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
Specific information on 2027 unit availability will be available in August
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
2027 fee information will be available in August.
Requisites
Mutual Exclusions
You cannot enrol in this unit as well as the following:
BEA236Teaching
| Teaching Pattern | 1 x 2-hour on-campus or online workshop each week. |
|---|---|
| Assessment | Case Studies Assignment (50%)|Online Quiz (x4) (50%) |
| Timetable | View 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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