Any but #6

Instructions

Each of you will be expected to choose one of the assigned topics and write a research report on that topic. When marking, I will be looking for a well-thought out argument and evidence of research. The report should be written in the standard format of introduction, body and conclusion.

Introduction: The introduction of your report should explain the topic you are writing about, your position on the topic and briefly introduce the three points you will use to support your position in the body of the report.

Body: The body of your report will explain each of your three points in detail, using external sources to support each of them.

Conclusion: The conclusion of your report will summarise your main points and leave me with a clear understanding of your position on the topic you’ve chosen to write about.

Length

The report should be roughly 1000 words.

Research and Bibliography

Build your bibliography using APA style. Your ics

Below are six topics students can choose from (they may also develop their own topic). Review the list and send me a course message indicating which topic you’d prefer. A maximum of 7 students are allowed to write on each topic, so students are encouraged to pick their topics ASAP.

Topic 1: Stock Analysis

Analyze and compare three publicly-traded corporations which belong to the same industry. Which would appear to be the best investment?

Topic 2: Derivatives

Are derivatives useful financial instruments or are they weapons of mass financial destruction?

Topic 3: Market Rationality

Describe three cognitive biases that may affect the actions and decisions of investors. Note: Do not choose any of the cognitive biases that are discussed in this course (Availability Bias, Representativeness Bias, Gambler’s Fallacy, Clustering Illusion, Anchoring Bias, Self- Deception/Overconfidence Effect, Hindsight Bias and Conformity Bias/Bandwagon Effect).

Topic 4: Manias and Crashes

Choose one historical asset bubble and discuss the factors that led to its development and, ultimately, its bursting. Note: Do not choose one of the three asset bubbles that are discussed in this course (Tulip Mania, the 1920s Stock Bubble and the Dot-Com Bubble).

Topic 5: Corporate Social Responsibility

Choose any major corporation and examine three socially responsible goals they are trying to achieve. Then, examine whether they have been successful at achieving those goals. Note: With this topic, students may opt to focus on socially responsible choices made by a corporation during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Topic 6: Corporate Governance

Does high CEO compensation accurately reflect their important contribution to the corporation they lead or does it appear that CEOs are generally overpaid?

*Alternate Topics: Students can also choose their own topic. In this case, the student must get prior approval from me before beginning their research report.sources should be reputable. Books are always safe. When using information from a website, use your own judgement to decide if it is acceptable. Professional websites like newspapers, newsmagazines or encyclopaedias are good examples. *Review the website (http://library.humber.ca/copyright-students) for clarity about plagiarism and how to avoid it. I have a ZERO tolerance policy. Evidence of significant plagiarism may result in a grade of 0/20 and submission of an academic misconduct report. *The course readings can be used as a source, but you must also use three external sources.