & production analysis, market structure, decision-making under uncertainty, capital budgeting & investment analysis.
This course will make use of microeconomic theories of decision, strategy and interaction to investigate modern perspectives on management and decision-making in business. A grasp of the concepts introduced in this course will offer students valuable tools to analyse behaviour and choices in the context of business management and will complement further studies in business strategy and management. The topics will explore three areas a manager should take care of: the people, the product and the profits, in that order. We will draw on concepts from game theory and behavioural economics and insights from empirical findings to study topics such as hiring decisions, product and pricing strategy, and negotiation. ﾠThe assessment will rely on ongoing tasks that develop diverse skills.ﾠStudents who excel in this course will acquire a firm grasp of how economics can inform business decision-making and strategy.
Course requirements
Assumed background
This course assumes a familiarity with basic and intermediate microeconomic theory. Students who have completed ECON2010 or equivalent strongly ought to be fully capable of completing this course.
Prerequisites
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
ECON2010 or 2410
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 Kenan Kalayci
Tutor
Mr Ramazan Bora
Mr Phuoc Bao Long Hoang
Mr Nicholas Frawley
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
Lectures commence in Week 1.
Tutorials commence in 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: 21ﾠApril - 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
This course aims to help students develop an economic perspective on business decisions and management. On completion of this course, students ought to be able to apply decision and game theoretic principles to the analysis of behaviour in a business environment in order to understand the role of incentives in management decisions, product and pricing strategy, and negotiation.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Apply decision and game theoretic models to management decisions.
LO2.
Understand and incorporate knowledge from empirical economic studies.
LO3.
Research and synthesise information to create new knowledge.
LO4.
Critically evaluate economic advice.
LO5.
Write professional company reports.
LO6.
Work collaboratively with others in a large unorganised group towards a common objective.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Project | Start-up company report milestone | 5% |
24/03/2025 1:00 pm |
| Examination |
In-semester Exam
|
25% |
29/03/2025 - 12/04/2025
Date and time to be confirmed. |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation | Start-up company report: First draft | 30% (0% if not the highest marked draft) |
28/04/2025 1:00 pm |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation | Start-up company report: Final draft | 30% (0% if not the highest marked draft) |
2/06/2025 1:00 pm |
| Examination |
Final Exam
|
40% |
End of Semester Exam Period 7/06/2025 - 21/06/2025 |
Assessment details
Start-up company report milestone
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Project
- Weight
- 5%
- Due date
24/03/2025 1:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L03, L05
Task description
Students need to conduct research and write an investment report about a start-up company using concepts learned in the course. Students should choose a (non-acquired) startup from the following list by Week 4:
https://www.ycombinator.com/companies/?batch=W25&batch=F24&batch=S24&status=Active
For this milestone, students must submit a one-page summary document about their chosen company. Detailed instructions and information will be provided on Blackboard and in lectures.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT) are emerging tools that may support students in completing this assessment task. Students may appropriately use AI and/or MT to complete this assessment task. Students must clearly reference any use of AI or MT in each instance.
A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
The assignment must be submitted electronically via turn-it-in through the Online Submission Folder on the course Blackboard site by the due date and time.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
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.
In-semester Exam
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 25%
- Due date
29/03/2025 - 12/04/2025
Date and time to be confirmed.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02
Task description
The exam consists of numerical and short answer questions. The exam will test your knowledge of the material covered in weeks 1 through 5.
This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI or MT may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 90 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.
Start-up company report: First draft
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation
- Weight
- 30% (0% if not the highest marked draft)
- Due date
28/04/2025 1:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06
Task description
Students need to conduct research and write an investment report about a start-up company using concepts learned in the course. The main purpose of the report is to give investment advice to a potential investor who is considering investing in the chosen start-up company. A detailed rubric will be provided on the course Blackboard site.
The report needs to:
- demonstrate a good understanding of the different aspects of the company in question
- have a title, executive summary (max 400 words), introduction, main analysis, and a short conclusion
- present quantitative data, back its arguments with evidence from sources
- use an appropriate referencing style consistently in the body of the essay, and provide a full list of correctly documented references at the end of the essay.
- adhere to formatting and style requirements (maximum 4000 words (excluding the abstract), a font size of 12)
- use correct spelling and grammar
- adhere to rules of academic honesty
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT) are emerging tools that may support students in completing this assessment task. Students may appropriately use AI and/or MT to complete this assessment task. Students must clearly reference any use of AI or MT in each instance.
A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
The assignment must be submitted electronically via turn-it-in through the Online Submission Folder on the course Blackboard site by the due date and time.
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.
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.
Start-up company report: Final draft
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation
- Weight
- 30% (0% if not the highest marked draft)
- Due date
2/06/2025 1:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06
Task description
Students need to conduct research and write an investment report about a start-up company using concepts learned in the course. The main purpose of the report is to give investment advice to a potential investor who is considering investing in the chosen start-up company. A detailed rubric will be provided on the course Blackboard site.
The report needs to:
- demonstrate a good understanding of the different aspects of the company in question
- have a title, executive summary (max 400 words), introduction, main analysis, and a short conclusion
- present quantitative data, back its arguments with evidence from sources
- use an appropriate referencing style consistently in the body of the essay, and provide a full list of correctly documented references at the end of the essay.
- adhere to formatting and style requirements (maximum 4000 words (excluding the abstract), a font size of 12)
- use correct spelling and grammar
- adhere to rules of academic honesty
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT) are emerging tools that may support students in completing this assessment task. Students may appropriately use AI and/or MT in completing this assessment task. Students must clearly reference any use of AI or MT in each instance.
A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
The assignment must be submitted electronically via turn-it-in through the Online Submission Folder on the course Blackboard site by the due date and time.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 14 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
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
- 40%
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
7/06/2025 - 21/06/2025
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02
Task description
The final exam covers the materials that were not covered in the in-semester exam. The assessment will consist of short-answer questions with multiple parts and short essay questions.
This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI or MT may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
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 AIM if you have not already done so.
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.
Additional learning resources information
Blackboard
All courses are supported by the UQ Learning Management System, Blackboard Learn, which provides an interactive environment for the students and teachers. This is accessible via PC or Mac or Mobile (Apps) environment. To log on to Blackboard, go to https://learn.uq.edu.auﾠ
Lecture Recordings
The University supports the recording of teaching, for example lectures, to supplement face‐to‐face teaching. This policy reflects the University’s commitment to students taking responsibility for their own learning, as well as to flexible provision of access to supplementary learning resources. Lecture recordings are not a substitute for lecture attendance. They are a complement.
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 |
Incentives and games Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L05, L06 |
Week 2 (03 Mar - 09 Mar) |
Lecture |
Organisation of the firm Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L06 |
Week 3 (10 Mar - 16 Mar) |
Lecture |
Consumer preferences and biases Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L06 |
Week 4 (17 Mar - 23 Mar) |
Lecture |
Decision making under Uncertainty Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L06 |
Week 5 (24 Mar - 30 Mar) |
Lecture |
Limited information and Advertising Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L06 |
Week 6 (31 Mar - 06 Apr) |
Lecture |
Boundaries of the firm Sub-activity: Library workshop regarding the Company Report Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L05, L06 |
Week 7 (07 Apr - 13 Apr) |
Lecture |
Pricing Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L06 |
Week 8 (14 Apr - 20 Apr) |
No student involvement (Breaks, information) |
Public holiday: No Lecture No Lecture due to the Public Holiday. |
Mid-sem break (21 Apr - 27 Apr) |
No student involvement (Breaks, information) |
In-semester Break |
Week 9 (28 Apr - 04 May) |
Lecture |
Oligopoly Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L06 |
Week 10 (05 May - 11 May) |
Lecture |
Data Analytics Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L06 |
Week 11 (12 May - 18 May) |
Lecture |
Competition and market structure Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L06 |
Week 12 (19 May - 25 May) |
Lecture |
Platform economy Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L06 |
Week 13 (26 May - 01 Jun) |
Lecture |
Q&A An open consultation session to answer any student questions. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L06 |
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.