What This Document Is
This is a project assignment guideline from the Economics of Industrial Organization (ECON 480) course at the University of Southern California, specifically for the Spring 2012 semester. It outlines the requirements for a group project centered around analyzing a contemporary issue within a specific market. The assignment focuses on applying economic principles learned in the course to a real-world scenario, requiring both research and analytical skills. It details the expectations for both a written report and an in-class presentation.
Why This Document Matters
This resource is essential for students currently enrolled in, or considering taking, ECON 480 at USC. It’s particularly valuable for those who learn best by applying theoretical knowledge to practical problems. Understanding the project requirements *before* committing to a topic will help students form effective groups, manage their time, and focus their research efforts. It’s most useful at the beginning of the semester when project groups are forming and topic selection is underway. Students preparing for similar industrial organization coursework at other institutions may also find the general structure and expectations helpful as a comparative example.
Common Limitations or Challenges
This document provides the *framework* for the project, but it does not offer specific solutions, data, or pre-analyzed examples. It won’t reveal the specific findings of past student groups, nor does it provide a step-by-step guide to conducting the required analysis. It also doesn’t include the actual research data or statistical analyses needed to complete the project – those are the responsibility of the student groups. Access to this document alone will not fulfill the project requirements.
What This Document Provides
* A clear overview of the project’s objectives and learning goals.
* Important deadlines for group formation, topic selection, preliminary presentations, and final report submission.
* Grading criteria for both the written report and the in-class presentation components.
* A list of potential market areas for investigation, relating to a specific contemporary challenge.
* Guidance on the expected level of economic understanding and analytical skills required.
* Information regarding group size and the process for topic assignment.
