The course is an introduction to modern competition theory. First, we look at monopolies from various points of view. For example, we discuss marketing strategies of quality selection, choice of distribution channels, price discrimination, and advertising. We work out both, the effectiveness of marketing strategies (economics of strategy, managerial economics) as well as their welfare properties. 

In the second part of the lecture, we examine strategic oligopoly situations. We deal with static and dynamic price and quantity competition, quality competition, competition through product differentiation, advertising etc. We analyze these strategic interactions using game theory. Knowledge of basic game theory is an advantage for this course. However, the necessary basics of game theory will be covered in the lecture itself. The course is aimed at students who are interested in competition issues. The course also provides a quantitative analysis of marketing methods and is a useful addition to marketing lectures.

J. Tirole: The Theory of Industrial Organization, MIT Press 1989 

(deutsche Übersetzung bei Oldenbourg, 1995).

H. Bester: Theorie der Industrieökonomik, 6th ed. Springer 2012

P. Belleflamme and M. Peitz: Industrial Organization: Markets and Strategies, Cambridge University Press, 2nd ed. 2015