An introduction to business economics

The application of business economics to business decision making remains the key driving force in firm profitability and economics plays a central role in the functioning of industries and countries as a whole. This foundational course introduces you to the forces of demand and supply, providing a focal point for profit analysis in firms.

Aims of the course

This course aims to;  

1. Provide an introductory understanding of business economics (Micro and Macroeconomics). 
2. Provide an understanding of how business economics may be used to explain and predict phenomena relating to markets and firms. 
3. Explore the use of business economics in analysing management problems and managerial decision-making.  
4. Explore the use of business economics in analysing the impact of government policy on business and vice versa.  

Content 

The application of Business Economics to business decision making remains the key driving force in firm profitability. This fundamental course provides a portfolio of tools from micro-economics and macroeconomics that can be used in the analysis of firm profit maximisation. It introduces participants to dealing with managerial decision-making via introductory economics.  

Lecture 1 defines Business Economics and discusses the main economic systems that exist in the world today. The discipline of Economics is discussed as mainly concerned with the production & consumption of goods and services.  

Lecture 2 discusses Demand as the amount customers are willing and able to buy in a given period; focus is given to understanding the relationship between price and quantity demanded – the Demand Curve. The lecture explores the concept of Elasticity of demand; that is, Identifying the influences on consumer demand and the responsiveness of consumer’s demand to changes in prices, income and the prices of other products. 

Lecture 3 discusses Supply as the amount producers are willing and able to produce at each and every price. The determinants of supply and influences on supply such as the effect of subsidies and indirect taxes are explored as well as break-even analysis; this demonstrates how a business is able to work out the feasibility of its production model. The forces of demand and supply come together to create equilibrium prices and quantities.  

Lecture 4 discusses the determination of the equilibrium point, exploring the application of equilibrium prices and quantities in different markets. There is also a comparison of the market system with other types of economic systems, as these all address the issues of demand and supply in different ways.  

Lecture 5, our concluding session, discusses profit maximization, as well as summarises content from all sessions.  

Presentation of the course 

The 5 sessions will mainly take a format of a Tutor-Led Lecture but will be variable with Student-led activities. For each session, students will be expected to engage in activities such as discussing questions with other students (a 15-minute workshop style approach during each session). While the Lecture content will be delivered using PowerPoint slides and explanation from the Tutor, the case studies, exercise sheets and student discussion will form the interactive aspect of the class. There is some basic math involved.  

Class sessions 

1. Session 1: What is Business Economics? 
2. Session 2: Demand  
3. Session 3: Supply   
4. Session 4: Market equilibrium   
5. Session 5: Profit Maximization 

Learning outcomes 

The learning outcomes for this course are: 

1. A clear understanding of the functioning of a free market economy
2. A fundamental understanding of the forces of demand and supply  
3. An appreciation of the importance of profit maximisation in a business.  

Required reading

Gregory, M, Taylor Mark P and Ashwin A (2013), Business Economics, 1st edition, United States: CENGAGE learning.  

Typical week: Monday to Friday

Courses run from Monday to Friday. For each week of study, you select a morning (Am) course and an afternoon (Pm) course. The maximum class size is 25 students. 

Courses are complemented by a series of daily plenary lectures, exploring new ideas in a wide range of disciplines. To add to the learning experience, we are also planning additional evening talks and events.

Evaluation and Academic Credit 

If you are seeking to enhance your own study experience, or earn academic credit from your Cambridge Summer Programme studies at your home institution, you can submit written work for assessment for one or more of your courses. 

Essay questions are set and assessed against the University of Cambridge standard by your Course Director, a list of essay questions can be found in the Course Materials. Essays are submitted two weeks after the end of each course, so those studying for multiple weeks need to plan their time accordingly. There is an evaluation fee of £75 per essay.

For more information about writing essays see Evaluation and Academic Credit.

Certificate of attendance

A certificate of attendance will be sent to you electronically after the programme.