Economik Case - Paper Study Guide

There have been several mergers of large firms within oligopolies. In this assignment, you are to assess the impact of those mergers, on industry, on consumers and on society as a whole. There are three parts to the assignment.

* First, you are to go to the Federal Trade Commission's website at http://www.ftc.gov/bc/index.shtml and select one proposed merger for your paper. Then, in a group discussion board, present a complete description of the industry.

* Second, in another group discussion board, present two arguments: One in support of the merger and the other opposing the merger.

* Finally, write a 5-8 page paper that contains the industry description, and the two arguments.

* Set-up a group discussion board and post the following information.

Part 1) Industry Description:

1. Describe the firms in the proposed merger. List their annual sales, and extent of their operations.

2. From the firms' point of view, what are some of the incentives to consolidate?

3. List and describe the firms in the industry.

4. Describe the product, production methods, scale of production, and sources for raw materials. What technologies are used?

5. Describe the competitive environment within the industry. Is there a dominant firm? Are the other firms follow or actively compete? How do they compete? (For example, by using price, advertising, quality or some other variable.)

6. Report and interpret the 4 firm concentration ratio, the 8 firm concentration ratio and the Herfindahl Herschler Index for the industry.

Part 2) Two Arguments:

In