ECP-ECONOMIC PROBLEMS AND POLICY

ECP 4005 Economics and Public Policy . . . . . 3(3,0,0)
Explores government expenditure and tax policies, comparisons of popular views on the purpose of government and established criteria for evaluating government policy. Specific policy topics include the effect of Medicare and Medicaid on health in the United States, the federal income tax on total national income and environmental controls on the level of pollution. Prerequisite: ECO 2013 and ECO 2023 or ECO 3003.

ECP 4114 Economic Demography and Aging Markets . . . . . 3(3,0,0)
Uses basic models and theories from principles of economics classes to analyze the economic aspects of aging. Topics include the following: causes of an aging society; economic implications of an aging population on younger as well as older persons; dependency ratios; wealth, labor markets and the decision to work in old age; analysis of the role of private and public pension/annuity systems (including Social Security) on the economic status of older adults; and the role of intergenerational transfers and bequests on retirement decisions. Prerequisite: ECO 2013 or ECO 3003.

ECP 4302 Environmental Economics and Policy . . . . . 3(3,0,0)
Involves the student in the study of a broad range of environmental problems and the appropriate analysis of policy responses. Specific environmental issues include declining urban air quality, global warming, the effect of development on water systems and contamination from waste disposal systems. Traditional environmental regulations and policies are analyzed and contrasted with current, cutting-edge policies aimed at improving the environment. Prerequisite: ECO 2013 and ECO 2023 or ECO 3003.

ECP 4403 Industrial Economics . . . . . 3(3,0,0)
Covers economic aspects of the behavior of firms in the United States including degree of concentration, price discrimination, competitive practices, strategic behavior, and regulated industries. The material covered will help students to understand how firms can continue to maintain high profits, how competition might lead to concentration, and the role of the government in the economy as regulator. Prerequisite: ECO 2023.

ECP 4441 Economics and Financial Information Technology . . . . . 3(3,0,0)
Examines the nature of information technology as it influences business decision making. The concept of information as a strategic asset is developed. Exposes students to methods for identifying, capturing, measuring, managing and using economic and financial market data and information. Specific areas covered include geographic information systems and location and segmentation systems, economic information systems, expert systems, and internet based economic and financial information development and access. Computer hardware/software and internet working systems for information development are examined. Primarily focused on using computer based methods to provide information to decision makers in a decision support/executive information/expert system context and managing information as a strategic asset. Prerequisite: FIN 3403, STA 3134 and ISM3011 or MAR 3370.

ECP 4613 Urban and Regional Economic Development . . . . . 3(3,0,0)
Contemporary urban and regional issues such as crowding, congestion, pollution and crime have long been the subject of political, moral and social debate. In order to understand and work towards solutions to these problems, however, a command of economic theory and its relevant applications is essential. Takes simple economic principles and applies them to these pressing social issues including those found in the Gulf Coast area of Northwest Florida. In each case, various alternative solutions are discussed in the context of scarcity of resources a fundamental principle of economics. Prerequisite: ECO 2013 and ECO 2023 or ECO 3003.

ECP 4703 Managerial Economics . . . . . 3(3,0,0)
Develops tools of economic analysis in operating a business firm; including applied microeconomic tools designed to aid decision makers in pricing, reducing firm costs and identifying areas for firm expansion. Prerequisite: ECO 2013 and ECO 2023 or ECO 3003.

ECP 6705 Advanced Managerial Economics . . . . . 3(3,0,0)
Concepts of competition as they relate to business management policies and practices; profit goals and measurement problems; multiple product policy; demand analysis; cost concepts; pricing problems; case studies. This course contains a portfolio project. Prerequisite: QMB 6305.

ECP 6726 Business and the Economic Environment . . . . . 3(3,0,0)
Effect of environment on business decision making. Student takes role of strategic planner in evaluating alternative firm strategies in the presence of alternative economic and/or regulatory scenarios. Focuses on the impact on the business environment of aggregate economic relationships such as cyclical fluctuations, interest rates and international economic linkages. Role of data analysis and forecasting the macroeconomic environment. Subcomponents of the course address strategic planning for various elements of the business environment. Prerequisite: ECO 2013 and 2023 or ECO 3003.