The project (using the tools and techniques given in Chapters 3, 8, 10, 11, and 12 of the textbook) and its subsequent report are based on the complete economic analysis of a company and its available current financial data. The students are required to evaluate the company based on the trends in its demand for and the price of the products of the company, the cost incurred, and the profits generated over time and evaluate them against the industry standard or a comparable firm. Details, including the selection of the company (for evaluation), will be discussed throughout the semester. In general, the analysis is done in the following steps:
Evaluate the demand function and revenue function of the company by using the company information. Also, calculate the price- and cross-elasticities (calculated using information from the company of choosing and a comparable firm) of demand for the products of the company.
Use Regression Analysis in EXCEL to estimate the demand function (P versus Q).
Evaluate the cost structure of the company as well as its Total Cost, Average Cost and Marginal Cost functions.
Based on the Cost and Revenue structure of the company, determine the economic profit, output and product prices of the company. The nature of the company selected by the student would determine the market structure of the company (competition, monopolistic competition, monopoly, or oligopoly).
Use the Mergent Online Program available to the business students in the business lab to obtain information on the company economic data (the relevant data would include, but not limited to the balance sheet and income statement).
Make sure to attach all the company related printouts you have obtained from various sources with your final write-up.
A series of web addresses that provide company demand, revenue, cost, pricing, profit, and financial information are given below.