Dear Class,

This week there is a written paper for the assignment worth 200 points.

The main objective of this exercise is to get students thinking analytically and creatively about the two-edged nature of many economic phenomena so as to present a “balanced” perspective based on economics principles, theories and concepts against the backdrop of conceptual and analytical thinking.

Visit the web sites or similar ones containing national economic data.
National Economic Accounts at the Bureau of Labor Statistics at http://www.bea.gov , Bureau of Labor Statistics at http://www.bls.gov/data/, The Conference Board at http://www.conference-board.org/economics/indicators.cfm, US Census Bureau at http://www.census.gov/mtis/www/mtis_current.html, National Bureau of Economic Research at http://www.nber.org/releases/, The Federal Reserve at http://www.federalreserve.gov/releases/h15/update/

Review the most recent 8-12 months of data on:
• real GDP growth,
• inflation/CPI,
• unemployment, Interest rates,
• consumer confidence index,
• consumer sentiment index,
• inventory level, and other relevant economic data.

Based on the collected data, analyze the current macroeconomic situation and its impact on any two(2) Monopolistically Competitive firms of your choice. Explore in particular how the two companies’ respond to the macroeconomic conditions in terms of their:
• stock performance,
• current and future sales revenue,
• current and future profits,
• labor costs, and
• hiring decisions.

The write-up must be done in the APA format, using the headings provided below, double-spaced, font-size 12, Times New Roman.
Also, all references must be carefully cited in the APA format (Wikipedia not allowed as reference sources Please!!). Academic sources (Journals, textbooks), Current Business Publications such as the WSJ) are allowed.

Example outline of the assignment.

1.Introduction:
1.1 The current economic conditions
1.2 Clearly identify the firms chosen (Name them , include the characteristics that make them qualify as monopolistically competitive firms)
2.Analysis: Exploration of how the two companies’ respond to the macroeconomic conditions in terms of their:
a. stock performance,
b. current and future sales revenue,
c. current and future profits,
d. labor costs, and
e. hiring decisions.
3. Summary and Conclusions drawn from the analysis supported with justification from the data collected.
4. References, Tables, Charts, Graphs, Appendices, etc
**Reminder: Plagiarism is against the University’s policy. I may submit the work in turnitin for tests of plagiarism and all violations will be reported.

I expect this to be ones own work and I would suggest using tables to show the information. You may want to review my “expectations” announcement.

Sincerely,
Walter

Walter van Poollen, Ph.D.

Below is a grading rubric. I am place more weight on ability to communicate the concepts and prove ones knowledge in this area, and ease of reading . Substance versus style.

Grading Rubric
The Paper must be written in the APA format.
Criterion Unsatisfactory Needs Improvement Meets Requirements Points earned
Content
Content is incomplete or omits some requirements.

Major points are not clear and /or persuasive. Content is not comprehensive and /or persuasive.

Major points are addressed, but not well supported. Research in inadequate or does not address course concepts.

Content is inconsistent with regard to purpose and clarity of thought. Content is comprehensive, accurate, and persuasive.

Major points are stated clearly and are well supported

Research is adequate, timely and addresses course concepts.

Content and purpose of the writing are clear. Organization & Structure

Organization and structure detract from the message of the writer.

Introduction is missing. Paragraphs are disjointed and lack transition of thoughts.

Conclusion is missing. Structure of the paper is not easy to follow.

Introduction is missing or, if provided, does not preview major points.

Paragraph transitions need improvement.

Conclusion is missing, or if provided, does not flow from the body of the paper. Structure of the paper is clear and easy to follow with headings/sub-headings provided.

Introduction provides sufficient background on the topic and previews major points.

Paragraph transitions are present and logical and maintain the flow of thought throughout the paper.

Conclusion is logical and flows from the body of the paper. Sourcing

Citations and references are not provided. (ie according to…) Paper provides citations, but they are incorrectly prepared.

Paper provides reference list, with some errors or omissions. Citations and references are used appropriately.

Paper provides reference list, with no errors.

Reliance on academic sources Grammar, Punctuation, Spelling & Readability

Paper contains numerous grammatical, punctuation, and spelling errors;

Language uses jargon or conversational tone.

Paper is inadequate/excessive length.

Paper contains few grammatical, punctuation and spelling errors

Language lacks clarity or includes the use of some jargon or conversational tone.

Rules of grammar, usage, and punctuation are followed; spelling is correct.

Language is clear and precise; sentences display consistently strong, varied structure.

Paper is the appropriate length as described for the assignment.