Dr. David Besanko

Professor

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Biography

David Besanko is the IBM Professor of Regulation and Competitive Practices at the Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University. He graduated with a Ph.D. in Managerial Economics and Decision Sciences from Northwestern University in 1982 and holds a BA in Political Science from Ohio University (1977). Besanko joined the Kellogg faculty in 1991 after serving as a member of the School of Business at Indiana University from 1982 to 1991. His research interests include economics regulation, industrial economics, and competitive strategy, while his teaching focuses on public policy economics and microeconomics. Besanko has authored over 50 articles in leading professional journals, with his work appearing in prestigious publications such as the American Economic Review and Econometrica. He co-authored a widely used textbook, 'Microeconomics,' with Ronald Braeutigam, and his contributions to the field have garnered numerous awards, including the Aspen Institute's Faculty Pioneer Award. He has also received several teaching accolades from the Kellogg School, emphasizing his commitment to education and student development.

Research Interests

Economics Regulation Industrial Economics Competitive Strategy

Experience

IBM Professor

2015-01-01 — Present

Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University • Evanston, IL

Currently serving as IBM Professor of Regulation and Competitive Practices.

Alvin J. Huss Distinguished Professor

1995-01-01 — 2014-12-31

Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University • Evanston, IL

Served as a distinguished professor focusing on management strategy.

Senior Associate Dean, Academic Affairs: Strategy & Planning

2007-01-01 — 2009-12-31

Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University • Evanston, IL

Oversaw academic affairs related to strategy and planning at Kellogg.

Senior Associate Dean, Academic Affairs: Teaching & Curriculum

2001-01-01 — 2003-12-31

Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University • Evanston, IL

Handled teaching and curriculum management in the school.

Professor

1991-01-01 — 1995-12-31

Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University • Evanston, IL

Served as a professor in management strategy.

Associate Professor

1988-01-01 — 1991-12-31

Indiana University • Bloomington, IN

Taught business economics and public policy.

Assistant Professor

1982-01-01 — 1988-12-31

Indiana University • Bloomington, IN

Led courses in business economics and public policy.

Awards

#

Faculty Pioneer Award

2013-01-01
#

Alumni Choice Teaching Award

2006-01-01
#

L.G. Lavengood Outstanding Professor Year Award

2016-01-01
#

Sidney Levy Teaching Award

2018-01-01

Requirements for Northwestern University

Doctorate Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3
TOEFL
Total
Required:90
IELTS
Overall
Required:7
Prerequisites
U.S. Bachelor's degree or equivalent
Application Checklist
  • Online application
  • Transcripts
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Statement of purpose
  • Resume/CV
  • TOEFL/IELTS scores (if applicable)
Specialization Notes

Standard PhD requirements for TGS departments including Chemistry, Physics, and Sociology.