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Game Theory for Business and Social Sciences unit (BEA104)

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Location: Hobart, Online

Introduction

Ever wondered how businesses out-maneuver competitors, politicians negotiate deals, or even how social norms evolve? Game Theory provides powerful tools to understand these strategic interactions, where your actions affect others, and theirs affect you. In this unit, you'll learn the core principles of Game Theory and how to apply them to real-world scenarios in business and economics, social sciences, and beyond. Imagine analyzing pricing strategies in a competitive market or understanding the dynamics of international negotiations. You'll develop the ability to think strategically, predict the behaviour of others, and identify your best response in any situation. Unlock the secrets of strategic decision-making and gain a competitive edge in your field.

Summary

Unit name Game Theory for Business and Social Sciences
Unit code BEA104
Credit points 12.5
College/School Tasmanian School of Business and Economics
Discipline Economics
Coordinator Doctor Ananta Neelim
Available as an elective? Yes
Delivered By University of Tasmania
Level Introductory

Sustainable Development Goals

The Unit Coordinator has identified that this unit aligns with the following UN Sustainable Development Goals. We welcome your thoughts and feedback on the alignment of the unit with these goals.

Availability

Location Study period Attendance options Available to
Hobart Semester 2 This unit is available through on-campus delivery Available to International Students Available to Domestic Students
Online Semester 2 This unit is available through off-campus delivery Available to International Students Available to Domestic Students
  • Key:
  • This unit is available through on-campus delivery On-campus
  • This unit is available through off-campus delivery Off-Campus
  • Available to International Students International students
  • Available to Domestic Students Domestic students
Note

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Units are offered in attending mode unless otherwise indicated (that is attendance is required at the campus identified). A unit identified as offered by distance, that is there is no requirement for attendance, is identified with a nominal enrolment campus. A unit offered to both attending students and by distance from the same campus is identified as having both modes of study.

Key Dates

Study Period Start date Census date WW date End date
Semester 2 5/7/2026 27/7/2026 30/8/2026 24/10/2026

* The Final WW Date is the final date from which you can withdraw from the unit without academic penalty, however you will still incur a financial liability (refer to How do I withdraw from a unit? for more information).

Unit census dates currently displaying for 2026 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2026 will be available from the 1st October 2025. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).

About Census Dates

Learning Outcomes

  • Identify strategic interaction in a variety of settings and formally model them as games.
  • Apply game theory as an analytical tool to solve the games with an aim to predict outcomes.
  • Evaluate the application of game theoretic models/analysis and provide solutions for problems faced by business managers and policy makers.
  • Communicate technical analysis and arguments in both written and oral forms.

Fee Information

Field of Education Commencing Student Contribution 1,3 Grandfathered Student Contribution 1,3 Approved Pathway Course Student Contribution 2,3 Domestic Full Fee 4
091901 $2,174.00 $1,703.00 not applicable $2,862.00
  • Available as a Commonwealth Supported Place
  • HECS-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility3
  • FEE-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility4

1 Please refer to more information on student contribution amounts.
2 Please refer to more information on eligibility and Approved Pathway courses.
3 Please refer to more information on eligibility for HECS-HELP.
4 Please refer to more information on eligibility for FEE-HELP.

If you have any questions in relation to the fees, please contact UniConnect or more information is available on StudyAssist.

Please note: international students should refer to What is an indicative Fee? to get an indicative course cost.

Requisites

Mutual Exclusions

You cannot enrol in this unit as well as the following:

BEA236

Teaching

Teaching Pattern

1 x 2-hour on-campus or online workshop each week.

AssessmentCase Studies Assignment (50%)|Online Quiz (x4) (50%)
TimetableView the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable

Textbooks

Required

You will need the following text as most of the lecture materials are based on this.

Dixit, A. K., Skeath, S., & McAdams, D. (2025). Games of Strategy: Sixth International Student Edition. WW Norton & Company.

For each week’s Lecture, relevant chapters of this book will be specified along with readings from other sources for students who want to delve further into topics. These will be listed in MyLO. Students are expected to read the specific book chapter and view the online videos before coming to Workshops.
Recommended

The following books are not required for the unit, but provide readers with a more thorough understanding of game theory with real-life applications.

Dixit, A. K., & Nalebuff, B. (2008). The art of strategy: a game theorist's guide to success in business & life. WW Norton & Company.

Spaniel, W. (2014). Game theory 101: the complete textbook. CreateSpace.

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