Each study group will be responsible for writing a paper proposal, and intermediate report, as well as a final paper. The most important factor in writing a successful report and paper is gathering an extensive research database, including both primary data and a comprehensive bibliography that includes all key references.
Analyses must be based on fact rather than speculation, so preparing a comprehensive bibliography is of paramount importance. A non-exhaustive list of reference materials you should consult includes sources of statistical data (government organizations, industry groups,
legal cases, industry analysts,…), scholarly books and journals, business press (Wall Street
Journal, Business Week, The Economist, trade journals,…) and reports by stock analysts.
There are several databases (such as Lexis-Nexis) that will get you started in your search process,
and you should enlist the help of a reference librarian in helping you locate relevant source material.
Papers should be typed double-spaced on 8-1/2 x 11-inch paper, with one inch margins on each side, in 11 point type. The length limit for the final report is fifteen pages of text. This limit does not include tables, exhibits, or other supporting documentation, which may be relegated to an appendix. Papers exceeding the length limit may be penalized by one full grade per page of excess length.
All time series data (such as growth rates, size comparisons across years, etc.) should be corrected for inflation and presented in real terms whenever possible, with a detailed reference to their sources.
Data series should be updated to the present time, and all graphs and tables should be clearly labeled and be accompanied by a legend that explains the meaning of the variables and their source.
As this is a research paper, to lend credibility and verifiability to statements you should include ample references to the original source material in the body of the paper by an appropriate citation, e.g. (Tirole, 2015, p. 243）
All bibliographical entries should be in the Econometrica citation style. This is the style all bibliographies prepared for the course notes are standardized in, so you can consult those for examples. If you are in doubt about a specific reference, a comprehensive guide is available online at https://paperpile.com/s/econometrica-citation-style/
References to online articles should indicate the author(s), date of publication, title of the article,
place of publication (e.g. New York Times), and date of publication.
References in the bibliography should appear in alphabetical order.
Late papers will be subject to a penalty of one full grade. If because of illness or other equally valid reason a paper cannot be handed in on time, permission can be obtained from the instructor prior to the class in which it is due. The criteria which I use to grade papers include
Research: Base your papers on facts, and present data supporting your argument. Make explicit references to the sources used in preparing your papers. This includes a carefully prepared bibliography as well as reporting sources in the main body of the paper and in the tables. Whenever possible refer to the theoretical material studied in class.
b. Data: For all important economic variables collect complete data series covering the period under investigation. Important economic variables are sales, prices, market shares,
advertising and R&D expenses.
Originality: Share your special insights about the industry you studied or are familiar with.
Do not content yourself with stating what any intelligent or reasonably prepared reader already knows. Use the readings, class discussion, or outside material as effectively as you can in supporting your arguments.
d. Clarity: Write carefully and clearly. Present your material in a well thought out and orderly manner. Do not make it necessary to infer arguments, facts, or conclusions which are buried implicitly in vague phraseology. Make sure conclusions follow logically from basic premises and assumptions.
e. Specificity: Generalizations from the lectures or readings should be tightly linked to the facts of the case or industry. For example, do not simply state that economies of scale or learning curve effects create an entry barrier to your industry. Explain what specific features of that industry’s technology or business practices are responsible for the scale economies or the learning curve and quantify the effect as much as possible.
f. Grammar and Organization: Spend time to organize your paper in well organized sections,
each one discussing an important facet of the problem. Be sure not to duplicate material across sections. Use correct grammar and watch your sentence construction. If necessary,
seek help from the Writing center. Remember that a firm is singular, and consequently should be referred to as “it”, not “they.
