Applications of numerical computation methods in microeconomic theory
The solution of mathematical problems by numerical analysis is 
a large, intricate subject in its own right, and the substance-of many 
Ph. D. theses in mathematics. The advancement of numerical analysis and 
computer technology are clearly not mutually exclusive. Moreover this 
combination through the growth in computer software facilities is' easily 
within reach of a researcher with no expertise in either numerical 
analysis or computer programming. In particular the Numerical Algorithms 
Group (NAG) based in Oxford provides a library of subroutines for 
incorporation into source programmes across a broad spectrum of 
mathematics. The relevance of this development for the economist lies 
with the considerable scope for providing quantitative evaluations of 
microeconomic models outside of traditional statistical methods. To 
justify such a claim the thesis develops a number of applications from 
microeconomic theory: imperfect information in a non-sequential search 
framework; optimum tax with endogenous wages; a two sector general 
equilibrium model of union and non-union wage rate determination; 
Chamberlin's welfare ideal; and a quantity setting duopoly analysis of 
the structure conduct performance paradigm. 
It is hoped that the insights gained from such diverse topics will 
convince the reader as to the appropriateness of applying numerical 
computing to microeconomic questions in general, and the usefulness of 
the NAG software in particular.