Auction Design

Essay # 59729

Economics
Economics > Micro

Auction Design

An overview of the various types of auction and how auction design is related to its success or failure.

1,469 words () | 5 sources | MLA | 2004 United Kingdom

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses various aspects of auction theory and practice. Various types of auction are described with their solutions. A brief discussion of relevant theory is presented. Some recent real-life auctions are observed. In conclusion a brief discussion of what contributes towards a successful auction is included.

From the Paper:

"Auction design can play a critical role in the success of an auction. Recent mobile phone spectrum license auctions in Europe and other examples serve to highlight this point. In 2000 six European countries auctioned off spectrum licenses for "3G" (third-generation) technology mobile phones. UK and German auctions generated the huge level of revenues that had been predicted while Austria, the Netherlands, Italy and Switzerland all suffered significant problems in lost revenues and accusations of collusion. Klemperer (2002) points out several reasons why poor auction design contributed to these failures."