PURPOSE The main goal of this assessment is to develop your research and writing skills and deepen your understanding of contemporary microeconomic issues in the Pacific. Moreover, it is expected that you will learn to analyze data and information and logically communicate your findings. Both qualitative and quantitative research papers are acceptable. A quantitative paper backed by sound statistical analysis would be ideal. Restrict your sample period to 1980-2019. Use the various options in Excel to conduct any statistical analysis that is required. You are to extract secondary data from relevant online sources. You can collect information from the Reserve Bank of Fiji (Quarterly Review), Fiji Bureau of Statistics (Key Economic Statistics), Ministry of Economy (Budget Supplements/Budget Estimates), National (Ministry) Reports, and Development Plans, National/Regional and International Databases. You are required to use various online databases in the library to undertake a literature review. Students are also expected to read from reliable sources such as journal articles, research reports, policy briefs of organizations such as ADB, IMF, World Bank, government reports and carefully analyze the information before constructing relevant arguments. Be critical of the source of information and what you read. FORMAT OF THE RESEARCH PAPER The format of the paper should be as follows: Introduction Literature Review Data and Methodology Results and Discussion Conclusion and Policy Recommendations QUESTION Write a short research paper not exceeding 10 pages on (or related to) any of the following themes. Focus on only one of the Pacific Island Economies. Tax Reforms Cost-Benefit Analysis Public-Private Partnerships Government Expenditure Public Debt Economic Regulation Public Goods and Services Social Protection [Hint: Use Google Scholar to find similar articles to see what kinds of analysis has been done; Check data availability and think about different kinds of statistical analysis you can do in excel.] MARKING RUBRICS Please follow the format of the paper. Each section will be marked out of 10 marks. [8 - 10 Mark] The student has sourced the argument(s) from reliable sources, evaluated the argument critically, and discussed the findings in detail using relevant examples and statistics from relevant economies in the Pacific region or sound statistical analysis. The section is wellwritten and organized, and the content is relevant and makes sense from a policy analysis perspective. Referencing has been done correctly. [5 - 7 Marks] The student has sourced the argument(s) from reliable sources, evaluated the argument to some extent, but briefly discussed the link/relationship using some relevant examples and statistics or minor statistical analysis. The arguments are not well-written, with some flow missing or basic errors. The discussion however provides some insights for policy-makers in the region. [1 - 4 Mark] The student has sourced arguments from generic sources (general websites) and merely listed arguments. There is no detailed discussion or evidence of critical reading or data analysis. The arguments are not well-linked while the discussion is quite unclear and difficult to follow, and not useful enough for policy-makers in the region.