Economics

Abstract:: The Introductory Economics course is a collection of online experiments and related on-line workbooks which can be used by individual learners or to supplement an instructor lead course. In each experiment a student is an active participant attempting to make deals with other traders in a market. After each experiment, the data the students generated is stored and the student will use this data to complete an online workbook. The workbook guides the student through the analysis and much of the economic theory needed to understand the related experiment. In these experiments the student is both a participant and an observer.

Economics and E-commerce, Fall 2000

Abstract:: Uses theoretical models and studies of "old economy" industries to help understand the growth and future of electronic commerce. Models of pricing, product differentiation, price discrimination, barriers entry, network externalities, and search provide a framework for thinking about e-businesses and the effect of the Internet on a variety of industries. Lessons drawn from studies of past innovators in technological and nontechnological industries. Models of speculative bubbles and historical examples discussed.

Abstract:: The Economics of Information provides an analysis of the underlying economics of information with management implications. It studies the effects of digitization and technology on industry, organizational structure, and business strategy, and examines pricing, bundling, and versioning of digital goods, including music, video, software, and communication services. In addition, the course considers the managerial implications of social networks, search, targeted advertising, personalization, privacy, network externalities, open source, and alliances.

Abstract:: This course is a half-semester module, Information Economics. In the second half-semester I teach a companion module, Incentive-Centered Design: Contracting and Signaling. My goal is to give you a strong grounding in the economics of information goods and services. We will analyze strategic issues faced by for-profit and not-for-port organizations: pricing, bundling, versioning, network externalities and rights management. My teaching objectives are: To provide you with a framework for understanding information problems that involve the allocation of scarce information resources; To familiarize you with the analysis of information problems through the application of economic principles (e.g., rationality, efficiency); To prepare you to analyze realistic, incompletely specified problems of the sort that confront consultants, product and pricing managers, policy makers, entrepreneurs and others.

Abstract:: Course provides a strong grounding in the economics of information goods and services. Students analyze strategic issues faced by for-profit and not-for-profit organizations: pricing, bundling, versioning, product differentiation and variety, network externalities, and rights management. This course precedes SI 680.

Abstract:: " This introductory course teaches the fundamentals of microeconomics. Topics include consumer theory, producer theory, the behavior of firms, market equilibrium, monopoly, and the role of the government in the economy. 14.01 is a Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences (HASS) elective and is offered both terms. "