ECX5470 · Competition, regulation and policy

Overview

The unit deals with the Australian and overseas approaches to competition policy. The economic background to the Competition and Consumer Act is considered in conjunction with economic policy debates. Market structures with substantial market power are viewed as a pretext to evaluation and regulation of restrictive trade practices and mergers or alliances. Structural reform of public utility industries, access to essential facilities, and monopoly regulation are discussed from the theoretical and contemporary reform perspectives.

Offerings

Assessment

The Handbook lists an examination for this unit.

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Requisites

Learning outcomes

1. understand and analyse critically the economic reasons for government intervention to reduce the adverse effects of restrictive trade practices
2. understand the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (and its predecessor, the Trade Practices Commission)
3. evaluate recent decisions from the perspectives of an economist, lawyer, policy-maker and business manager
4. research in-depth a current problem area relating to competition policy and practices that requires investigation beyond topics covered in lectures.

Workload

Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of scheduled learning activities and independent study. Independent study may include associated readings, assessment and preparation for scheduled activities. You are expected to complete all pre-class activities prior to your scheduled class, and post-class activities should be completed after your scheduled class. Learning activities may include a combination of teacher directed, peer directed and online engagement activities.

Student experience, not official rules. Nothing here changes what the Handbook says.