Assignment 2: Research Report
Assignment 2: Research Report
ECON 2010 SP2 2023
Due Date: 11pm (Adelaide Time), 25 April (Tuesday).
Weight: 25% of final mark
Team Members: You are free to complete this assignment either alone or in a team (up to 3 students in each team). By choosing to complete your assignment with other students, you have agreed that each member of the team will receive the same mark for their work. If you disagree with this mark allocation, you need to inform the course coordinator at least 48 hours before submission.
Reference: You are required to support your arguments with information obtained from other sources such as government reports and you are reminded of the need to cite your work appropriately. Failure to do so is a form of academic misconducts. Please check University's policy with respect to academic misconduct, and note that severe penalties may be imposed for significant breaches (For recommended reference style, please check this site).
Format: The output for this assignment should be in the form of a professional report with no more than a one-page executive summary. Refer to the marking rubric for marks allocated for formatting. Your report will be evaluated for the persuasiveness of the argument, the way information is presented.
Word Limit: 1800 words (excluding data sheet and references).
Reports that are over the word limit may be returned to the team (student) who submitted them and that team (student) will be asked to shorten their report to fit the limit and re-submit the report. These reports will be accepted after they have been shortened, but they will be treated as late and marks will be deducted accordingly.
Submission: Submit via Gradebook. You need to submit at least two files: the report and the data file.
Background
The Essential Services Commission of South Australia (The Commission) (2022) is conducting an inquiry into retail energy price. You are working for a consulting company to prepare for a submission on the evidence and potential that electricity retailers in South Australia have earned super profits to the financial detriment of South Australia energy consumers. Your supervisor has asked you to conduct research and write a research report based on your findings.
Data collection stages
You (or your group) need to visit the energy comparison site (https://www.energymadeeasy.gov.au) to find out five electricity plans for a typical 2-3 person household in South Australia, and collect relevant pricing information (please refer to FAQs for step-by-step instructions on how to collect such information). The data template can provide you with a guideline as to what information is required.
Analysis stage
Your task is to read the relevant reports on electricity retailing market, analyse the pricing data you have collected and comment on the nature of competition in the electricity retailing market in South Australia. In doing this, you should address the following questions.
What market structure best describe the electricity retail market in South Australia? Please include the number and size distribution of firms, HHI, the barriers to entry and exit and the degree of product differentiation in your discussion.
Explain whether any electricity retailer in SA possess market power and where its market power comes from. How are electricity consumers affected as a result?
What are the pricing strategies of these firms? Do they adopt any of the pricing strategies discussed in Topic 3? How can those pricing strategies help the firms to increase market share and/or profit? Use the data you have collected to support your arguments.
How is the cheapest plan different from the standing offer? Why do energy providers offer so many plans in addition to the standing offer? If the government wants to make electricity more affordable, provide a brief overview of two possible policies that the government could implement if it wishes to reduce the price of electricity for consumers? What, if any, any unintended consequences might come from these?
Assessment 1: Oral presentation instruction and submission link
MMH4MHD: Mental Health Diagnosis
Assessment 1: Online oral presentation
Assignment type Case study presentation
Weighting 30%
Word count / length Equivalent 1200 words, 10 minutes
SILOs 1, 2, 3, 4
Due date Wednesday of Week 3, 23:59 (Melbourne time*)
*For current Melbourne time, please check information under the Assessment tile in the LMS of this subject.
Topic overview
In this assessment you submit a 10-minute video presentation in which you will present a diagnostic case study presentation of a consumer. You will need to identify a consumer you have worked with (use a pseudonym) and, using PowerPoint, present them as a case study.
The assessment task requires you submit a 10-minute video which includes the usual +/- 10% in the assessment task length giving you a 9-11 minute window for the length of your video. It is particularlyimportant to notethat themarkers will not watch past the 11:00 minute markso your entire presentation (including your reference list at the end of your presentation) needs to be included before you get to this point:anything after this will not be included in the marking of your presentation.
Assessment criteria
This assessment will measure your ability to:
Introduce your case study and the aims of the presentation (3 marks)
Provide a vivid overview of the person and their background (3 marks)
Identify the person's primary diagnosis, any alternative diagnosis and main presenting problems (8 marks)
Describe the consumers experience with the diagnosis and consider any treatment options and how the consumer will best be supported to engage with these (10 marks)
Present and deliver the presentation in an engaging and professional manner (3 marks)
Use appropriate referencing and literature to support your statements (3 marks)
Guidelines
Identify a consumer you have worked with in the past to present as a case study. You can use a pseudonym or de-identify the consumer. Conduct a search using SCOPUS or Cinahl for appropriate literature to support your presentation.
Provide an overview of their background, diagnosis, any alternative diagnosis and main presenting problems. Consider their experience with diagnosis and what it means to them. Describe any treatment options and how the consumer will best be supported to engage with these options.
You should use third person academic writing. Refer to your reading as you present and include a final slide with citations to what you have read.
Post any questions to the discussion forum for Assessment 1. There will be further thoughts about this assessment posted here. Please do not email questions.
Presentation format
The following provides a suggested structure for your PowerPoint presentation structure:
A title slide: this should include your presentation title, name and student number and should be showing at the very beginning of the video.
Introduction (1 slide).
Overview of the person and their background (1-2 slides).
Presentation of the persons primary diagnosis and alternate diagnoses (1-2 slides) and main presenting problems (1-2 slides).
Description of the consumers experience with the diagnosis (1-2 slides), discussion of treatment options (1-2 slides) and exploration regarding the consumer can best be supported to engage with these options (1-2 slides).
Conclusion (1 slide).
Reference List in APA7 format (2-3 slides). Note: please make sure that you (1) spend at least 5 seconds showing each slide in the video to give the markers adequate time to review your reference list, and (2) include this within the 11-minute maximum time period.
Please remember this needs to be prepared and presented to an academic standard befitting the expectations of our profession. This means you must include (1) in-text citations on the slides wherever you are using the work of another (just as you would when writing an assignment), and (2) a full reference list in APA7 format that includes of the sources you cited during the actual presentation.
Note: You do not need to read out aloud the full details of each of your citations when delivering your presentation; having them visible in the text on the slide will suffice.
1. What information do I need to collect?
You need to collect electricity price of at least 6 companies: AGL, Energy Australia, Origin, Simply Energy and two other companies. For each retailer, you need to collect pricing information for the standing offer and a cheaper option.
The Excel file under the assignment section provides guidelines as how you can organise the information you collect.
2. How do I collect information?
You need to visit https://www.energymadeeasy.gov.au to collect pricing information for 5 providers as well as visiting AGL, Origin and Simple Energys website for additional pricing information. Please check the video recording of How to collect pricing information? for step-by-step instructions (Available after Week 4).
3. Do I need to collect extra information apart from filling in the data sheet?
Yes. It is also important to obtain some background information on the major operators, which may help to explain whether they are profit-driven or not.
There is an industry report by IBIS and AER report on the course website, you may also find the following websites useful (remember to cite properly if you are going to use any of them):
https://www.aer.gov.au/publications/state-of-the-energy-market-reportshttps://www.aemc.gov.au
https://www.canstarblue.com.au/electricity/sa-providers/
4. What information do I need to include in Executive Summary?
You need to outline the purpose of the report, what questions you have addressed in this report and what your major findings are, and what your major conclusion and advice you can offer as a result of the research.
There is no need to include in-text citation or much detailed information in the executive summary, which is counted towards word limit.
5. What information do I need to include in the brief summary of data?
You need to briefly outline the purpose of the data collection, what data youve collected, and how you collected the data. You can also present a couple of facts: e.g. the highest and lowest price, average price, pattern of the pricing etc.
6. Do I need to include graphs for my report?
Yes. You need to produce 3 to 5 graphs comparing the prices charged by different companies, and you are welcome to use graphs from the industry report to support your argument. Please ensure you provide source of information under each graph.
7. What is counted towards the word limit?
Everything except references are counted towards the word limit. I wont impose penalty if the total number of word count is less than 2,000 words.
8. How to apply for extension?
Extension can only be granted on medical and compassionate ground. You need to apply for extension via Gradebook, and supply relevant documents to support your claim.
9. What do I need to know if I choose to do this assignment by myself?
1. You are free to complete this assignment either alone or in group (up to 3 students in a group).
2. Your assignment will be marked to the same standard as those submitted by pairs of students, and you cannot get extension only because you are doing it by yourself.
3. All students, regardless of whether they intend to submit an individual or a group assignment, are encouraged to discuss their assignment with classmates. However, please dont send your assignment to other students, as if a student is found copying another students work, both could be accused of plagiarism.
10. How to submit my assignment?
You should submit online through the link in course website. You will need to submit at least two files: report and data file (Excel spreadsheet).
11. What do I need to know if I wish to form a group to do this assignment?
1. You are free to complete this assignment either alone or in group (up to 3 students in a group). The members in a group may withdraw from the group at any time. However, you can NOT get extension only because you withdraw from a group, or one of your group members did not complete the task he/she had promised to do.
2. If you elect to complete your assignment as a group, the default allocation of marks is that each group member receives the same mark: i.e. if you receive 20 marks for your group assignment, each group member receives 20.
3. As a group, you do have the choice of different mark allocation provided it is agreed by all group members. Say for example, as a group, you believe that member A, B, and C each deserves 45%, 35% and 20% of the total mark given their contribution. Your group assignment receives mark of 20, the final mark for A, B and C will be 25 (60*45%=27), 21 (60*35%=21) and 12 (60*20%=12).
You need to inform the course coordinator about the variation of the weighing as soon as possible, and definitely 48 hours before the submission of your assignment.
Suggested Structure for Assignment Two: Research Report (ECON2010)
Cover Page
(Title of the Report, Authors Name and Student ID)
Executive Summary
Outlines the purpose of the report, major actions (e.g. data collection, information used to develop this report) and major findings.
Introduction
Briefly introduce the background of the report, and industry to be discussed.
Summary of Data
Explain how you collected data (e.g. websites, site visits), how many car parks covered in your dataset, and major pricing information (e.g. weekday price, weekend price, early bird price, monthly price)
Market Structure
Present facts and statistics again main criteria used to determine market structure (number of firms, barriers to entry and exit, product differentiation and rivals action) and draw a conclusion on the type of market structure.
Competition and Market Power
Explain whether the market is competitive, whether some of the companies pose more market power, whether there are signs of price and non-price competition. Use evidence to support your argument.
Pricing Strategies
Present all the pricing strategies identified through research. For each strategy, present definition, facts or examples to explain why they are evidence for and explain the economic rationale for such strategy.
Advice on market entry
Outline the major risks and opportunities for domestic airline industry in Australia focusing on routes between capital cities.
Conclusion.
A brief conclusion.
References (counted towards the word limit)
List references cited in the assignment, try to avoid unreliable sources. Harvard style is preferred.
Appendix (does not count towards the word limit)
Tables and graphs
Assignment 2: Research Report
ECON 2010 SP2 2023
Due Date: 11pm (Adelaide Time), 25 April (Tuesday).
Weight: 25% of final mark
Team Members: You are free to complete this assignment either alone or in a team (up to 3 students in each team). By choosing to complete your assignment with other students, you have agreed that each member of the team will receive the same mark for their work. If you disagree with this mark allocation, you need to inform the course coordinator at least 48 hours before submission.
Reference: You are required to support your arguments with information obtained from other sources such as government reports and you are reminded of the need to cite your work appropriately. Failure to do so is a form of academic misconducts. Please check University's policy with respect to academic misconduct, and note that severe penalties may be imposed for significant breaches (For recommended reference style, please check this site).
Format: The output for this assignment should be in the form of a professional report with no more than a one-page executive summary. Refer to the marking rubric for marks allocated for formatting. Your report will be evaluated for the persuasiveness of the argument, the way information is presented.
Word Limit: 1800 words (excluding data sheet and references).
Reports that are over the word limit may be returned to the team (student) who submitted them and that team (student) will be asked to shorten their report to fit the limit and re-submit the report. These reports will be accepted after they have been shortened, but they will be treated as late and marks will be deducted accordingly.
Submission: Submit via Gradebook. You need to submit at least two files: the report and the data file.
Background
The Essential Services Commission of South Australia (The Commission) (2022) is conducting an inquiry into retail energy price. You are working for a consulting company to prepare for a submission on the evidence and potential that electricity retailers in South Australia have earned super profits to the financial detriment of South Australia energy consumers. Your supervisor has asked you to conduct research and write a research report based on your findings.
Data collection stages
You (or your group) need to visit the energy comparison site (https://www.energymadeeasy.gov.au) to find out five electricity plans for a typical 2-3 person household in South Australia, and collect relevant pricing information (please refer to FAQs for step-by-step instructions on how to collect such information). The data template can provide you with a guideline as to what information is required.
Analysis stage
Your task is to read the relevant reports on electricity retailing market, analyse the pricing data you have collected and comment on the nature of competition in the electricity retailing market in South Australia. In doing this, you should address the following questions.
What market structure best describe the electricity retail market in South Australia? Please include the number and size distribution of firms, HHI, the barriers to entry and exit and the degree of product differentiation in your discussion.
Explain whether any electricity retailer in SA possess market power and where its market power comes from. How are electricity consumers affected as a result?
What are the pricing strategies of these firms? Do they adopt any of the pricing strategies discussed in Topic 3? How can those pricing strategies help the firms to increase market share and/or profit? Use the data you have collected to support your arguments.
How is the cheapest plan different from the standing offer? Why do energy providers offer so many plans in addition to the standing offer? If the government wants to make electricity more affordable, provide a brief overview of two possible policies that the government could implement if it wishes to reduce the price of electricity for consumers? What, if any, any unintended consequences might come from these?
Assessment feedback
School of Commerce
ECON 2010 Assignment 2: Research Report (Word Limit: 1800) (25%)
The Graduate qualities being assessed by this assignment are
to demonstrate and apply a body of knowledge relevant to the assessment task and collaboration skills (GQ1 and GQ4 - related to the evaluation of the development of group skills through participation in the Group Tasks)
problem solving (GQ3 - determining criteria for evaluation of the group, evaluating effectiveness and drawing conclusions);
lifelong learning (GQ2 - reflective analysis of development and direction);
written communication skills (GQ6 - report writing);
Name: Total Marks Component MARK Mark Allocation Comment
Data
Complete data
Use graph or diagram to compare prices
A brief summary of data /5 Complete and Accurate data; Well-presented graph and clear, concise description of the data (>4) Complete data set, reasonable data description and graphs (3-4) Errors in data set and/or diagram, Inadequate description of the data (2.5-3) Incomplete data set, false information, no or wrong diagram and summary(<2.5) Analysis and Theory Application Market Structure /3 Correctly identify market structure, provide well data and facts for each feature of the market structure (3 marks) Correctly identify market structure, and list some supporting facts for relevant features of the market (1.5-2.5). Incorrectly identify market structure, or major errors in concepts and facts (<1.5) Market Power /3 Present evidence from different sources to support the argument (3 marks) Correctly apply the concept and identify signs of competition or lack of competition (1.5-2.5) Incorrect interpretation of the concept, little or no evidence to support the argument (<1.5) Pricing Strategies and rationale /6 Correctly identify pricing strategies and discuss the rationale with clear explanation, facts and examples.(3.5+) Correctly identify several pricing strategies with relevant examples.(2.5-3.5) Failed to identify several pricing strategies, or major errors in discussion. (<2.5) Evaluation and Policy recommendations /4 In addition to policy recommendations that are based on vigorous research, correctly identify the impacts of the policies on consumers based on data and research (3-4). Correctly identify the reasons for different pricing schemes and recommendation is supported by evidence (2-3) Failed to address majority of the questions, discussion is not supported by facts or data; incorrect application of concepts or theory. (<2) Writing and Presentations
Follow the proper referencing style
Follow report format with Executive Summary
Introduction and Conclusion
Follow the word limit (1,800 words)
Writing and Presentation /4
Normally, 1 mark is deducted for each dot point that has not been properly covered; Poor grammar or inadequate references may incur a penalty of up to 2 marks This form meets the 2006 requirements of UniSAs Code of Good Practice: Student Assessment
