Economics!

dj_morton · 12-13-2007, 08:18 AM

I'm taking microeconomics online right now. I have to write a 6-8 page paper on a "recent economic event". I have no idea where to begin. I'm looking for some ideas/references!

Thanks!

George · 12-13-2007, 08:36 AM

If it's microeconomics-related, maybe you could focus on a specific industry or company. How about the auto industry, which has some recent news on union elections, or Chrysler being taken over by a private company?

The airline industry is also interesting as a case study with issues like high oil prices. A company-focused paper could be the rise of Whole Foods and its merger with Wild Oats.

You could also discuss a product like mp3 players or Blu-Ray/HD-DVD players.

Any of these allow you to talk about costs, market share, labor, and other items applicable to microeconomics.

Honolulu_Blue · 12-13-2007, 08:44 AM

I'd recommend a paper on the economic analysis of monthly counsel sales (e.g, Wii, PS3, and Xbox 360).

I just can't think of a good source to get information on that stuff...

Marc Vaughan · 12-13-2007, 09:43 AM

You've almost got to write on the real-estate situation I'd say if you're based in America as its a huge and easily visible situation with loads of background reading easily available.

Marc Vaughan · 12-13-2007, 09:45 AM

(and if you haven't read it yet then I'd recommend the book "Freakonomics" ... its not something I agree with everything on - but its a book which will make you think and its got some cool subjects which you don't normally see in economics - for example "Why do drug dealers normally live with their parents"?)

Bee · 12-13-2007, 09:46 AM

I think everyone would be doing the housing crisis. I'd try to find something a little more obscure, otherwise your report will be "competing" against everyone else's.

George · 12-13-2007, 09:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bee

I think everyone would be doing the housing crisis. I'd try to find something a little more obscure, otherwise your report will be "competing" against everyone else's.

That's what I was thinking. Also, the housing bubble is more of a macroeconomic issue, though I guess you could always find a microeconomic aspect of it.

JPhillips · 12-13-2007, 10:05 AM

Given that several experts are regulars around here what about a paper on the market for sports text sims?

QuikSand · 12-13-2007, 11:14 AM

How about the Radiohead experiment to make their latest album available directly from their web site, with the customers choosing their own price, including zero (sort of).

dj_morton · 12-13-2007, 11:47 AM

Thanks for all the ideas! The housing market has been the top of my list. I just don't see how I can get 6 pages out of it. I guess I'll find out. Maybe I could do a compare and contrast. Somehow correlate lessening value of the dollar with the drop of housing sales. Thanks again.

terpkristin · 12-13-2007, 11:52 AM

How about a paper on why Starbucks stock is dropping like a rock?

Really, as a shareholder, I'd like to know.

:P

/tk

dj_morton · 12-13-2007, 11:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by terpkristin

How about a paper on why Starbucks stock is dropping like a rock?

Really, as a shareholder, I'd like to know.

:P

/tk

Because Costa's is better!

spleen1015 · 12-13-2007, 11:55 AM

I'd think console sales would be a unique one. I bet Mizzou fan has 6-8 pages already written up.

RedKingGold · 12-13-2007, 01:03 PM

Love these kind of papers. Best thing to do is take a subject your interested in and apply microeconomics to it. Obvious example is if you like sports; application of microeconomics from the aftershock of the Mitchell Investigation could be an interesting read (if you can make the connect(s) work.

st.cronin · 12-13-2007, 01:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by terpkristin

How about a paper on why Starbucks stock is dropping like a rock?

Really, as a shareholder, I'd like to know.

:P

/tk

I blame Ironhead.

Lorena · 12-13-2007, 03:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by st.cronin

I blame Ironhead.

dj_morton · 12-26-2007, 03:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marc Vaughan

(and if you haven't read it yet then I'd recommend the book "Freakonomics" ... its not something I agree with everything on - but its a book which will make you think and its got some cool subjects which you don't normally see in economics - for example "Why do drug dealers normally live with their parents"?)

Been reading this book, it's really good!

dawgfan · 12-26-2007, 06:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by terpkristin

How about a paper on why Starbucks stock is dropping like a rock?

Really, as a shareholder, I'd like to know.

:P

/tk

I'd love to think it was because people around the world saw what a dick Howard Schulz was as an owner of the Sonics and how he fucked over the city of Seattle by selling the team to a group that obviously intended to move the team, and so they are boycotting Starbucks as a result.

But that's probably just me...

Karlifornia · 12-26-2007, 06:52 PM

Quiksand's idea rules.

ISiddiqui · 12-26-2007, 07:18 PM

I like the Radiohead idea too, but if you want something more sports-ish, what about the NFL's decision to put live games on NFL Network and how that may hurt/help its brand. Though it may be hard to get 6 pages on that.

Logan · 12-26-2007, 08:26 PM

This has to be the first time an exclamation point was put after "economics" in a one word sentence.

12-13-2007, 08:44 AM	#3
Honolulu_Blue Hockey Boy Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Royal Oak, MI	I'd recommend a paper on the economic analysis of monthly counsel sales (e.g, Wii, PS3, and Xbox 360). I just can't think of a good source to get information on that stuff... __________________ *Steve Yzerman*: 1,755 points in 1,514 regular season games. 185 points in 196 postseason games. A First-Team All-Star, Conn Smythe Trophy winner, Selke Trophy winner, Masterton Trophy winner, member of the Hockey Hall of Fame, Olympic gold medallist, and a three-time Stanley Cup Champion. Longest serving captain of one team in the history of the NHL (19 seasons).

12-13-2007, 10:05 AM	#8
JPhillips Coordinator Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Newburgh, NY	Given that several experts are regulars around here what about a paper on the market for sports text sims? __________________ "The man of great wealth owes a particular obligation to the State because he derives special advantages from the mere existence of government." -Teddy Roosevelt

12-13-2007, 11:52 AM	#11
terpkristin Grizzled Veteran Join Date: May 2003 Location: Ashburn, VA	How about a paper on why Starbucks stock is dropping like a rock? Really, as a shareholder, I'd like to know. :P /tk __________________ GO TERPS! Find me on XBLA and PSN as terpkristin I'm trying to update the blog more often: http://gimpygal.blogspot.com Kristin's Nav Space: http://kristin.seidelmann-owners.com/

12-26-2007, 06:52 PM	#19
Karlifornia Grizzled Veteran Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: San Jose, CA	Quiksand's idea rules. Last edited by Karlifornia : 12-26-2007 at 06:52 PM.

12-26-2007, 07:18 PM	#20
ISiddiqui Head Coach Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Decatur, GA	I like the Radiohead idea too, but if you want something more sports-ish, what about the NFL's decision to put live games on NFL Network and how that may hurt/help its brand. Though it may be hard to get 6 pages on that. __________________ "A prayer for the wild at heart, kept in cages" -Tennessee Williams

12-13-2007, 08:36 AM	#2
George H.S. Freshman Team Join Date: Aug 2005	If it's microeconomics-related, maybe you could focus on a specific industry or company. How about the auto industry, which has some recent news on union elections, or Chrysler being taken over by a private company? The airline industry is also interesting as a case study with issues like high oil prices. A company-focused paper could be the rise of Whole Foods and its merger with Wild Oats. You could also discuss a product like mp3 players or Blu-Ray/HD-DVD players. Any of these allow you to talk about costs, market share, labor, and other items applicable to microeconomics.

12-13-2007, 09:43 AM	#4
Marc Vaughan SI Games Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Melbourne, FL	You've almost got to write on the real-estate situation I'd say if you're based in America as its a huge and easily visible situation with loads of background reading easily available.

12-13-2007, 09:45 AM	#5
Marc Vaughan SI Games Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Melbourne, FL	(and if you haven't read it yet then I'd recommend the book "Freakonomics" ... its not something I agree with everything on - but its a book which will make you think and its got some cool subjects which you don't normally see in economics - for example "Why do drug dealers normally live with their parents"?)

12-13-2007, 09:46 AM	#6
Bee Pro Starter Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Fairfax, VA	I think everyone would be doing the housing crisis. I'd try to find something a little more obscure, otherwise your report will be "competing" against everyone else's.

12-13-2007, 11:14 AM	#9
QuikSand lolzcat Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Annapolis, Md	How about the Radiohead experiment to make their latest album available directly from their web site, with the customers choosing their own price, including zero (sort of).

12-13-2007, 11:47 AM	#10
dj_morton H.S. Freshman Team Join Date: Jan 2007	Thanks for all the ideas! The housing market has been the top of my list. I just don't see how I can get 6 pages out of it. I guess I'll find out. Maybe I could do a compare and contrast. Somehow correlate lessening value of the dollar with the drop of housing sales. Thanks again.

12-13-2007, 11:55 AM	#13
spleen1015 Grizzled Veteran Join Date: Sep 2003	I'd think console sales would be a unique one. I bet Mizzou fan has 6-8 pages already written up.

12-13-2007, 01:03 PM	#14
RedKingGold College Starter Join Date: Oct 2002	Love these kind of papers. Best thing to do is take a subject your interested in and apply microeconomics to it. Obvious example is if you like sports; application of microeconomics from the aftershock of the Mitchell Investigation could be an interesting read (if you can make the connect(s) work.

12-26-2007, 08:26 PM	#21
Logan Coordinator Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: NYC	This has to be the first time an exclamation point was put after "economics" in a one word sentence.

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