eco550_student_guide.pdf

ECO 550 – Managerial Economics and Globalization

© 2013 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 1136 (1041 6-5-2013) Final of 19

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. (2011). 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 http://www.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.

8. 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 decisions and the related impact to productivity, cost efficiency, diversification of asset base and impact to future cash flows of the firm.

http://www.federalreserve.gov/

http://online.wsj.com/




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.




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 Preparation, Activities, and Evaluation Points

1 Preparation

Reading(s)

o Chapter 1: Introduction and Goals of the Firm

o Chapter 2: Fundamental Economic Concepts

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


20

9

9

2 Preparation

Reading(s)

o Chapter 3: Demand Analysis

o Chapter 4: Estimating Demand

e-Activity

o Use the Internet or the Strayer Library to research the elasticity of tobacco products. Be prepared to discuss.

Activities

Discussions

Evaluation




Quiz: Chapters 1 and 2

20

9

9

60

3 Preparation

Reading(s)

o Chapter 5: Business and Economic Forecasting

o Chapter 6: Managing in the Global Economy

e-Activity

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

Discussions

Evaluation


o Chapter 5: Problems 1, 5, 6, and 9


Assignment 1: Making Decisions Based on Demand and Forecasting

20

12

12

200

4 Preparation

Reading(s)

o Chapter 7: Production Economics

o Chapter 8: Cost Analysis

e-Activity

o Conduct an environmental scan of businesses in today’s climate to determine which variable of the environment, such as economic, political, social, competitive or technological, is likely to affect short-run production the most over the next 12 months.

Activities

Discussions

Evaluation



o Chapter 8: Problems 2(a), 4, and 6(a)

20

12

9

5 Preparation

Reading(s)

o Chapter 9: Applications of Cost Theory

o Chapter 10: Prices, Output and Strategy: Pure and Monopolistic Competition

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




Midterm Exam: Chapters 1 through 8

20

9

9

160

6 Preparation

Reading(s)




o Chapter 11: Price and Output Determination: Monopoly and Dominant Firms

o 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


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

20

9

9

200

7 Preparation

Reading(s)

o Chapter 13: Best-Practice Tactics: Game Theory

o Chapter 14: Pricing Techniques and Analysis

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.

o 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



o Chapter 14: Problems 3(b, c, d), 5(a, b, c), and 8(a, b, c)

20

9

9

8 Preparation

Reading(s)

o Chapter 15: Contracting, Governance, and Organizational Form

e-Activity

o Go to the Microsoft Academic Search database to read the article titled “Risk assessment of business contracts,” located at http://academic.research.microsoft.com/Paper/4672746.aspx.

http://academic.research.microsoft.com/Paper/4672746.aspx




Be prepared to discuss.

Activities

Discussions

Evaluation



Assignment 3: Market Model Patterns of Change

20

9

300

9 Preparation

Reading(s)

o Chapter 16: Government Regulation

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


o Chapter 16: Problems 4, 6(a, c), 9

20

9

10 Preparation

Reading(s)

o Chapter 17: Long-Term Investment Analysis

Activities

Discussions

Evaluation


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




GRADING SCALE – GRADUATE

Assignment Total Points % of

Grade

Check Your Understanding, Chapters 1 through 17

54 problems total, 3 points apiece

162 9%

Quiz: Chapters 1 and 2 (open book with a 2-hour time limit)

20 questions, worth 3 points apiece

60 3%

Midterm Exam: Chapters 1 through 8 (open book with a 2-hour time limit)


160 9%

Final Exam: Chapters 9 through 17 (open book with a 2-hour time limit)


180 10%

Assignment 1: Making Decisions Based on Demand and Forecasting 200 12%

Assignment 2: Operations Decision 200 12%

Assignment 3: Market Model Patterns of Change 300 17%

Assignment 4: Long-Term Investment Decisions 250 15%

Participation (22 discussions, worth 10 points apiece) 220 13%

Total 1,732 100%

Points Percentage Grade

1,559 – 1,732 90% – 100% A

1,386 – 1,558 80% – 89% B

1,212 – 1,385 70% – 79% C

Below 1,212 Below 70% F

ECO 550 – Assignments and Rubrics



Assignment 1: Making Decisions Based on Demand and Forecasting Due Week 3 and worth 200 points

The Pizza Company is considering entering the marketplace in your community. Use the information from “The Pizza Company Data” worksheet, located in Week 3 of your course shell, to complete this assignment. By conducting a demand analysis and forecast for pizza, you will be able to make a decision whether The Pizza Company should establish a presence in your community.

Write a three to five (3-5) page paper in which you:

1. Use Excel or other calculation software to input the data 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 in your town or community. Explain any additional variables that may improve the coefficient of determination.

2. Test the statistical significance of the independent variables and the regression equation, indicating how it will impact your decision to open the pizza shop.

3. Forecast the demand for pizza for the next four (4) periods using the regression equation.

4. Based on the forecasted demand, determine whether The Pizza Company should establish an operation in your community. Provide a rationale and support for the decision.

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 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: 200 Assignment 1: Making Decisions Based on Demand and Forecasting

Criteria Unacceptable

Below 70% F

Fair

70-79% C

Proficient

80-89% B

Exemplary

90-100% A

1. Use Excel or other calculation software to input the data 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 in your

Did not submit or incompletely used Excel or other calculation software to input the data to calculate an estimated regression. Did not submit or incompletely interpreted the

Partially used Excel or other calculation software to input the data to calculate an estimated regression. Partially interpreted the coefficient of determination from the calculation provided, indicating

Satisfactorily used Excel or other calculation software to input the data to calculate an estimated regression. Satisfactorily interpreted the coefficient of determination from

Thoroughly used Excel or other calculation software to input the data to calculate an estimated regression. Thoroughly interpreted the coefficient of determination from




town or community. Explain any additional variables that may improve the coefficient of determination.

Weight: 20%

coefficient of determination from the calculation provided, indicating how it will influence your decision to open the pizza business in your town or community. Did not submit or incompletely explained any additional variables that may improve the coefficient of determination.

how it will influence your decision to open the pizza business in your town or community. Partially explained any additional variables that may improve the coefficient of determination.

the calculation provided, indicating how it will influence your decision to open the pizza business in your town or community. Satisfactorily explained any additional variables that may improve the coefficient of determination.

the calculation provided, indicating how it will influence your decision to open the pizza business in your town or community. Thoroughly explained any additional variables that may improve the coefficient of determination.

2. Test the statistical significance of the independent variables and the regression equation, indicating how it will impact your decision to open the pizza shop.

Weight: 25%

Did not submit or incompletely tested the statistical significance of the independent variables and the regression equation, indicating how it will impact your decision to open the pizza shop.

Partially tested the statistical significance of the independent variables and the regression equation, indicating how it will impact your decision to open the pizza shop.

Satisfactorily tested the statistical significance of the independent variables and the regression equation, indicating how it will impact your decision to open the pizza shop.

Thoroughly tested the statistical significance of the independent variables and the regression equation, indicating how it will impact your decision to open the pizza shop.

3. Forecast the demand for pizza for the next four (4) periods using the regression equation.

Weight: 20%

Did not submit or incompletely forecasted the demand for pizza for the next four (4) periods using the regression equation.

Partially forecasted the demand for pizza for the next four (4) periods using the regression equation.

Satisfactorily forecasted the demand for pizza for the next four (4) periods using the regression equation.

Thoroughly forecasted the demand for pizza for the next four (4) periods using the regression equation.

4. Based on the forecasted demand, determine whether The Pizza Company should establish an operation in your community. Provide a rationale and support for the decision.

Weight: 25%

Did not submit or incompletely determined whether The Pizza Company should establish an operation in your community based on the forecasted demand. Did not submit or incompletely provided a rationale and support for the decision.

Partially determined whether The Pizza Company should establish an operation in your community based on the forecasted demand. Partially provided a rationale and support for the decision.

Satisfactorily determined whether The Pizza Company should establish an operation in your community based on the forecasted demand. Satisfactorily provided a rationale and support for the decision.

Thoroughly determined whether The Pizza Company should establish an operation in your community based on the forecasted demand. Thoroughly provided a rationale and support for the decision.

5. Clarity, writing mechanics, and formatting requirements

Weight: 10%

More than 6 errors present

5-6 errors present 3-4 errors present 0-2 errors present




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 firm's output is $32. The cost of other variable inputs is $2,000 per day. You are told that the firm's fixed cost is “high enough” so that the firm's 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.


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.



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.







Points: 200 Assignment 2: Operations Decision


Below 70% F

Fair

70-79% C

Proficient

80-89% B

Exemplary

90-100% A

1. Briefly describe the details of the fictitious business that you created for this assignment.

Weight: 5%

Did not submit or incompletely described the details of the fictitious business that you created for this.

Partially described the details of the fictitious business that you created for this.

Satisfactorily described the details of the fictitious business that you created for this.

Thoroughly described the details of the fictitious business that you created for this.

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%

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.

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.

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.

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.

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%

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

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




decisions; did not submit or incompletely showed calculations that helped you reach your conclusions.

conclusions. showed calculations that helped you reach your conclusions.

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.

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%

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.

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%

No references provided

Does not meet the required number of references; some or all references poor quality choices.

Meets number of required references; all references high quality choices.

Exceeds number of required references; all references high quality choices.


Weight: 10%






Assignment 3: Market Model Patterns of Change


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 “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.



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.



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.




Points: 300 Assignment 3: Market Model Patterns of Change


Below 70% F

Fair

70-79% C

Proficient

80-89% B

Exemplary

90-100% A

1. Describe the business and explain the general pattern of change of the

Did not submit or incompletely described the

Partially described the business and explained the

Satisfactorily described the business and

Thoroughly described the business and




particular market model indicating how this change is likely to impact business operations.

Weight: 10%

business and explained the general pattern of 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.

explained the general pattern of change of the particular market model indicating how this change is likely to impact business operations.

explained 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 “market economy.” Provide support for your assumptions and conclusions. Weight: 15%

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 “market economy”; did not submit or incompletely provided support for your assumptions and conclusions.

Partially hypothesized the basic short-run and long-run behaviors of the model in the business you have chosen in a “market economy”; partially provided support for your assumptions and conclusions.

Satisfactorily hypothesized the basic short-run and long-run behaviors of the model in the business you have chosen in a “market economy”; satisfactorily provided support for your assumptions and conclusions.

Thoroughly hypothesized the basic short-run and long-run behaviors of the model in the business you have chosen in a “market economy”; thoroughly provided 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.

Weight: 20%

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.

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., productivity 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%

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

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

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

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




submit or incompletely provided support for your rationale.

your rationale. provide support for your rationale.

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.

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.

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.


Weight: 5%






Weight: 10%






Assignment 4: Long-Term Investment Decisions


Assume that the industry you wrote about in Assignment 3 wants to expand and has to make some long-term 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 capital 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.



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.


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.




Points: 250 Assignment 4: Expansion and Merger


Below 70% F

Fair

70-79% C

Proficient

80-89% B

Exemplary

90-100% A

1. Explain why government regulation is needed, citing the major reasons for government

Did not submit or incompletely explained why government

Partially explained why government regulation is needed, citing the

Satisfactorily explained why government regulation is

Thoroughly explained why government regulation is




involvement in a market economy.

Weight: 25%

regulation is needed, citing the major reasons for government involvement in a market economy.

major reasons for government involvement in a market economy.

needed, citing the major reasons for government involvement in a market economy.

needed, citing the major reasons for government involvement in a market economy.

2. Justify the rationale for the intervention of government in the market process in the U.S.

Weight: 20%

Did not submit or incompletely justified the rationale for the intervention of government in the market process in the U.S.

Partially justified the rationale for the intervention of government in the market process in the U.S.

Satisfactorily justified the rationale for the intervention of government in the market process in the U.S.

Thoroughly 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%

Did not submit or incompletely described the additional complexities that would arise under this new scenario of expansion via capital projects.

Partially described the additional complexities that would arise under this new scenario of expansion via capital projects.

Satisfactorily 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.

4. Analyze how the different forces will come together to create a convergence between the interests of stockholders and managers.

Weight: 20%

Did not submit or incompletely analyzed how the different forces will come together to create a convergence between the interests of stockholders and managers.

Partially analyzed how the different forces will come together to create a convergence between the interests of stockholders and managers.

Satisfactorily analyzed how the different forces will come together to create a convergence between the interests of stockholders and managers.

Thoroughly analyzed how the different forces will come together to create a convergence between the interests of stockholders and managers.


Weight: 5%





6. Clarity, writing mechanics, and formatting requirements.

Weight: 10%



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 4.5 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 your professor to determine whether Internet-based assignments and activities are used in this course.

Strayer students are encouraged to purchase their course materials through our designated bookstore MBS Direct. http://bookstore.mbsdirect.net/strayer.htm If a lab is required for the course, MBS Direct is the only vendor that sells the correct registration code so that Strayer students may access labs successfully.

Discussions

To earn full credit in an online threaded discussion, students must have one original post and a minimum of one other post per discussion thread.

Please note: Material in the online class will be made available on the previous Thursday. As it is always possible that students could lose their work due to unforeseen circumstances, it is a best practice to routinely save a working draft 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 Monday 9:00 a.m. Details regarding due dates are posted in the Blackboard Calendar tool.

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.

http://bookstore.mbsdirect.net/strayer.htm

ECO 550 – Student Notes



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.

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 “Student

Center,” then “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 “Student Center,” then

“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:[email protected].

TurnItIn.com 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 is important that students be aware of these policies.

https://icampus.strayer.edu/login

https://icampus.strayer.edu/login

mailto:[email protected]

eco550_student_guide.pdf

Documents