Modern Industrial Organization (4th Edition) [Paperback]

Dennis W. Carlton (Author), Jeffrey M. Perloff (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 23, 2004 | ISBN-10: 0321180232 | ISBN-13: 978-0321180230 | Edition: 4

Written by two of the field's most respected researchers, Modern Industrial Organization goes beyond the traditional structure-conduct-performance framework by using the latest advances in microeconomic theory, including transaction cost analysis, game theory, contestability, and information economics. Fully updated to reflect new trends and topics, the Fourth Edition focuses on providing students with a clear, unified structure for analyzing theories and empirical evidence about the organization of firms and industries.

Product Details

• Paperback: 800 pages
• Publisher: Addison Wesley; 4 edition (May 23, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0321180232
• ISBN-13: 978-0321180230
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 7.7 x 1.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #240,074 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Its in my top 2 textbooks for Economics Undergraduate, December 21, 2004

By 

Irrational Expectations "Chris" (Georgia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Modern Industrial Organization (4th Edition) (Paperback)

I've only used 9 textbooks in my undergraduate carrer in Economics, however, this book would probably fit either as the best or 2nd best... I can't really determine which deserves the "coveted" "best" slot.

To say firstly, this book passes the "I havn't attended class for the last 4 weeks and only have read the book, but still recieved an A- for the midterm" test. I think I can say in full confidence that IO is pretty much a standard course and this pretty much covers all the standard topics that any IO course would cover in one semester.

I used this book for a more "advanced" IO course (there are 2 in my university) and I used the book almost exclusively in preperation for my exams. I can say that the books appendices are excellent, despite th previous comment. It displays the material very concisely and in a very formal manner. The presentation in the appendices is not laconic and is very understandable.... I would have to say it achieves almost maximum effeciency with relevent material per page.

Actaully, for my case, the appendices were very much more useful then the actaul text itself. The level of mathematics does not exceed a standard non-formal multi-variable calculus level and is thus very accesible. With regards to applicability of the material, I found no problems in figuring out how the forumale applied with respect to the theory for the most part... However, I suspect if it is obtuse (for the level of maturity in the class) then the instructor would augment the text with problem sets and excercises.

The book starts off with a brief recap of the relevnt micro concepts and tools in the first chapter or so, then goes on to cover topics such as monopoly, oligopoly, monopolistic competition, games in oligopolies (Bertrand, Stakelberg Cournout-Nash etc.). Then it goes on to less "theoretical" (at least in my opinion) topics such as advertising and its effects, price discrimination (1st degree, 3rd degree, bundling strategies etc.).

Overall there is a good mix of "real world" applications and core theory. I never read the numerous examples and unless the class specifically tests on these, I would think they are not needed for understanding of the material. The exposition found in the chapters (less the examples) are usually superb, although a bit wordy for my taste.

There are some problems asked after the end of each chapter, although very few of these employ much mathematics and hence, does not, in my opinion, work well as a gauge of understanding. It seems because of the length of the book, it lends itself off to the instructor to decide how to taylor his curriculum, I don't believe that any chapters are redundent, but I believe all chapters are essentially self contained (given that the reader had read or is competent in the material up to the 6th chapter).

All in all, I was happy with this book and believe it to be of superior stock, although this is pure conjecture on my part since I've only used this book and have only taken one IO course. With respect to flexibility the book deserves good marks and this is likewise true with respect to the exposition in the text.

1.0 out of 5 stars $153 for a photo copy, January 31, 2012

By 

MVS (Bloomington, IN USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Modern Industrial Organization (4th Edition) (Paperback)

I paid $153 for a new hardcopy from Amazon. What I received was simply a photocopy. The text that was supposed to be in color is barely visible. The book won't live long - the pages are tearing off after I just browsed through pages. I am returning. No point paying for a brand new copy.

12 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Well written, April 6, 2000

By 

M. Hendrickx (Chicago, il United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Modern Industrial Organization (3rd Edition) (Hardcover)

Extremely well-written book with plenty of modern-day examples. I used this book for my IO course at University of Chicago, and my only regret is that we didn't get through the whole book. It is interesting enough to read just for the heck of it though.