1 MMaannaaggeerriiaall EEccoonnoommiiccss Economics 5313-001 SP 2012 Instructor: Mahmut Yaşar, Ph.D. Class Hours: 7:00 – 9:50 PM TU Office: COBA 329 COBA 256 E-mail: [email protected] Office Hours: 4:30 – 6:00 PM TU Phone: 817-272-3290 and by appointment Web Site: http://wweb.uta.edu/faculty/myasar/ CCoouurrssee DDeessccrriippttiioonn Managerial economics applies economic theory and methods to business and administrative decision-making in order to achieve goals and objectives of organizations in the most efficient way. Thus, the course will provide an understanding of how to link economic theory with quantitative methods to develop tools and approaches for managerial decision-making. It will use a combination of lectures, case studies, and the analysis of a range of issues related to managerial decision making. The lectures will present various theoretical perspectives in verbal, graphical, and simple mathematical terms. Case studies and the analysis of current issues will provide participants with the opportunity to apply these perspectives to the formulation of solutions to practical managerial decision-making. PPrreerreeqquuiissiitteess:: Economics 5311 or consent of the instructor. TTeexxtt Luke M. Froeb and Brian T. McCann, Managerial Economics: A Problem Solving Approach, 2nd Edition, Thompson-Southwestern. SSuuggggeesstteedd TTeexxttss Paul G. Keat and Philip K. Young, Managerial Economics, 5th/6th Edition, Prentice Hall. R. Glenn Hubbard and Anthony P. O'Brien, Microeconomics,1st Edition 2006. Steven Landsburg, Armchair Economist: Economics and Everyday Experience, 1995. Malcolm Gladwell, Outliers: The Story of Success. Little, Brown & Company, 2008. I do not always stick to the book. You are responsible for all material, including topics covered in class that are not in the book or are treated differently from the book.2Blackboard I will use Blackboard, an electronic learning software platform, for the distribution of course information. There are detailed instructions on the use of Blackboard that can be accessed at http://www.uta.edu/blackboard/index.html. Be sure to check it on a regular basis for announcements, lecture notes, case studies, assignments, and other material related to class. Grading and Examinations Course requirements consist of midterm exam (37%), assignments (16%), presentation (10%), and final exam (37%). The examinations test both your understanding of the concepts studied in the course and your ability to apply them to problem situations. If you have conflicts with the exam dates contact me immediately (prior to the exam dates). Missed exams will be given a grade of zero unless adequate evidence is presented, preferably before the exam, to indicate that missing the exam could not be avoided. The grading scheme is as follows. 90-100% (A); 78-89.9% (B); 70-77.9% (C); 60-69.9% (D); < 59.9% (F). Assignments There will be several case studies/assignments, which will test both your understanding of concepts studied and your ability to apply them to problem situations pertinent to firms. The participants are expected to work on the assignments as a group. A couple of assignments may require the use of basic statistical and econometric concepts. Illustrations of the applications of various concepts will be featured in class. As a regular part of our class meetings, you will be doing in-class applications as a member of a team. Reports and Class Discussion You may also be expected to present some assigned articles/case studies in class. You may write a report (a maximum of 1 single-spaced typed page) and then present it verbally in class. Understanding of some concepts comes only through detailed written analysis. You are expected to come to class prepared for discussion, having read the assigned readings. A randomly chosen participant(s) will be asked to summarize the article for about 3 minutes. The papers will be announced ahead of time. Presentation I will provide a form that identifies the main factors you should consider for the presentations. I will also give you a more detailed description of the project during the semester, but at this point I suggest you start thinking about topics that you would like to address. Throughout the term, we will discuss various topics that hopefully will trigger ideas of your own. Each group presentation should take about 8-10 minutes, including the questions and comments from the audience. Everyone is expected to attend all presentations.3Attendance Attendance is not mandatory but you are virtually guaranteed to do poorly if you skip classes. I do not always stick to the book. You are responsible for all material, including topics covered in class that are not in the book or are treated differently from the book. Participant-Faculty Communication You are expected to come to class prepared by reading and doing relevant assignments prior to class. You are expected and encouraged to ask questions and participate in class discussions. Your ideas, comments, suggestions, questions, etc. are always welcome. You can drop by my office anytime if you have any questions or concerns. You may come during office hours, or schedule an appointment because I may not be there all the time. I can also be reached through email. I endeavor to create an atmosphere that is favorable for learning through the encouragement of creativity, self-initiative, and dialogue. You are encouraged to ask questions in order to stimulate discussion and enhance understanding. Please do not hesitate to see me if you have difficulty with the course material or need to discuss something with me. I look forw ard to working with you this semester. Drop Policy It is the participant’s responsibility to complete the course or withdraw from the course in accordance with University Regulations. Students are strongly encouraged to verify their grade status before dropping a course after their first withdrawal date. A student who drops a course after the first withdrawal date may receive an “F” in the course if the student is failing at the time the course is dropped. Americans with Disabilities Act UTA is on record as being committed to both the spirit and letter of federal equal opportunity legislation; reference Public Law 92-112 - The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended. With the passage of federal legislation