Contents
Introduction 3
Economics and theoretical underpinning of the main concepts 4
Hierarchies 4
Short run and long run and Diminishing returns versus economies of scale 4
Integration 12
Size determines hierarchical structure 14
Markets 15
Market structures: perfect competition, monopoly and oligopoly 15
Government Regulation 21
Externalities 24
Networks 25
Networks within HMC 25
Networks outside the firm 26
Importance of network framework 26
Impact on own experience 26
Discussion and main conclusions 27
References 28
Description
This report answers the following questions -
• Explain and discuss in what different business or organisational circumstances a) hierarchies, b) markets and c) networks are most appropriate, and show how each of these three concepts can be used to understand a business or organisational context known to you.
• How might this understanding impact your own business or managerial experience?