Dr Julian Wells
Director of Studies
Department of Economics
Room PR HH 0012
(Holmwood House)
staff web-page: http://fass.kingston.ac.uk/staff/cv.php?staffnum=287
personal web-site: http://staffnet.kingston.ac.uk/~ku32530
Principal lecturer in economics
School of Economics, History and Politics
Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
Kingston University
Penrhyn Road
Kingston-upon-Thames
KT1 2EE
United Kingdom
+44 (0)20 8417 2341
The module is a practical examination of key aspects of the UK economy its structure, recent history, the role of government and some of its key policies. Structural changes in the economy and its business environment are examined; regional or transport policy is explored and its role and contribution to the economy; key government economic levers such as taxation and expenditure are illustrated; the importance, structure, and problems of the financial sector are highlighted; changing government policy on inflation, full employment and managing the economy is explored; the nature of financial crises and their subsequent impact on the UK economy are emphasised.
Changes in the U.K. economy. Decline of manufacture Rise of services - Financial Sector Growth of the State Welfare National Debt.
Introduction to Firms in the UK: Micro, Small, Medium and Large.
The platform for business: The external business environment - The role of the State - The systemic competitiveness model.
Regional /Transport policy.
Public expenditure Taxation.
Financial institutions and markets.
Inflation - Unemployment - Managing the economy.
United Kingdom trade performance - Exchange rates.
The European Union - Euro - Pound sterling - The role of the UK in the EU.
Financial crisis, recession and their impact on the UK economy.
There will be one 2h lecture per week in which the course contents will be delivered. There will also be one seminar per week in which students will study contemporary case material on the UK economy, as well as have multiple choice questions, data response sheets and active discussion on case material.
A portfolio of two pieces of written work (1000 and 1500 words) on topics drawn from the lecture and seminar programme allowing assessment of learning outcomes. The first assessment will receive 40% of the final mark. The second will receive 60%.
Griffiths A & Wall S, 12th edition (or latest available), Applied Economics, Prentice Hall.
Worthington I & Britton C, 2003 (or latest edition available), The Business Environment, Palgrave.
This module examines the nature of competition and the role of the firm in contemporary capitalism. It examines the different forces shaping market structure so as to elucidate in what sense a market structure is competitive or not for example the role of barriers to entry, government policy or technology. The module explores different market structures, from monopolistic to highly competitive, thus throwing light on the conduct and performance of firms within these structures. The role, nature and aims of the firm are examined. It also analyses how some firms are capable of imposing themselves on market structure and are not simply passive recipients. Different categories of firms, multinational, large, medium, small and micro, are outlined so as to build a more complete picture of modern firm structure.
Students will attend lectures and tutorials. A pack of lecture slides are provided via StudySpace but active note taking is required. Lectures are one hour, once weekly for 22 weeks. Tutorials, also one hour, once weekly for 22 weeks, run parallel to the lecture series and will offer case studies on the modern firm and markets. An active participatory style is encouraged. Substantial independent study is required to deepen knowledge of the lecture and seminar topics as well as engage in wider reading and prepare for assessment.
Davies, H. and Pun-Lee, Lam. 2001. Managerial Economics, UK:Pearson Education Ltd.