Document Type

Article

Publication Date

Spring 5-13-2026

Abstract

This paper reviews Intermediate Microeconomics: An Open Resource, a freely accessible, instructor-developed textbook created over six years of teaching at Bentley University. Designed primarily for undergraduate business students, the resource integrates core topics such as consumer and producer theory, cost analysis, market structures, game theory, and welfare economics, balancing mathematical rigor with applied intuition. Built from evolving course materials, it is paired with a comprehensive suite of supporting resources, including lecture slides, videos, problem sets, quizzes, and interactive visualizations, forming a cohesive instructional package. The textbook’s modular structure allows flexibility in sequencing and adaptation across diverse instructional contexts, although some topics common in intermediate microeconomics are intentionally omitted based on course priorities.

The paper also reflects on the development process, highlighting both the benefits and challenges of creating open educational resources (OER). While generative AI tools offered limited support in drafting and formatting, disciplinary expertise remained essential, especially for technical content. Student feedback informed revisions that improved clarity and accessibility. Overall, the project underscores the pedagogical and financial advantages of OER, particularly in reducing student costs, while acknowledging the significant time investment required for high-quality resource development.

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