ECO401 Optimisation and Microeconomic Theory

• Topics

  Part 1: Linear algebra, vectors and matrices. Lagrange´s multiplier method. Extension of Lagrange´s technique to non-negativity constraints and inequality constraints: the Kuhn-Tucker conditions. Shadow prices and maximum value functions. Linear approximations. The second-order conditions to an optimisation problem.

  Part 2: Introduction to microeconomic theory. Preferences and consumer demand. Derived concepts (indirect utility function, minimal expenditure function). Comparative statics (Slutsky equation). Measurement of welfare and welfare changes. Aggregation of demand. Production theory, cost minimisation and profit maximisation. General equilibrium and decentralisation of resource allocation decisions.

• Learning outcome

  The main topic of the first part is the theory and practice of constrained optimisation. After rehearsing the necessary mathematical tools, we focus on Lagrange's technique to solve a maximisation (or minimisation) problem when side constraints need to be respected. We pay attention to the so called first- and second-order conditions of the problem, and a number of very useful by-products of Lagrange's technique, such as maximal value functions, shadow prices and comparative statics.

  The second part gives a solid introduction to the standard microeconomic theory. Equipped with Lagrange's technique, we first study the behaviour of individual agents (consumers, business firms, investors) in the economy, and later their interaction through markets. This will give us an understanding of the main results in microeconomics, and a feeling for the methodology used in economic theory.

  Almost every scientific article or paper in economics makes use of the technique of constrained optimisation and uses a microeconomic model to describe individual and market behaviour. This course will therefore enable students to read and understand the recent economic literature, as well as to engage in economic model building. But it will also teach how to formulate a well-defined problem and how to solve it. In that sense it is of interest to the applied economist whether he or she will work as an analyst in a firm, as a consultant, or as a researcher.

  Upon completion of the course, students will:

  Knowledge

  • have knowledge of the main optimisation techniques used in management and economics;
  • have knowledge of standard microeconomic price theory, in particular the notions of individual and aggregate market behavior, general equilibrium and efficiency properties of market allocations;

  Skills

  • be able to apply optimisation techniques to formulate, analyse and solve problems met in economics and management;
  • be able to formulate those problems with the required degree of formalism;

  General competence

  • be able to communicate this knowledge, both in written form and orally, with accuracy and intuition.

• Teaching

  If NHH is open to students:

  Regular lectures and assignment classes.  Lectures and assigment classes will be videorecorded. Recordings will be made available on Canvas.

  If NHH is closed for students:

  Lectures will be recorded with Zoom. Recordings will be made available on Canvas.

  In all cases:

  Lecture notes will be made available before each lecture.

• Required prerequisites

  Students should be familiar with the material covered in the undergraduate mathematics course MET1 or in a similar course in their bachelor studies.  This includes:

  • Functions in  a single variable: derivation, sketching of the function in space, elasticities, integration.
  • Functions in several variables: partial derivatives, differentiating, optimisation without and with a side constraint.
  • Linear algebra: system of linear equations, matrix notation, inverse of a matrix, determinant of a matrix.

• Requirements for course approval

  None.

• Assessment

  Evaluation is based on two compulsory assignments during the term (one for each part of the course). The compulsory assignments should be handed in individually or in groups of max 2 students. 

  The final evaluation will be based on 50% on each of two compulsory assignments. The two assignments have to be taken in the same semester. The compulsory assignments should be written in English.

  Expected release of the compulsory assignments will be at the end of the first part in September and at the end of the second part in October. The handing-in deadline is 2 weeks after release. 

• Grading Scale

  A-F

• Computer tools

  Some use of Excel (Solver module).

• Literature

  Part 1: Avinish Dixit (1990) Optimization in economic theory - 2nd ed (Oxford: Oxford University Press).

  Part 2: Frank Cowell (2005) Microeconomics: Principles and Analysis (Oxford: Oxford University Press).