Conjectural variations in models of the oligopoly

This thesis reviews the contemporary work in the area of the role of conjectural variations on the equilibrium price and quantity, in models of the oligopolistic industry. Industry is shown to be capable of producing from the competitive output, to the monopolistic, depending on the conjectural variations of the industry members. Furthermore, it is shown that the results are independent of the number of firms within the industry, as opposed to the classic Cournot model of the oligopoly. Additionally, the notion of consistency of conjectures is reviewed, that is when firms' conjectures regarding their rivals are correct. The imposed requirement of consistency of conjectures is shown to result in a unique price-quantity solution. This latter unique solution is further investigated, by incorporating simple transport costs into the oligopoly model.