Econ 550 Syllabus Essays

Econ 550 Syllabus Essays Econ 550 Syllabus Essay Econ 550 Syllabus Essay ECO 550 – Managerial Economics and Globalization COURSE DESCRIPTION Applies relevant economic theory to develop a framework of analysis and techniques that business managers can use in deciding how to allocate a firm’s scarce resources to achieve its objectives. Uses economic analysis to support business strategy decisions that promote competitiveness in an environment of changing domestic and international market conditions, government regulations, trade policies, and resource availability. Systematically analyzes how global economic integration affects the production, input sourcing, and pricing decisions of firms operating in different market structures. INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS Required Resources McGuigan, J. R. , Moyer, R. C. , Harris, F. H. D. (2008). Managerial economics: Applications, strategy, and tactics (12th ed. ). Mason, OH: South-Western Cengage Learning. Microsoft Excel (2003 version or newer) [Computer software]. Redmond, Washington. Supplemental Resources Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. (2011). General format. Retrieved from federalreserve. gov Burgernomics to go (2012, June 9). The Economist, 43(8788), 83. Points of light (2012, July 14). The Economist, 404(8793), 21-24. The visible hand (2012, January 21). The Economist, 401(8768), 3-5. Wall Street Journal. (2011). General format. Retrieved from http://online. wsj. com COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES 1. Assess how managerial economics is used in business decision making. 2. Analyze how production and cost functions in the short run and long run affect the strategy of individual firms. 3. Apply the concepts of supply and demand to determine the impact of changes in market conditions in the short run and long run, and the economic impact on a company’s operations. 4. Analyze business and economic forecasting techniques utilized by managers. 5. Analyze short-run and long-run production and cost functions. 6. Apply macroeconomic concepts to changes in global and national economies and how they affect economic growth, inflation, interest rates, and wage rates. 7. Evaluate the profit-maximizing price and output level for given operating costs for monopolies and firms in competitive industries. . Propose how differences in demand and elasticity lead managers to develop various pricing strategies. 9. Analyze the economic impact of contracting, governance and organizational form within organizations. 10. Evaluate how government regulation is constraining and enabling for managerial decisions related to maximizing shareholder wealth. 11. Analyze capital budgeting decisi ons and the related impact to productivity, cost efficiency, diversification of asset base and impact to future cash flows of the firm.  © 2012 Strayer University. All Rights Reserved. This document contains Strayer University Confidential and Proprietary information and may not be copied, further distributed, or otherwise disclosed in whole or in part, without the expressed written permission of Strayer University. ECO 550 Student Version 1128 (1041 8-21-2012) Final    Page 1 of 20 ECO 550 – Managerial Economics and Globalization 12. Use technology and information resources to research issues in managerial economics and globalization. 13. Write clearly and concisely about managerial economics and globalization using proper writing mechanics.  © 2012 Strayer University. All Rights Reserved. This document contains Strayer University Confidential and Proprietary information and may not be copied, further distributed, or otherwise disclosed in whole or in part, without the expressed written permission of Strayer University. ECO 550 Student Version 1128 (1041 8-21-2012) Final    Page 2 of 20 ECO 550 – Managerial Economics and Globalization WEEKLY COURSE SCHEDULE The standard requirement for a 4. 5 credit hour course is for students to spend 13. 5 hours in weekly work. This includes preparation, activities, and evaluation regardless of delivery mode. Week 1 Preparation Reading(s) o Chapter 1: Introduction and Goals of the Firm o Chapter 2: Fundamental Economic Concepts Preparation, Activities, and Evaluation Points e-Activity o Use the Internet or the Strayer Library to research the tools related to the managerial economics. Answer the question: What managerial economic decisions are business leaders making? Be prepared to discuss. Activities Discussions Evaluation Check Your Understanding o Chapter 1: Problems 2, 3, and 6 o Chapter 2: Problems 1, 5, and 6 Reading(s) o Chapter 3: Demand Analysis o Chapter 4: Estimating Demand 20 9 2 Preparation e-Activity o Use the Internet or the Strayer Library to research the elasticity of tobacco products. Be prepared to discuss. Activities Discussions Evaluation Check Your Understanding o Chapter 3: Problems 3, 4, and 7 o Chapter 4: Problems 5, 6, and 7 Reading(s) o Chapter 5: Business and Economic Forecasting o Chapter 6: Managing in the Global Economy 20 9 9 3 Preparation e-Activi ty o Use the Internet or the Strayer Library to research the current demand for a good or service of your choice. Collect information that will affect the demand for the good or service. Be prepared to discuss. Activities  © 2012 Strayer University. All Rights Reserved. This document contains Strayer University Confidential and Proprietary information and may not be copied, further distributed, or otherwise disclosed in whole or in part, without the expressed written permission of Strayer University. ECO 550 Student Version 1128 (1041 8-21-2012) Final    Page 3 of 20 ECO 550 – Managerial Economics and Globalization Discussions Evaluation Check Your Understanding o Chapter 5: Problems 1, 5, 6, and 9 o Chapter 6: Problems 2, 7, 9, and 10 Quiz: Chapters 1 and 2 Assignment 1: Making Decisions Based on Demand and Forecasting Reading(s) o Chapter 7: Production Economics o Chapter 8: Cost Analysis 20 4 12 12 60 200 Preparation e-Activity o Conduct an environmental scan of businesses in today’s climate to determine which variable of the environment, such as economic, political, so cial, competitive or technological, is likely to affect short-run production the most over the next 12 months. Activities Discussions Evaluation Check Your Understanding o Chapter 7: Problems 1, 6, 8, and 9 o Chapter 8: Problems 2(a), 4, and 6(a) Reading(s) o Chapter 9: Applications of Cost Theory o Chapter 10: Prices, Output and Strategy: Pure and Monopolistic Competition 20 12 9 5 Preparation e- Activities o Use the Internet or the Strayer Library to research the economic costs involved in conducting a break-even analysis for a good or service of your choice. Be prepared to discuss. o Use the Internet or the Strayer Library to research a company that is competing in a purely (or perfectly) competitive market. Be prepared to discuss. Activities Discussions Evaluation Check Your Understanding o Chapter 9: Problems 3, 4, and 5 o Chapter 10: Problems 2, 6, and 10 Midterm Exam: Chapters 1 through 8 Reading(s) 20 6 9 9 160 Preparation  © 2012 Strayer University. All Rights Reserved. This document contains Strayer University Confidential and Proprietary information and may not be copied, further distributed, or otherwise disclosed in whole or in part, without the expressed written permission of Strayer University. ECO 550 Student Version 1128 (1041 8-21-2012) Final    Page 4 of 20 ECO 550 – Managerial Economics and Globalization o o Chapter 11: Price and Output Determination: Monopoly and Dominant Firms Chapter 12: Price and Output Determination: Oligopoly e- Activities o Use the Internet or the Strayer Library to research one or two specific regulations pertaining to a utility company in your state or one you are familiar with. Be prepared to discuss. o Use the Internet or the Strayer Library to research the automotive industry, which acts as an oligopoly. Collect data for a competitive analysis for two or three companies in this oligopolistic industry. Be prepared to discuss. Activities Discussions Evaluation Check Your Understanding o Chapter 11: Problems 2(a, b), 4(a, c), and 6 o Chapter 12: Problems 1, 2(b), and 5(b) Assignment 2: Operations Decision Reading(s) o Chapter 13: Best-Practice Tactics: Game Theory o Chapter 14: Pricing Techniques and Analysis 20 7 9 9 200 Preparation e-Activities o Use the Internet or the Strayer Library to research an established company that has recently entered a new market. Determine the company’s pricing strategy for the new product or service. Be prepared to discuss. Use the Internet or the Strayer Library to research a product or service you are familiar with to determine a potential new target market segment for this product or service. Be prepared to discuss. Activities Discussions Evaluation Check Your Understanding o Chapter 13: Problems 2, 13, and 15 o Chapter 14: Problems 3(b, c, d), 5(a, b, c), and 8(a, b, c) Reading(s) o Chapter 15: Contracting, Governance, and Organizati onal Form e-Activity o Go to the Microsoft Academic Search database to read the article titled â€Å"Risk assessment of business contracts,† located at http://academic. research. microsoft. com/Paper/4672746. aspx. 20 9 9 Preparation  © 2012 Strayer University. All Rights Reserved. This document contains Strayer University Confidential and Proprietary information and may not be copied, further distributed, or otherwise disclosed in whole or in part, without the expressed written permission of Strayer University. ECO 550 Student Version 1128 (1041 8-21-2012) Final    Page 5 of 20 ECO 550 – Managerial Economics and Globalization Be prepared to discuss. Activities Discussions Evaluation 9 Check Your Understanding o Chapter 15: Problems 2, 5, and 6 Assignment 3: Market Model Patterns of Change Reading(s) o Chapter 16: Government Regulation 20 300 Preparation e-Activity o Use the Internet or the Strayer Library to research the reasons for and against the recently adopted Frank-Dodd law. Be prepared to discuss. Activities Discussions Evaluation 10 Check Your Understanding o Chapter 16: Problems 4, 6(a, c), 9 20 9 Preparation Reading(s) o Chapter 17: Long-Term Investment Analysis Activities Discussions Evaluation Check Your Understanding o Chapter 17: Problems 1, 5, and 9(c) Assignment 4: Long-Term Investment Decisions 20 9 250 11 Preparation Reading(s): None Activities Discussions Evaluation Final Exam: Chapters 9 through 17 20 180  © 2012 Strayer University. All Rights Reserved. This document contains Strayer University Confidential and Proprietary information and may not be copied, further distributed, or otherwise disclosed in whole or in part, without the expressed written permission of Strayer University. ECO 550 Student Version 1128 (1041 8-21-2012) Final    Page 6 of 20 ECO 550 – Managerial Economics and Globalization GRADING SCALE – GRADUATE Assignment Check Your Understanding, Chapters 1 through 17 54 problems total, 3 points apiece Quiz: Chapters 1 and 2 (open book with a 2-hour time limit) 20 questions, worth 3 points apiece Midterm Exam: Chapters 1 through 8 (open book with a 2-hour time limit) 32 questions, worth 5 points apiece Final Exam: Chapters 9 through 17 (open book with a 2-hour time limit) 36 questions, worth 5 points apiece Assignment 1: Making Decisions Based on Demand and Forecasting Assignment 2: Operations Decision Assignment 3: Market Model Patterns of Change Assignment 4: Long-Term Investment Decisions Participation (22 discussions, worth 10 points apiece) Total Total Points 162 60 160 180 200 200 300 250 220 1,732 % of Grade 9% 3% 9% 10% 12% 12% 17% 15% 13% 100% Points 1,559 – 1,732 1,386 – 1,558 1,212 – 1,385 Below 1,212 Percentage 90% – 100% 80% – 89% 70% – 79% Below 70% Grade A B C F  © 2012 Strayer University. All Rights Reserved. This document contains Strayer University Confidential and Proprietary information and may not be copied, further distributed, or otherwise disclosed in whole or in part, without the expressed written permission of Strayer University. ECO 550 Student Version 1128 (1041 8-21-2012) Final    Page 7 of 20 ECO 550 – Assignments and Rubrics Assignment 1: Making Decisions Based on Demand and Forecasting Due Week 3 and worth 200 points Domino’s Pizza is considering entering the marketplace in your community. Conduct research about the demographics of your community, for example the population size and average income per household, and other independent variables, such as price of pizza and price of soda, for this assignment. By conducting a demand analysis and forecast for pizza, you will be able to make a decision whether Domino’s should establish a presence in your community. Write a three to five (3-5) page paper in which you: 1. Report the demographic and independent variables that are relevant to complete a demand analysis providing a rationale for the selection of the variables. 2. Using Excel or other calculation software, input the data you collected in criterion one to calculate an estimated regression. Then, from the calculation provided, interpret the coefficient of determination, indicating how it will influence your decision to open the pizza business. Explain any additional variables that may improve the coefficient of determination. 3. Test the statistical significance of the variables and the regression equation, indicating how it will impact your decision to open the pizza business. 4. Forecast the demand for pizza in your community for the next four (4) months using the regression equation, including the assumptions that were used to create the demand. Justify the assumptions made related to the forecast. 5. Based on the forecasting demand, determine whether Dominos should establish a restaurant in your community. Provide a rationale and support for the decision. 6. Cite at least two (2) different government sources for the demographic information you collected. Your assignment must follow these formatting requirements: Be typed, double-spaced, using Times New Roman font (size 12), with one-inch margins on all sides; citations and references must follow APA or school-specific format. Check with your professor for any additional instructions. Include a cover page containing the title of the assignment, the student’s name, the professor’s name, the course title, and the date. The cover page and the reference page are not included in the required assignment page length. The specific course learning outcomes associated with this assignment are: Apply the concepts of supply and demand to determine the impact of changes in market conditions in the short run and long run, and the economic impact on a company’s operations. Use technology and information resources to research issues in managerial economics and globalization. Write clearly and concisely about managerial economics and globalization using proper writing mechanic s. Grading for this assignment will be based on answer quality, logic / organization of the paper, and language and writing skills, using the following rubric. Points: 200 Criteria 1. Report the demographic and independent variables that are relevant to complete a demand Assignment 1: Making Decisions Based on Demand and Forecasting Unacceptable Below 70% F Did not submit or incompletely reported the demographic and independent Fair 70-79% C Partially reported the demographic and independent variables that are relevant to Proficient 80-89% B Satisfactorily reported the demographic and independent variables that are Exemplary 90-100% A Thoroughly reported the demographic and independent variables that are  © 2012 Strayer University. All Rights Reserved. This document contains Strayer University Confidential and Proprietary information and may not be copied, further distributed, or otherwise disclosed in whole or in part, without the expressed written permission of Strayer University. ECO 550 Student Version 1128 (1041 8-21-2012) Final    Page 8 of 20 ECO 550 – Assignments and Rubrics analysis, providing a rationale for the selection of the variables. Weight: 15% variables that are relevant to complete a demand analysis, providing a rationale for the selection of the variables. Did not submit or incompletely used Excel or other calculation software, to input the data you collected in criterion one to calculate an estimated regression; did not submit or incompletely interpreted the coefficient of determination, indicating how it will influence your decision to open the pizza business; did not submit or incompletely explained any additional variables that may improve the coefficient of determination. Did not submit or incompletely tested the statistical significance of the variables and the regression equation, indicating how it will impact your decision to open the pizza business. Did ot submit or incompletely forecasted the demand for pizza in your community for the next four (4) months using the regression equation including the assumptions that were used to create the demand; did not submit or incompletely justified the complete a demand analysis, providing a rationale for the selection of the variables. relevant to complete a demand analysis, providing a rationale for the selection of the variables. Satisfactorily used Excel or other calculation software, to input the data you collected in criterion one to calculate an estimated regression; satisfactorily interpreted the coefficient of determination, indicating how it will influence your decision to open the pizza business; satisfactorily explained any additional variables that may improve the coefficient of determination. relevant to complete a demand analysis, providing a rationale for the selection of the variables. Thoroughly used Excel or other calculation software, to input the data you collected in criterion one to calculate an estimated regression; thoroughly interpreted the coefficient of determination, indicating how it will influence your decision to open the pizza business; thoroughly explained any additional variables that may improve the coefficient of determination. 2. Using Excel or other calculation software, input the data you collected in criterion one to calculate an estimated regression. Then, from the calculation provided, interpret the coefficient of determination, indicating how it will influence your decision to open the pizza business. Explain any additional variables that may improve the coefficient of determination. Weight: 20% Partially used Excel or other calculation software, to input the data you collected in criterion one to calculate an estimated regression; partially interpreted the coefficient of determination, indicating how it will influence your decision to open the pizza business; partially explained any additional variables that may improve the coefficient of determination. 3. Test the statistical significance of the variables and the regression equation, indicating how it will impact your decision to open the pizza business. Weight: 15% Partially tested the statistical significance of the variables and the regression equation, indicating how it will impact your decision to open the pizza business. Partially forecasted the demand for pizza in your community for the next four (4) months using the regression equation including the assumptions that were used to create the demand; partially justified the assumptions made related to the forecast. Satisfactorily tested the statistical significance of the variables and the regression equation, indicating how it will impact your decision to open the pizza business. Satisfactorily forecasted the demand for pizza in your community for the next four (4) months using the regression equation including the assumptions that were used to create the demand; satisfactorily justified the assumptions made related to the Thoroughly tested the statistical significance of the variables and the regression equation, indicating how it will impact your decision to open the pizza business. Thoroughly forecasted the demand for pizza in your community for the next four (4) months using the regression equation including the assumptions that were used to create the demand; thoroughly justified the assumptions made related to the forecast. 4. Forecast the demand for pizza in your community for the next four (4) months using the regression equation including the assumptions that were used to create the demand. Justify the assumptions made related to the forecast. Weight: 20%  © 2012 Strayer University. All Rights Reserved. This document contains Strayer University Confidential and Proprietary information and may not be copied, further distributed, or otherwise disclosed in whole or in part, without the expressed written permission of Strayer University. ECO 550 Student Version 1128 (1041 8-21-2012) Final    Page 9 of 20 ECO 550 – Assignments and Rubrics assumptions made related to the forecast. 5. Based on the forecasting demand, determine whether Dominos should establish a restaurant in your community. Provide a rationale and support for the decision. Weight: 15% Did not submit or incompletely determined whether Dominos should establish a restaurant in your community based on the forecasting demand; did not submit or incompletely provided a rationale and support for the decision. Did not submit or incompletely cited at least two (2) different government sources for the demographic information you collected. More than 6 errors present Partially determined whether Dominos should establish a restaurant in your community based on the forecasting demand; partially provided a rationale and support for the decision. forecast. Satisfactorily determined whether Dominos should establish a restaurant in your community based on the forecasting demand; satisfactorily provided a rationale and support for the decision. Thoroughly determined whether Dominos should establish a restaurant in your community based on the forecasting demand; thoroughly provided a rationale and support for the decision. 6. Cite at least two (2) different government sources for the demographic information you collected. Weight: 5% Partially cited at least two (2) different government sources for the demographic information you collected. 5-6 errors present Satisfactorily cited at least two (2) different government sources for the demographic information you collected. 3-4 errors present Thoroughly cited at least two (2) different government sources for the demographic information you collected. 0-2 errors present 7. Clarity, writing mechanics, and formatting requirements Weight: 10%  © 2012 Strayer University. All Rights Reserved. This document contains Strayer University Confidential and Proprietary information and may not be copied, further distributed, or otherwise disclosed in whole or in part, without the expressed written permission of Strayer University. ECO 550 Student Version 1128 (1041 8-21-2012) Final    Page 10 of 20 ECO 550 – Assignments and Rubrics Assignment 2: Operations Decision Due Week 6 and worth 200 points Assume you have been hired as a managing consultant by a company to offer some advice that will help it make a decision as to whether it should shut down completely or continue its operations. It currently uses 100 workers to produce 6,000 units of output per month (working 20 days / month). The daily wage (per worker) is $70, and the price of the firms output is $32. The cost of other variable inputs is $2,000 per day. You are told that the firms fixed cost is â€Å"high enough† so that the firms total costs exceed its total revenue. The marginal cost of the last unit is $30. This assignment allows you to determine the specific details about this fictitious company in order to conduct an environmental scan of this company. Write a three to four (3-4) page paper in which you: 1. Briefly describe the details of the fictitious business that you created for this assignment. 2. Assess the current environmental scan factors that are relevant to the decision making process. Determine the factors that will have the greatest impact on plant operations and management’s decision to continue or discontinue operations. Provide a rationale for your determination. 3. Evaluate the financial performance of the company using the information provided in the scenario. Consider all the key drivers of performance, such as company profit or loss for both the short term and long term and how each factor influences managerial decisions. Be sure to show the calculations that helped you reach your conclusions. 4. Recommend how the company can improve its profitability to deliver more value to its stakeholders. Then, develop a brief plan to implement the recommendations. 5. Assess the circumstances in which the company should discontinue operations and how management should react when confronted with these circumstances. Provide a rationale with your response. 6. Use at least three (3) high-quality academic resources in this assignment. Note: Wikipedia and other Websites do not qualify as academic resources. Your assignment must   follow these formatting requirements: Be typed, double-spaced, using Times New Roman font (size 12), with one-inch margins on all sides; citations and references must follow APA or school-specific format. Check with your professor for any additional instructions. Include a cover page containing the title of the assignment, the student’s name, the professor’s name, the course title, and the date. The cover page and the reference page are not included in the required assignment page length. The specific course learning outcomes associated with this assignment are: Assess how managerial economics is used in business decision making. Analyze how production and cost functions in the short run and long run affect the strategy of individual firms. Apply the concepts of supply and demand to determine the impact of changes in market conditions in the short run and long run, and the economic impact on a company’s operations. Use technology and information resources to research issues in managerial economics and globalization. Write clearly and concisely about managerial economics and globalization using proper writing mechanics.  © 2012 Strayer University. All Rights Reserved. This document contains Strayer University Confidential and Proprietary information and may not be copied, further distributed, or otherwise disclosed in whole or in part, without the expressed written permission of Strayer University. ECO 550 Student Version 1128 (1041 8-21-2012) Final    Page 11 of 20 ECO 550 – Assignments and Rubrics Grading for this assignment will be based on answer quality, logic / organization of the paper, and language and writing skills, using the following rubric. Points: 200 Criteria 1. Briefly describe the details of the fictitious business that you created for this assignment. Weight: 5% 2. Assess the current environmental scan factors that are relevant to the decision making process. Determine the factors that will have the greatest impact on plant operations and management’s decision to continue or discontinue operations. Provide a rationale for your determination. Weight: 15% Assignment 2: Operations Decision Unacceptable Below 70% F Did not submit or incompletely described the details of the fictitious business that you created for this. Did not submit or incompletely assessed the current environmental scan factors that are relevant to the decision making process; did not submit or incompletely determined the factors that will have the greatest impact on plant operations and management’s decision to continue or discontinue operations; did not submit or incompletely provided a rationale for your determination. Did not submit or incompletely evaluated the financial performance of the company using the information provided in the scenario; did not submit or incompletely considered all the key drivers of performance, such as company profit or loss for both the short term and long term and how each factor influences managerial Fair 70-79% C Partially described the details of the fictitious business that you created for this. Proficient 80-89% B Satisfactorily described the details of the fictitious business that you created for this. Satisfactorily assessed the current environmental scan factors that are relevant to the decision making process; satisfactorily determined the factors that will have the greatest impact on plant operations and management’s decision to continue or discontinue operations; satisfactorily provided a rationale for your determination. Exemplary 90-100% A Thoroughly described the details of the fictitious business that you created for this. Thoroughly assessed the current environmental scan factors   that are relevant to the decision making process; thoroughly determined the factors that will have the greatest impact on plant operations and management’s decision to continue or discontinue operations; thoroughly provided a rationale for your determination. Partially assessed the current environmental scan factors that are relevant to the decision making process; partially determined the factors that will have the greatest impact on plant operations and management’s decision to continue or discontinue operations; partially provided a rationale for your determination. 3. Evaluate the financial performance of the company using the information provided in the scenario. Consider all the key drivers of performance, such as company profit or loss for both the short term and long term and how each factor influences managerial decisions. Be sure to show the calculations that helped you reach your conclusions Weight: 20% Partially evaluated the financial performance of the company using the information provided in the scenario; partially considered all the key drivers of performance, such as company profit or loss for both the short term and long term and how each factor influences managerial decisions; partially showed calculations that helped you reach your Satisfactorily evaluated the financial performance of the company using the information provided in the scenario; satisfactorily considered all the key drivers of performance, such as company profit or loss for both the short term and long term and how each factor influences managerial decisions; satisfactorily Thoroughly evaluated the financial performance of the company using the information provided in the scenario; thoroughly considered all the key drivers of performance, such as company profit or loss for both the short term and long term and how each factor influences managerial decisions; thoroughly showed 2012 Strayer University. All Rig hts Reserved. This document contains Strayer University Confidential and Proprietary information and may not be copied, further distributed, or otherwise disclosed in whole or in part, without the expressed written permission of Strayer University. ECO 550 Student Version 1128 (1041 8-21-2012) Final    Page 12 of 20 ECO 550 – Assignments and Rubrics decisions; did not submit or incompletely showed calculations that helped you reach your conclusions. 4. Recommend how the company can improve its profitability to deliver more value to its stakeholders. Then, develop a brief plan to implement the recommendations. Weight: 30% Did not submit or incompletely recommended how the company can improve its profitability to deliver more value to its stakeholders; did not submit or incompletely developed a brief plan to implement the recommendations. Did not submit or incompletely assessed the circumstances in which the company should discontinue operations and how management should react when confronted with these circumstances; did not submit or incompletely provided a rationale with your response. No references provided conclusions. showed calculations that helped you reach your conclusions. calculations that helped you reach your conclusions. Partially recommended how the company can improve its profitability to deliver more value to its stakeholders; partially developed a brief plan to implement the recommendations. Satisfactorily recommended how the company can improve its profitability to deliver more value to its stakeholders; satisfactorily developed a brief plan to implement the recommendations. Thoroughly recommended how the company can improve its profitability to deliver more value to its stakeholders; thoroughly developed a brief plan to implement the recommendations. 5. Assess the circumstances in which the company should discontinue operations and how management should react when confronted with these circumstances. Provide a rationale with your response. Weight: 15% Partially assessed the circumstances in which the company should discontinue operations and how management should react when confronted with these circumstances; partially provided a rationale with your response. Satisfactorily assessed the circumstances in which the company should discontinue operations and how management should react when confronted with these circumstances; satisfactorily provided a rationale with your response. Thoroughly assessed the circumstances in which the company should discontinue operations and how management should react when confronted with these circumstances; thoroughly provided a rationale with your response. 6. Three (3) references Weight: 5% Does not meet the required number of references; some or all references poor quality choices. 5-6 errors present Meets number of required references; all references high quality choices. 3-4 errors present Exceeds number of required references; all references high quality choices. 0-2 errors present 7. Clarity, writing mechanics, and formatting requirements Weight: 10% More than 6 errors present  © 2012 Strayer University. All Rights Reserved. This document contains Strayer University Confidential and Proprietary information and may not be copied, further distributed, or otherwise disclosed in whole or in part, without the expressed written permission of Strayer University. ECO 550 Student Version 1128 (1041 8-21-2012) Final    Page 13 of 20 ECO 550 – Assignments and Rubrics Assignment 3: Market Model Patterns of Change Due Week 8 and worth 300 points Choose and research a specific business that is publicly traded where there has been a pattern of change in a particular market model (monopoly, oligopoly, etc. ). Write a four to five (4-5) page paper in which you: 1. Describe the business and explain the general pattern of change of the particular market model indicating how this change is likely to impact business operations. 2. Hypothesize the basic short-run and long-run behaviors of the model in the business you have chosen in a â€Å"market economy. † Provide support for your assumptions and conclusions. 3. Explain the major factors that affect the degree of competitiveness in your business. Use the data to develop at least three (3) measures (e. g. , productivity measures) to show how the industry is evolving. Provide evidence supporting your rationale. 4. Research two (2) of the business’s closest competitors to determine the pricing strategy for each business indicating how knowledge of this information may influence pricing decisions in your business. Provide support for your rationale. 5. Recommend a pricing policy for the business you chose. Assess how your pricing policy maximizes profits for the business. Provide support for your rationale. 6. Use at least three (3) high-quality academic resources in this assignment. Note: Wikipedia and other Websites do not qualify as academic resources. Your assignment must follow these formatting requirements: Be typed, double spaced, using Times New Roman font (size 12), with one-inch margins on all sides; citations and references must follow APA or school-specific format. Check with your professor for any additional instructions. Include a cover page containing the title of the assignment, the student’s name, the professor’s name, the course title, and the date. The cover page and the reference page are not included in the required assignment page length. The specific course learning outcomes associated with this assignment are: Evaluate the profit-maximizing price and output level for given operating costs for monopolies and firms in competitive industries. Propose how differences in demand and elasticity lead managers to develop various pricing strategies. Use technology and information resources to research issues in managerial economics and globalization. Write clearly and concisely about managerial economics and globalization using proper writing mechanics. Grading for this assignment will be based on answer quality, logic / organization of the paper, and language and writing skills, using the following rubric. Points: 300 Criteria 1. Describe the business and explain the general pattern of change of the particular market model Assignment 3: Market Model Patterns of Change Unacceptable Below 70% F Did not submit or incompletely described the business and Fair 70-79% C Partially described the business and explained the general pattern of Proficient 80-89% B Satisfactorily described the business and explained the Exemplary 90-100% A Thoroughly described the business and explained the  © 2012 Strayer University. All Rights Reserved. This document contains Strayer University Confidential and Proprietary information and may not be copied, further distributed, or otherwise disclosed in whole or in part, without the expressed written permission of Strayer University. ECO 550 Student Version 1128 (1041 8-21-2012) Final    Page 14 of 20 ECO 550 – Assignments and Rubrics indicating how this change is likely to impact business operations. Weight: 10% explained the general pattern of change of the particular market model indicating how this change is likely to impact business operations. Did not submit or incompletely hypothesized the basic short-run and long-run behaviors of the model in the business you have chosen in a â€Å"market economy†; did not submit or incompletely provided support for your assumptions and conclusions. Did not submit or incompletely explained the major factors that affect the degree of competitiveness in your business; did not submit or incompletely used the data to develop at least three (3) measures (e. g. , productivity measures) to show how the industry is evolving; did not submit or incompletely provided evidence supporting your rationale. Did not submit or incompletely researched two (2) of the business’s closest competitors to determine the pricing strategy for each business indicating how knowledge of this information may influence pricing decisions in your business; did not submit or change of the particular market model indicating how this change is likely to impact business operations. general pattern of change of the particular market model indicating how this change is likely to impact business operations. Satisfactorily hypothesized the basic short-run and long-run behaviors of the model in the business you have chosen in a â€Å"market economy†; satisfactorily provided support for your assumptions and conclusions. general pattern of change of the particular market model indicating how this change is likely to impact business operations. Thoroughly hypothesized the basic short-run and long-run behaviors of the model in the business you have chosen in a â€Å"market economy†; thoroughly provided support for your assumptions and conclusions. 2. Hypothesize the basic short-run and long-run behaviors of the model in the business you have chosen in a â€Å"market economy. Provide support for your assumptions and conclusions. Weight: 15% Partially hypothesized the basic short-run and long-run behaviors of the model in the business you have chosen in a â€Å"market economy†; partially provided support for your assumptions and conclusions. 3. Explain the major factors th at affect the degree of competitiveness in your business. Use the data to develop at least three (3) measures (e. g. , productivity measures) to show how the industry is evolving. Provide evidence supporting your rationale. Weight: 20% Partially explained the major factors that affect the degree of competitiveness in your business; partially used the data to develop at least three (3) measures (e. g. productivity measures) to show how the industry is evolving; partially provided evidence supporting your rationale. Satisfactorily explained the major factors that affect the degree of competitiveness in your business; satisfactorily used the data to develop at least three (3) measures (e. g. , productivity measures) to show how the industry is evolving; satisfactorily provided evidence supporting your rationale. Thoroughly explained the major factors that affect the degree of competitiveness in your business; thoroughly used the data to develop at least three (3) measures (e. g. , prod uctivity measures) to show how the industry is evolving; thoroughly provided evidence supporting your rationale. 4. Research two (2) of the business’s closest competitors to determine the pricing strategy for each business indicating how knowledge of this information may influence pricing decisions in your business. Provide support for your rationale. Weight: 20% Partially researched two (2) of the business’s closest competitors to determine the pricing strategy for each business indicating how knowledge of this information may influence pricing decisions in your business; partially provide support for your rationale. Satisfactorily researched two (2) of the business’s closest competitors to determine the pricing strategy for each business indicating how knowledge of this information may influence pricing decisions in your business; satisfactorily provide support for Thoroughly researched two (2) of the business’s closest competitors to determine the pricing strategy for each business indicating how knowledge of this information may influence pricing decisions in your business; thoroughly provide support for your  © 2012 Strayer University. All Rights Reserved. This document contains Strayer University Confidential and Proprietary information and may not be copied, further distributed, or otherwise disclosed in whole or in part, without the expressed written permission of Strayer University. ECO 550 Student Version 1128 (1041 8-21-2012) Final    Page 15 of 20 ECO 550 – Assignments and Rubrics incompletely provided support for your rationale. 5. Recommend a pricing policy for the business you chose. Assess how your pricing policy maximizes profits for the business. Provide support for your rationale. Weight: 20% Did not submit or incompletely recommended a pricing policy for the business you chose; did not submit or incompletely assessed how your pricing policy maximizes profits for the business; did not submit or incompletely provided support for your rationale. No references provided Partially recommended a pricing policy for the business you chose; partially assessed how your pricing policy maximizes profits for the business; partially provided support for your rationale. your rationale. rationale. Satisfactorily recommended a pricing policy for the business you chose; satisfactorily assessed how your pricing policy maximizes profits for the business; satisfactorily provided support for your rationale. Thoroughly recommended a pricing policy for the business you chose; thoroughly assessed how your pricing policy maximizes profits for the business; thoroughly provided support for your rationale. 6. Three (3) references Weight: 5% Does not meet the required number of references; some or all references poor quality choices. 5-6 errors present Meets number of required references; all references high quality choices. 3-4 errors present Exceeds number of required references; all references high quality choices. 0-2 errors present 7. Clarity, writing mechanics, and formatting requirements Weight: 10% More than 6 errors present  © 2012 Strayer University. All Rights Reserved. This document contains Strayer University Confidential and Proprietary information and may not be copied, further distributed, or otherwise disclosed in whole or in part, without the expressed written permission of Strayer University. ECO 550 Student Version 1128 (1041 8-21-2012) Final    Page 16 of 20 ECO 550 – Assignments and Rubrics Assignment 4: Long-Term Investment Decisions Due Week 10 and worth 250 points Assume that the industry you wrote about in Assignment 3 wants to expand and has to make some longterm capital budgeting decisions. Now the industry is confronted with government regulations to oversee the merger. Write a four to five (4-5) page paper in which you: 1. Explain why government regulation is or is not needed, citing the major reasons for government involvement in a market economy. Provide support for your explanation. 2. Justify the rationale for the intervention of government in the market process in the U. S. 3. Assume that the company’s is considering a merger. The possible merger currently faces some threats and that the industry decides on self-expansion as an alternative strategy, describe the additional complexities that would arise under this new scenario of expansion via apital projects. 4. Analyze how the different forces will come together to create a convergence between the interests of stockholders and managers indicating the most likely impact to profitability. Provide support for your response. 5. Use at least three (3) high-quality academic resources in this assignment. Note: W ikipedia and other Websites do not qualify as academic resources. Your assignment must   follow these formatting requirements: Be typed, double-spaced, using Times New Roman font (size 12), with one-inch margins on all sides; references must follow APA or school-specific format. Check with your professor for any additional instructions. Include a cover page containing the title of the assignment, the student’s name, the professor’s name, the course title, and the date. The cover page and the reference page are not included in the required page length. The specific course learning outcomes associated with this assignment are: Assess how managerial economics is used in business decision making. Evaluate how government regulation is constraining and enabling for managerial decisions related to maximizing shareholder wealth. Use technology and information resources to research issues in managerial economics and globalization. Write clearly and concisely about managerial economics and globalization using proper writing mechanics. Grading for this assignment will be based on answer quality, logic / organization of the paper, and language and writing skills, using the following rubric. Points: 250 Criteria 1. Explain why government regulation is needed, citing the major reasons for government involvement in a market Assignment 4: Expansion and Merger Unacceptable Below 70% F Did not submit or incompletely explained why government regulation is Fair 70-79% C Partially explained why government regulation is needed, citing the major reasons for Proficient 80-89% B Satisfactorily explained why government regulation is needed, citing the Exemplary 90-100% A Thoroughly explained why government regulation is needed, citing the  © 2012 Strayer University. All Rights Reserved. This document contains Strayer University Confidential and Proprietary information and may not be copied, further distributed, or otherwise disclosed in whole or in part, without the expressed written permission of Strayer University. ECO 550 Student Version 1128 (1041 8-21-2012) Final    Page 17 of 20 ECO 550 – Assignments and Rubrics economy. Weight: 25% needed, citing the major reasons for government involvement in a market economy. Did not submit or incompletely justified the rationale for the intervention of government in the market process in the U. S. Did not submit or incompletely described the additional complexities that would arise under this new scenario of expansion via capital projects. Did not submit or incompletely analyzed how the different forces will come together to create a convergence between the interests of stockholders and managers. No references provided government involvement in a market economy. major reasons for government involvement in a market economy. Satisfactorily justified the rationale for the intervention of government in the market process in the U. S. Satisfactorily described the additional complexities that would arise under this new scenario of expansion via capital projects. Satisfactorily analyzed how the different forces will come together to create a convergence between the interests of stockholders and managers. Meets number of required references; all references high quality choices. 3-4 errors present major reasons for government involvement in a market economy. Thoroughly justified the rationale for the intervention of government in the market process in the U. S. 2. Justify the rationale for the intervention of government in the market process in the U. S. Weight: 20% Partially justified the rationale for the intervention of government in the market process in the U. S. 3. Describe the additional complexities that would arise under this new scenario of expansion via capital projects. Weight: 20% Partially described the additional complexities that would arise under this new scenario of expansion via capital projects. Thoroughly described the additional complexities that would arise under this new scenario of expansion via capital projects. Thoroughly analyzed how the different forces will come together to create a convergence between the interests of stockholders and managers. Exceeds number of required references; all references high quality choices. 0-2 errors present 4. Analyze how the different forces will come together to create a convergence between the interests of stockholders and managers. Weight: 20% Partially analyzed how the different forces will come together to create a convergence between the interests of stockholders and managers. 5. Three (3) references Weight: 5% Does not meet the required number of references; some or all references poor quality choices. 5-6 errors present 6. Clarity, writing mechanics, and formatting requirements. Weight: 10% More than 6 errors present 2012 Strayer University. All Rights Reserved. This document contains Strayer University Confidential and Proprietary information and may not be copied, further distributed, or otherwise disclosed in whole or in part, without the expre ssed written permission of Strayer University. ECO 550 Student Version 1128 (1041 8-21-2012) Final    Page 18 of 20 ECO 550 – Student Notes Weekly Course Schedule The purpose of the course schedule is to give you, at a glance, the required preparation, activities, and evaluation components of your course. For more information about your course, whether on-ground or online, access your online course shell. The expectations for a 4. credit hour course are for students to spend 13. 5 hours in weekly work. This time estimate includes preparation, activities, and evaluation regardless of the delivery mode. Instructional Materials In order to be fully prepared, obtain a copy of the required textbooks and other instructional materials prior to the first day of class. When available, Strayer University provides a link to the first three (3) chapters of your textbook(s) in eBook format. Check your online course shell for availability. Review the online course shell or check with you r professor to determine whether Internet-based assignments and activities are used in this course. Instructional materials are obtained through the university’s virtual bookstore and can be accessed through iCampus: http:bookstore. mbsdirect. net/strayer. htm. Courses with Internet-based assignments and activities on publisher sites may require the purchase of onetime access codes. When purchasing used textbooks, a separate access code purchase will be necessary. Discussions Students taking this course online are required to post their discussions to a weekly thread in the online course shell. Respond to at least two (2) other students’ posts to earn full credit for each discussion. As it is always possible that you could lose your work due to unforeseen circumstances, you should routinely save your work in a separate file before posting in the course discussion area. Professors hold discussions during class time for on-ground students. Check with your professor if any additional discussion participation is required in the online course shell outside of class hours. Tests Tests (quizzes, midterm and final exams, essay exams, lab tests, etc. ) are available for student access and completion through the online course shell. Check the online course shell to determine how you are expected to take the tests. Online students are to complete the test by Sunday midnight the week the test is due. On-ground students are to complete the tests after the material is covered and before the next class session. Assignments A standardized performance grading rubric is a tool your professor will use to evaluate your written assignments. Review the rubric before submitting assignments that have grading rubrics associated with them to ensure you have met the performance criteria stated on the rubric. Grades are based on individual effort. There is no group grading; however, working in groups in the online or on-ground classroom is acceptable. Assignments for online students are always submitted through the online course shell. On-ground professors will inform students on how to submit assignments, whether in paper format or through the online course shell.  © 2012 Strayer University. All Rights Reserved. This document contains Strayer University Confidential and Proprietary information and may not be copied, further distributed, or otherwise disclosed in whole or in part, without the expressed written permission of Strayer University. ECO 550 Student Version 1128 (1041 8-21-2012) Final    Page 19 of 20 ECO 550 – Student Notes Resources The Resource Center navigation button in the online course shell contains helpful links. Strayer University Library Resources are available here as well as other important information. You should review this area to find resources and answers to common questions. Technical support is available for the following: For technical questions, please contact Strayer Online Technical Support by logging in to your iCampus account at https://icampus. strayer. edu/login and submitting a case under â€Å"Student Center,† then â€Å"Submit Help Ticket. † If you are unable to log in to your iCampus account, please contact Technical Support via phone at (877) 642-2999. For concerns with your class, please access the Solution Center by logging in to your iCampus account at https://icampus. strayer. edu/login and submitting a case under â€Å"Student Center,† then â€Å"Submit Help Ticket. † If you are unable to log in to your iCampus account, please contact the IT Help Desk at (866) 610-8123 or at mailto:[emailprotected] edu. TurnItIn. om is an optional online tool to assess the originality of student written work. Check with your professor for access and use instructions. The Strayer Policies link on the navigation bar in the online course shell contains academic policies. It i s important that students be aware of these policies.  © 2012 Strayer University. All Rights Reserved. This document contains Strayer University Confidential and Proprietary information and may not be copied, further distributed, or otherwise disclosed in whole or in part, without the expressed written permission of Strayer University. 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