Course Catalogue

Corporate Governance: Economics of Information ECON4008

  • Academic Session: 2026-27
  • School: Adam Smith Business School
  • Credits: 15
  • Level: Level 4 (SCQF level 10)
  • Typically Offered: Semester 2
  • Available to Visiting Students: Yes
  • Collaborative Online International Learning: No
  • Curriculum For Life: No

Short Description

This course introduces how economists study situations in which different people or firms hold different information. Using simple strategic and market examples, it examines how hidden information can affect pricing, trade, bidding, and communication, and how these problems can be addressed through disclosure, signalling, screening, and market design. Examples are drawn from business, markets, and corporate governance.

Timetable

Lectures: 10 x 2-hours, and a 1-hour revision lecture in teaching week 11

Tutorials: 5 x 1-hour

Requirements of Entry

University of Glasgow students must have achieved Subject Honours entry requirements as detailed below to enrol on this course. Permission is required for non-Economics students to take this course as an outside option.

A GPA of 12 (average C3) in Economics 2A and 2B with no course grade below D3, attained at the first attempt. A minimum grade of D3 in both ECON1012, Introductory Mathematics for Economists and ECON1013, Introductory Statistics for Economists unless exemptions were agreed on the basis of other courses taken in year 1. Refer to course specifications for details. These grades may be achieved at the second attempt.

Assessment

1. Portfolio of simulation exercises: in-person; Individual; 60 minutes total; 30%; ILOs 2.

2. Degree exam: in-person; individual; 120 minutes; 70%; ILOs 1-3.

Main Assessment In: April/May

Course Aims

This course aims to introduce students to economic analysis of decision-making when information is unevenly distributed. It develops understanding of how markets and organisations respond to information problems through disclosure, signalling, screening, auction design, and strategic communication, and shows how these ideas can be applied to business and corporate governance settings.

Intended Learning Outcomes of Course

By the end of this course students will be able to:

1. Explain how asymmetric information shapes decisions and outcomes in markets and organisations, using relevant course examples.

2. Evaluate how alternative strategies or institutional rules affect outcomes in stylised settings with asymmetric information.

3. Interpret applied cases and construct evidence-based arguments about how asymmetric information problems can be addressed.

Minimum Requirement for Award of Credits

No exceptions