(a) Compute the best response functions of each company. Then compute the Nash equilibrium in quantities. The Nash equilibrium in quantities is also called the Cournot equilibrium. Note that in this case the payoffs are given by the profit functions rather than by the levels of utility. (b) Plot the best response functions and the Nash equilibrium. (c) Show that the Nash equilibrium is stable.

Managerial Economics: A Problem Solving Approach
5th Edition
ISBN:9781337106665
Author:Luke M. Froeb, Brian T. McCann, Michael R. Ward, Mike Shor
Publisher:Luke M. Froeb, Brian T. McCann, Michael R. Ward, Mike Shor
Chapter16: Bargaining
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 16.1IP
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Exercise
Two firms compete for market shares producing similar goods under imperfect competition. The market
demand curve is p = 24 – y, where y = y, + y2 is the summation of the firms' outputs. Total costs
are TC, = 4y1 for the first company and TC2 = 2y2 for the second company. The second company is
therefore more productive than the first. Now answer the following questions:
(a) Compute the best response functions of each company. Then compute the Nash equilibrium in
quantities. The Nash equilibrium in quantities is also called the Cournot equilibrium. Note that in this
case the payoffs are given by the profit functions rather than by the levels of utility.
(b) Plot the best response functions and the Nash equilibrium.
(c) Show that the Nash equilibrium is stable.
(d) Assume that the first company is a first mover (even though it is less productive) and chooses its
output level before the second company. Find the (Stackelberg) equilibrium in quantities.
(e) Plot the Stackelberg equilibrium in the same plot from part (b).
(f) Is the Stackelberg equilibrium stable or unstable?
(g) Assume that an impartial spectator (which could be a cartel) maximizes joint profits. This is
equivalent to an impartial spectator that maximizes a social welfare function that aggregates utility
functions, where the payoffs in this case are given by the profit functions. Find the equilibrium level of
joint output, and also the equilibrium levels of output of each company. Is there a conflict of interest
between the companies within the cartel?
Transcribed Image Text:Exercise Two firms compete for market shares producing similar goods under imperfect competition. The market demand curve is p = 24 – y, where y = y, + y2 is the summation of the firms' outputs. Total costs are TC, = 4y1 for the first company and TC2 = 2y2 for the second company. The second company is therefore more productive than the first. Now answer the following questions: (a) Compute the best response functions of each company. Then compute the Nash equilibrium in quantities. The Nash equilibrium in quantities is also called the Cournot equilibrium. Note that in this case the payoffs are given by the profit functions rather than by the levels of utility. (b) Plot the best response functions and the Nash equilibrium. (c) Show that the Nash equilibrium is stable. (d) Assume that the first company is a first mover (even though it is less productive) and chooses its output level before the second company. Find the (Stackelberg) equilibrium in quantities. (e) Plot the Stackelberg equilibrium in the same plot from part (b). (f) Is the Stackelberg equilibrium stable or unstable? (g) Assume that an impartial spectator (which could be a cartel) maximizes joint profits. This is equivalent to an impartial spectator that maximizes a social welfare function that aggregates utility functions, where the payoffs in this case are given by the profit functions. Find the equilibrium level of joint output, and also the equilibrium levels of output of each company. Is there a conflict of interest between the companies within the cartel?
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