Economics!

[dj_morton]

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]

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]

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]

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]

(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]

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]

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]

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

[QuikSand]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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

[RedKingGold]

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]

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]

I blame Ironhead.:)

[dj_morton]

(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]

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]

Quiksand's idea rules.

[ISiddiqui]

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]

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