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Singapore Management University Campus
Microeconomics
SMU
SMU
Residential
University Programme • Ages 18 & Above

GCIP: Microeconomic Foundations and Policy Applications

Decode Markets. Drive Strategic Decisions.

Starts 13th - 19th December 2026
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Duration

7 Days

15 Hours

Learner Profile

UG & PG Students

Programme Fee

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Certificate

SMU

Certificate of Participation

Microeconomic Foundations and Policy Applications

A foundational introduction to public policy analysis through a microeconomic lens

This course introduces undergraduate students to the basic ideas and frameworks used to understand public policy in a global context. Students will learn how individuals, governments, and institutions make policy-related decisions, and how these decisions affect economic and social outcomes.

Through lectures, guided discussions, simple case studies, and group presentations, students will gain a foundational understanding of public policy analysis and develop the ability to discuss global policy issues in a structured and informed way.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, students will be able to:

  • Describe how individuals and firms make basic economic decisions in a globalised environment.
  • Explain the role of governments and institutions in shaping markets and policy outcomes.
  • Understand key ideas behind international trade and global economic interactions at an introductory level.

Final assessment includes a group presentation on policy topics evaluated by SMU faculty.

SMU Faculty Sessions

15 Academic Hours
MicroeconomicsPublic PolicyInternational Trade
Session 1
3 hours

Decision-Making in a Globalised Economy

Buyer's optimisation problem: consumption choice under globalisation (imported vs domestic goods). Seller's optimisation problem: production and export decisions in open economies. Example: small firms in Vietnam and Bangladesh in global supply chains.

Session 2
3 hours

Market Equilibrium and the Gains from Trade

Market equilibrium in open economies. Social planner's optimisation problem under trade. Comparative advantage and the pattern of specialisation.

Session 3
3 hours

Theories of Trade and Distributional Effects

Heckscher–Ohlin model and factor endowment differences. Trade-induced inequality and factor price equalisation. Efficiency analysis in the presence of international spillovers.

Session 4
3 hours

Strategic Interactions in International Trade

Game theory workshop: trade wars, tariff retaliation, and coordination failures. Prisoner's dilemma and repeated games in international cooperation. Coase theorem and strategic bargaining between nations. Application: ASEAN cooperation in trade liberalisation.

Session 5
3 hours

Final Presentation

Student group presentations. Course wrap-up and key takeaways.

* Session sequence and contents subject to changes. Programme curriculum may be adjusted based on cohort composition and learning needs.

Learning Intervention

Lectures

Foundational concepts in microeconomics and policy

Guided Discussions

Interactive sessions on global policy issues

Case Studies

Real-world economic scenarios and analysis

Workshop

Game theory and strategic interactions

Group Presentation

Final student presentations on policy topics

Assessment Criteria

Class Participation30%
Group Presentation70%

Programme Completion Documents

Certificate of Participation

from Singapore Management University

SMU School of Economics

The SMU School of Economics is renowned for its research excellence and innovative teaching in applied economics, policy analysis, and international trade.

Research Excellence

Faculty publish in top-tier journals including American Economic Review and Quarterly Journal of Economics

Global Perspective

Strong focus on Asian economies, international trade, and globalisation with real-world policy applications

Interactive Pedagogy

Seminar-style classes with case discussions, workshops, and group presentations for deeper learning

Ready to Master Microeconomic Foundations?

Join GCIP: Microeconomic Foundations and Policy Applications and develop expertise in trade theory, policy analysis, and strategic economic thinking

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