MA Degree Programme


7


Microeconomic Analysis


This module provides the foundations for the further study of economics and is analytical in character. The focus is upon the inter-relationship between three fundamental ideas: (a) marginal analysis as the basis of decision making; (b) notions of equilibrium; (c) optimisation subject to constraints. This module will enable you to characterise economic decision-making in a variety of contexts, including those of an inter- temporal nature, and explain the functioning of a variety of market forms using appropriate graphical and quantitative techniques. These include solving systems of equations (as in complete market models), analysing functional forms commonly used in economics, using differentiation (as a method of marginal analysis) and solving constrained optimisation problems (in the context of economic decision making). By the end of the module you will be able to critically assess the policy implications of selected microeconomic models and to identify the role played by the underlying assumptions.


Quantitative Methods for Business


The aims of this module are to introduce you to a range of basic quantitative techniques used in business situations and to show how these techniques may be applied to aid the decision making process. The module will provide introductions to Probability, Statistical Inference and Management Science. On completion of the module you should be able to apply simpler methods of analysis in this area, interpret the results of such applications and discuss their more general applicability.


Level 4 Business Strategy


The concept of strategy, the role of the strategist, and the process of strategy formulation and formation are examined in a variety of business contexts. The extensive use of case studies will provide you with practical illustrations of the theoretical material discussed in the module.


Dissertation


The dissertation provides you with the opportunity to investigate a specific issue or case study in depth. This will involve wide reading and original research together with the use of concepts and techniques acquired during the module of your degree.


Economic Policy


This module considers the use of economic principles to design, guide and interpret various aspects of economic and social policy. You may expect to gain an appreciation of such contemporary issues as the sustainability of the welfare state, the changing boundaries between the public and private sectors, and the advent of the Euro.


Economic Theory


This module covers recent theoretical developments in economic modelling and their implications for economic policy. The microeconomics section mainly deals with the consequences of strategic behaviour by economic agents in imperfect markets where some buyers or sellers may have specific market power. The macroeconomics section focuses on situations in which markets are distorted, examines how such distortions might induce policy effectiveness, and compares the outcomes with those from traditional Keynesian and Monetarist models.


Economics of Globalisation


This module is designed to provide in-depth examination of patterns of international trade as observed in the world and trade policy effects of trade restrictions. The module provides close inspection of topical issues, such as labour standards, demands for "fair trade" and the role of multinational corporations in the global economy.


International Finance


In this module you learn to examine various aspects of the world of international finance, e.g. foreign exchange markets, international money markets, balance of payments and exchange rate policies, the international monetary system and international debt problems.


Marketing Research


Marketing research draws on various disciplines in order to provide reliable information to managers in a marketing context. This module will introduce you to the various stages of a marketing research project, placing particular emphasis on the design of surveys, the design of questionnaires and the analysis of results. The module will deal with issues that arise in various market research settings including business-to- business marketing and international marketing.


Risk and Information


You will be introduced to the ways in which individuals, firms and governments take decisions with limited amounts of information in uncertain environments. By the end of the module you will have a sound understanding of the functioning of a variety of markets characterised by risk and imperfect information such as insurance, credit and labour.


Graduate Profile


Craig Alexander graduated in 2008 with a MA(Hons) degree in Economics and is currently running a growing inter-city passenger transport firm in Poland. He writes, “my studies provided a solid theoretical base and strong analytical skills. I use my degree for issues as diverse as designing optimal employee contracts to asset finance. Equally important is the appreciation gained throughout my studies of international economic issues. The fundamental economic policy issues that governments face across Europe are broadly similar. These in turn present regulatory implications to business - climate


change and vehicle carbon emissions are prominent examples. The ability to evaluate the economic policy choices that may be utilised positively impacts on future plans for any business. The choice of modules available and the approachability of any member of staff in the department are to be noted. I have no hesitation in recommending Dundee as an excellent university at which to study Economics.”


Another recent graduate, Michael Edwards, comments, "my Honours degree in Business Economics with Marketing has provided me with


a qualification which is held in high regard by top employers. The Economic Studies department both challenged and supported my development during my four years at Dundee, which enabled me to gain employment with one of the world's leading banks. Flexible module choice containing current and relevant material and case studies provided me with a head-start in the business world and it is now exciting to witness my lectures come to life."


Government and Business


This module considers both the role of government in the regulation and support of private sector business, and the reasons for and consequences of government becoming directly involved in business. You will develop an understanding of public policy as it applies to both public and private sector economic activity through the analysis of a number of case studies.


Financial Economic Analysis


You will receive a thorough grounding in financial market analysis so that you are able to understand the behaviour of financial agents and the implications of their behaviour. Within this context, the module discusses how financial assets are priced and how various financial instruments are used in the market place.


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