Definition of oligopoly An oligopoly is an industry dominated by a few large firms. For example, an industry with a five-firm concentration ratio of greater than 50% is considered an oligopoly. Examples of oligopolies Car industry – economies of scale have caused mergers so big multinationals dominate the market. The biggest car firms include Toyota, …
Definition: Monopolistic competition is a market structure which combines elements of monopoly and competitive markets. Essentially a monopolistic competitive market is one with freedom of entry and exit, but firms can differentiate their products. Therefore, they have an inelastic demand curve and so they can set prices. However, because there is freedom of entry, supernormal …
Definition of Oligopsony occurs when a few firms dominate the purchase of factors of production. This means that the few firms have considerable market power in paying low prices for inputs.
Definition of Concentration Ratios The percentage of market share taken up by the largest firms. It could be a 3 firm concentration ratio (market share of 3 biggest) or a 5 firm concentration ratio. Concentration ratios are used to determine the market structure and competitiveness of the market. For example, an oligopoly is defined when …
A duopoly is a market structure dominated by two firms. A pure duopoly is a market where there are just two firms. But, in reality, most duopolies are markets where the two biggest firms control over 70% of the market share. Characteristics of duopoly Strong barriers to entry in the market, e.g. brand loyalty (Coca-cola …
Microeconomic topics Consumer and producer surplus Demand Substitute goods Complements Economies of scale Elasticity Price elasticity of demand Cross elasticity of demand Income elasticity of demand Price elasticity of supply Market equilibrium Production possibility frontiers Positive and normative statements Opportunity cost Specialisation and division of labour Market failure Positive externalities – the benefit to a …
Definition of Bertrand Competition A market structure where it is assumed that there are two firms, who both assume the other firm will keep prices unchanged. Therefore, each firm has an incentive to cut prices, but this actually leads to a price war. If products are perfect substitutes this assumes the price will be driven …
Definition: Non-price competition involves ways that firms seek to increase sales and attract custom through methods other than price. Non-price competition can include quality of the product, unique selling point, superior location and after-sales service. Models of perfect competition suggest the most important issue in markets is the price. And for a homogenous product like …