ECON333: Industrial organisation
Industry report: discussion
Industry report: Questions
Select an industry on which the assignment will be based. Then prepare a report on the industry that answers the following questions.
a) Identify the key features of structure, conduct and performance in the industry. To what extent does the S-C-P paradigm provide a valid explanation of the conduct and performance in the industry?
b) Examine ways in which new and existing firms attempt to enter the industry and to expand. What barriers to entry and mobility exist and how do firms overcome them?
c) Select one or two topics or theories or concepts from lectures. Describe how your chosen topic(s) explain the structure and/or conduct and/or performance of your selected industry.
Possible project structure
Introduction (this can be very short)
• motivation: why is your industry interesting/important?
• define your market/industry (this could also go in the next section)
• (if you have needed to exercise judgement in this definition, a brief explanation may also be useful)
• road map
Structure, Conduct, and Performance
• identify key elements of S-C-P
• industry analysis: critically evaluate the ability of the SCP paradigm to explain conduct and performance
Entry
• how do firms enter and grow?
• what barriers to entry are there?
• (If there is no entry, what are most important barriers to entry?)
Possible project structure
Topics from class
• explain your chosen topic(s)
• how does each topic explain structure and/or conduct and/or performance in your industry?
Conclusion (can also be quite short)
• summarise your main findings
• if appropriate, discuss any implications