In: Economics
Suppose we have two firms in a market to which entry is
restricted. The inverse demand function facing these two firms is
given by p = 130-2q, where q = q1 +q2. Both firms have the same
costs of production: C = 10q.
(a) Compute the best response functions and find the Cournot
equilibrium. What would be aggregate output, price and profit for
each firm?
(b) Now suppose firm 1 gets to choose q1 before firm 2 chooses q2.
Suppose also that firm 1 knows the best response function of firm
2. What output should firm 1 produce to maximize profit? What
output would firm 2 produce? What will be the price? What profit
will each firm make?
(c) If the manager of the firm 1 has an option of choosing before,
simultaneously, or after firm 2, which will he choose?
(d) Now assume that owners of the firms decided to collude.
Calculate symmetric collusive equilibrium. Are both firms better
than in part a)?
(e) This collusion possibility is, however, discussed only and
verbally agreed to it. Firm 1 however thinks that since this is
only verbal agreement, it could be violated. Would any of these two
firms violate the collusive agreement (assuming the other firm
honours the agreement)?Why yes or why not? What is the magnitude of
the inducement to violate the collusive agreement?
(f) Show all your results in two graphs: (i) q-P plane (with
demand, marginal revenues, marginal cost curves) and (ii) q1-q2
plane (with reaction functions, and isoprofit curves).