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2026/2027  DIP-D1FMV9051U  Microeconomics and Strategy

English Title
Microeconomics and Strategy

Course information
Language English
Course ECTS 5 ECTS
Type Elective
Level Graduate Diploma
Duration One Semester
Start time of the course Autumn
Timetable Course schedule will be posted at calendar.cbs.dk
Study board
Study Board for Graduate Diploma in Business Administration
Programme Graduate Diploma in Business Administration (Part 1)
Course coordinator
  • Michele Acciaro - Department of Strategy and Innovation (SI)
Main academic disciplines
  • Managerial economics
  • Strategy
  • Economics
Teaching methods
  • Online teaching
Last updated on 09-03-2026

Relevant links
Learning objectives
After completing the course, the student will:
  • Have knowledge of the structure of the maritime industry, its main market segments, and key economic dynamics.
  • Understand core principles of maritime economics, including supply and demand, market cycles, and price formation.
  • Understand the regulatory environment, environmental and social issues, and the role of shipping in global supply chains.
  • Be able to apply economic models to analyse maritime markets and assess operational and strategic decisions in shipping companies.
  • Be able to evaluate cost structures, chartering decisions, risk management practices, and financing options.
  • Be able to analyse regulatory and sustainability-related factors and explain their implications for maritime businesses.
  • Have the competences to identify and analyse complex economic and managerial challenges in the maritime sector using relevant concepts and models.
  • Have the competences to evaluate and communicate business analyses and decisions to professional and non-professional stakeholders.
  • Have the competences to integrate regulatory and sustainability considerations into professional decision-making.
Prerequisites for registering for the exam (activities during the teaching period)
Number of compulsory activities which must be approved (see section 13 of the Programme Regulations): 4
Compulsory home assignments
Four online quizzes (individual, multiple choice and short-answer format). Each quiz must be completed and approved in order to register for the exam. The quizzes test students’ understanding of key theoretical concepts and their ability to apply microeconomic reasoning to maritime markets.
Examination
Microeconomics and Strategy:
Exam ECTS 5
Examination form Oral exam based on written product

In order to participate in the oral exam, the written product must be handed in before the oral exam; by the set deadline. The grade is based on an overall assessment of the written product and the individual oral performance, see also the rules about examination forms in the programme regulations.
Individual or group exam Individual exam
Size of written product Please see text below
The written assignment must not exceed 10 standard pages. One standard page equals 2,400 characters including spaces. The page limit includes tables and figures but excludes front page, table of contents, bibliography, and appendices. Appendices are not included in the page limit but will only be considered to the extent that they support the main analysis. Exceeding the maximum length may lead to a reduction in grade.
Assignment type Synopsis
Release of assignment The Assignment is released in Digital Exam (DE) at exam start
Duration
Written product to be submitted on specified date and time.
20 min. per student, including examiners' discussion of grade, and informing plus explaining the grade
Grading scale 7-point grading scale
Examiner(s) Internal examiner and second internal examiner
Exam period Autumn
Make-up exam/re-exam
Same examination form as the ordinary exam
The re-exam follows the same format and requirements as the ordinary exam. If the student has participated in compulsory activities in the ordinary course, these remain valid for the re-exam.
Course content, structure and pedagogical approach

The course is structured as a 7-week online course consisting of pre-recorded lectures combined with asynchronous learning activities and optional online discussions.

The course is organised around four main thematic blocks:

 

1. Shipping markets and logistics
The role of shipping in international logistics, shipping segments (dry bulk, tanker, liner, specialised shipping), and the geography of maritime transport.

 

2. Microeconomic foundations of maritime markets
Supply and demand in shipping, market equilibrium, price formation, shipping cycles, elasticity, market power and competition.

 

3. Firm behaviour, operations and strategy in shipping
Cost structures, chartering decisions, asset trading, ship finance, risk management, ownership versus chartering, operational optimisation. 


4. Regulation, sustainability and strategic positioning
International regulation, environmental requirements, decarbonisation, social issues, competition policy, and their strategic implications.

 

Each week consists of:

  • Short pre-recorded lecture segments (max. approx. 25 minutes each),

  • Integrated quizzes and gamified learning elements,

  • Optional case-based exercises,

  • Optional moderated online discussion sessions.
Research-based teaching
CBS’ programmes and teaching are research-based. The following types of research-based knowledge and research-like activities are included in this course:
Research-based knowledge
  • Classic and basic theory
  • Teacher’s own research
Research-like activities
  • Discussion, critical reflection, modelling
  • Peer review including Peer-to-peer
Description of the teaching methods
The course is delivered fully online using an asynchronous format based on pre-recorded lectures. Teaching follows a structured modular format where lecture segments of limited duration are combined with short quizzes and reflection questions to ensure active learning. Students have the opportunity to participate in moderated online discussion sessions where theoretical concepts are applied to real maritime cases. In addition, each student is offered the possibility to book up one individual 1:1 online guidance sessions during the course. If a student does not attend a booked sessions without prior notice, they can book a new session. If the student does not attend a booked session twice, this opportunity is forfeited. The teaching method is designed to ensure flexibility for participants who may be following the course under varying time-zone and work conditions while maintaining academic rigor and interaction.
Feedback during the teaching period
Feedback is provided through multiple channels:
- Automated and explanatory feedback in the compulsory online quizzes.
- Oral feedback during optional online discussion sessions.
- Individual feedback during the optional 1:1 guidance sessions (up to two per student).
- General feedback and clarification videos addressing common misunderstandings if needed.
Feedback focuses on students’ understanding of economic concepts, analytical reasoning, and application to maritime case contexts.
Student workload
Lectures 30 hours
Exam 38 hours
Preparation 70 hours
Expected literature

Stopford, M. (2009) Maritime Economics (3rd ed.). Routledge.

Acciaro, M. (2026) Elements of Microeconomics and Strategy to Undertand the Shipping Industry. Course Handout,1-42.
Last updated on 09-03-2026