Abstract
This course introduces the basic ideas of mechanism design – the study of how rules and allocation procedures work when participants have private information and act strategically. Using fundamental models and examples, the course covers core concepts such as incentive compatibility, individual rationality, efficiency, implementation, and revenue equivalence. The emphasis is on understanding standard theoretical results and how they are used in economic analysis.
The course is delivered online and consists of four sessions. There are no group projects, student presentations, or guest lectures. Students are expected to prepare by completing the assigned readings, attending all the sessions, and actively engaging during lectures. Learning is based on understanding the theoretical material presented in the sessions and is supported by independent study and reading.
The lectures cover standard topics in mechanism design. These include direct mechanisms and the revelation principle, incentive compatibility and individual rationality constraints, and the design of allocation and transfer rules in environments with private information. The focus is on standard models and results used in economic analysis.
Each session combines a two-hour lecture component with a one-hour guided problem-solving session. The lectures introduce the formal theory of mechanism design. The guided problem-solving session focuses on working through selected exercises related to the lecture material.
- Explain core concepts of mechanism design
- Develop and analyze simple models of information asymmetry
- Connect mechanism-design theory to applications in economics, operations research, and information systems
To be announced later
Assessment
Participation: 100%
Workload
Total workload: 56 hours (2 ECTS)
- Online sessions: 12 hours
- Reading exercises: 20 hours
- Self-study and preparation: 30 hours
Attendance
Attendance in all sessions is mandatory. The course certificate will be issued only to participants who have attended all the sessions.
Students are expected to have prior knowledge of basic game theory, including static games of complete information, Nash equilibrium, and dominant strategies. Familiarity with expected utility and basic microeconomic concepts is assumed.
Contact
- Content related questions
Dr. Sameer Mehta
Email address - Enrolment related questions
ERIM Doctoral Office
Email address
Register directly via the . If you have previously attended a course at ÃÀÅ®¸£ÀûµçÓ°ÔºÎçÒ¹, you will already have an EUR account. If not, you will be asked to create one to complete your enrolment and receive access to course materials.
- Browse courses: Select the course that interests you and click on 'Enroll'.
- Create an account: Submit the details for your account. You will need it to access the course materials via the university’s learning management system.
- Complete registration: Fill out the registration form and submit payment.
- Confirmation: Receive a confirmation email with course details.
ERIM Full-time and Part-time PhD candidates as well as ERIM members can register free of charge via the university’s student information system, . A valid EUR student account is required to log in and complete enrolment.
If you encounter any issues accessing the course site, we recommend copying and pasting the link into an incognito/private browser window.
If you already have an Osiris account and encounter difficulties, please contact ERIM Doctoral office via summerschool@erim.eur.nl and they can assist by registering directly for your preferred Summer School courses.
Course fee: €250 per EC credit
Courses are available free of charge for ERIM members and ERIM Full-time & Part-time PhD candidates.
After you submit the online application form, you will receive further instructions from ERIM Doctoral Office regarding payment options, including by bank transfer (invoice) or direct payment by credit card, iDeal.
Your spot in the course is confirmed once payment is received.
Course materials will be available via , the university’s learning management system. You can access them using the account provided upon registration. If you encounter issues, try copying the link into an incognito/private browser window.
By default, all announcements from Canvas are sent to your EUR student email account. You can add your preferred personal email address under Canvas > User Account > Settings > Ways to connect (right side menu).
If you forgot your password, please contact EUR IT Helpdesk through it.servicedesk@eur.nl.
Participation in ERIM Summer School grants you also access to Erasmus University Library. The online collection includes e-journals, e-books, online articles and other resources. It can be accessed easily through the Library website with your EUR student account.