COURSE NUMBER: MBAW 211.1

This course is cross-listed with the EWMBA Program.

COURSE TITLE: Game Theory (Online Version)

VIDEO INTRODUCTION

UNITS OF CREDIT: 2 Units

INSTRUCTOR: Gregory LaBlanc

E-MAIL ADDRESS: lablanc@haas.berkeley.edu

CLASS WEB PAGE LOCATION: Canvas, http://online.berkeley.edu/

MEETING DAY(S)/TIME: Thursday, 6:00-9:30PM (10 week course)

PREREQUISITE(S): None

CLASS FORMAT: The class consists of online strategy and negotiation exercises, case studies, synchronous live discussions, asynchronous discussion threads and guest lectures.

REQUIRED READINGS: Games of Strategy, by A. Dixit, S. Skeath, and D. Reilly. Art of Strategy, by A. Dixit and B. Nalebuff (optional)

BASIS FOR FINAL GRADE:

10% Class Participation

30% Homework

30% Student Final Projects

30% Final Exam (format TBD)

ABSTRACT OF COURSE'S CONTENT AND OBJECTIVES:

This course is a basic introduction to game theory and strategic thinking. Although much of the content of this course will be abstract and involve stylized modeling, the emphasis will be on the practical applications of game theory to business.

The course has a strong experiential component. Students will participate in a variety of games based on real-world business situations thereby developing the ability to translate their analyses into practice. The student Final Project further brings to bear a variety of ideas and techniques developed during the course. Learning objectives will be assessed by an in-class Final exam at the end of the term.

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH:

At Haas, Greg teaches primarily in the areas of finance and strategy in the MBA and MFE programs and in Executive Education. Greg has also worked in competitive intelligence and litigation consulting and has advised consulting teams in finance, marketing, and strategy. His research interests lie at the intersection of law, finance, and psychology, in the area of business strategy and risk management. Greg is the recipient of teaching awards including the Earl F. Cheit Award for Outstanding Teaching, 2009; and the Haas EWMBA Graduate Instructor of the year, 2004-2005.

Greg received a B.A. (History, Politics, Philosophy, and Economics) and a B.S. Economics (Business Administration) from the University of Pennsylvania, where he continued his education as a University Scholar and graduate fellow, studying in the schools of Arts and Sciences, Business, and Law. He later pursued a J.D. at the George Mason University and an L.L.M at Berkeley’s Boalt Hall. Greg has taught undergraduate and graduate courses in all areas of business. Prior to arriving at the Haas School in 2005, Greg taught at Wharton, Duke, and the University of Virginia.