Rutgers University

School of Business - Camden

Managerial Economics 53:135:500

Summer I, May 27-June 19, 2008

(Mon, Tue, & Thu 6:00-9:40)

 

Professor: Dr. P. Theodossiou

Office: 442 Business & Science Building

Office hours: Half hour before and After Class

Tel : (856) 225-6633         

e-mail: theodoss@camden.rutgers.edu

 http://mfs.rutgers.edu/courses

 

Textbook: Brickley, Smith and Zimmerman, “Managerial Economics and Organizational Architecture,” 4th Edition, 2007, McGraw Hill -Irwin (ISBN-10: 0-07-352301-1) plus class notes.

 

Course Objective: Basic micro- and macroeconomics topics. Topics include supply and demand analysis, pricing policies, competitive and monopolistic markets, determinants of interest rates and monetary policies. Global perspective of economics emphasized.

 

Teaching Method

 

The textbook provides a detailed coverage of the topics listed above. Rather than spending the limited class time repeating the textbook, much of the class time will be devoted to activities that strengthened the material presented in the textbook. My lectures will focus on the quantitative and managerial aspects of the course. The assigned homework assignments will offer a more balanced coverage of the topics. For this teaching approach to work, it is necessary that you read the topics to be covered in each class prior to coming to class.

 

Reading all assigned topics before class, completing the assigned homework on-time, consulting with the professor immediately when you need help, regular attendance, punctuality, and class participation are strongly recommended actions for the student to excel in this course. Shortcuts, generally, do not work.

 

Grading Policy: A: 90-100% B+: 86-89.9% B: 80-85.9% C+: 76-79.9% C: 66-75.9% F: Below 66%

 

                                                         Exam 1                                             40

                                                         Exam 2                                             40

                                                         HW/Class Participation                   20

Grades will not be curved.

 

1. In-Class Conduct

 

It is expected that you attend class regularly, arrive on time, stay in class throughout the lecture, listen attentively in class and contribute often to class discussions. All cell phones should be turned-off while in class, unless there is an emergency. Your contribution (i.e., comments, questions and suggestions) in class should be thoughtful and should reflect your careful reading of the assigned course material. Ill-mannered behavior in the form of complaints about the exams, material covered and the homework assignments, derogatory comments to classmates, and any other type of disruptive behavior should be avoided during class time.

 

2. Absences

 

If you anticipate being absent from class, find a classmate who can inform you of what was covered in class and pick up the handouts for you. Please note that I will be more than happy to answer questions regarding the material covered during your absence, but I will not repeat the lecture.

 

3. Homework Assignments

 

I will not accept late homework assignments. Unless otherwise told, homework assignments are due at the beginning of the next class following the completion of each chapter. Homework assignment should be handwritten. Submit the original and keep a copy for your own record and use.

 

4. Exams

 

All exams will be in class, closed books and notes, and will consist of a mixture of problems and essay type questions designed to test your ability to understand the concepts, theories and tools covered in the course and their application to business situations. Questions about the examination grades should be raised within one week of receiving the grades.

 

5. Academic Integrity

 

“Academic integrity requires that all academic work be wholly the product of an identified individual or individuals. Joint efforts are only legitimate when the assistance of others is explicitly acknowledged…The principles of academic integrity entail simple standards of honesty and truth. Each member of the university has a responsibility to up-hold the standards of the community and to take action when others violate them…Students are responsible for knowing what the standards are and for adhering to them. Students should also bring any violations of which they are aware to the attention of their instructors.”

 

Students are expected to know, understand and adhere to the policies on academic integrity outlined above. Procedures for violation of these policies outlined in the University Code of Academic Conduct will be followed. http://www.camden.rutgers.edu/RUCAM/info/Academic-Integrity-Policy.html

 

6. Exam Make-up Policy

 

If, for a university approved reason, you cannot take an exam at the scheduled time you must give the professor written notice at least one week in advance so that other arrangements can be made. If the situation does not allow for advance notification (e.g., emergency hospitalization), you should contact the professor as soon as possible after a missed exam. Moreover, a written documentation to support your absence, such as, a doctor’s note, an obituary, or military orders is necessary. Make-up exams for non-university approved reasons are not guaranteed.

 

Course Outline:

 

Ch 1.    Introduction

Ch 2.    Economist’s View of Behavior (HW - Q 1-20, p. 52-53)

Ch 3.    Markets, Organizations and the Rule of Knowledge (HW - Q 1, 4, 5-7, 17-21, p. 91-93)

Ch 4.    Demand (plus class notes) (HW - Q 1-12, 21-24, 26-28, p. 125-127)

Ch 5.    Production and Cost (plus class notes) (HW - Q 1-20, p. 157-158, Notes & Xls file)

Ch 6.    Market Structure (HW - Q 1-14, p. 182-183)

Ch 7.    Pricing and Market Power (HW - Q 1-10, p. 210-211)

Notes:    Determinants of interest rates and monetary policies

 

Important Dates

 

June 9 - Exam 1

June 19 - Exam 2