The background for this assignment is to choose AGL(an energy company) as my research objectives and to use both theory and data in order to identify the market structure under which it operates (part 1). In part 2, you are asked to consider the effect of a government policy that was introduced at the time and how it would have influenced outcomes for AGL.

RESEARCH ASSIGNMENT FORMAT:

Your task is to wr ite a short research paper on the above topic. 1500 wor ds including

references.

This is a research project. It should take the appearane of an academic paper and be structured as follows:

1. Introduction

Mention the main objectives of this research and the reasons you chose this firm. You may

cite any relevant literature to explain the importance of your research.

2. Basic analysis of the firm characteristics

What kind of a market is this firm competing in- monopolistic competition, monopoly, oligopoly etc.? Justify your answer using market data (e.g. market share, profits, sales etc.) ,Your answer should include the use of the Herfindahl index or market concentration ratio for your justification. for this industry in recent years. Which firms are the main competitors? How do the competitors

influence the pricing decision of this firm?

3.Implications of Government Response

For the policy you have chosen, discuss what the likely effects will be for your firm-

in terms of market conditions (eg entry and exit, profitability)

4. Conclusions (may be in one short paragraph)

Summarise your findings and future policy implications for this firm and the industry overall.

5. References

Do not forget to refer to the data sources and any other references you have used