Market Research Report
The US relies on markets in order to distribute the resources needed to provide for our needs and
wants. Whether it is NYSE, collectibles market or the neighborhood market for groceries, we
interact daily in these markets. Your task is select a market in our economy and research the basic
components of that market. It should include the following:
A) An Overview /Introduction – this should describe the market that you have selected.
What companies are operating in the market that you have selected? What is the overall
total revenue generated in this particular market? What type of market structure is it?
Where do the exchanges take place? (in a store, online, on the floor of the NYSE?)
B) The Market – Provide specific research related to the companies that operate in the
market. What is each companies sales in that particular market? What percentage share
of the market do they have? Take a look at their advertising? What non-price factors do
they use to sell their product? Who are their target groups? What is the general trend of
sales in this particular market? What is the future outlook of sales? What barriers to
entry exist in this particular market?
C) Other Factors (influencing the market) – Is the market influenced by other factors
such as suppliers to the market itself? What are the externalities that influence and
impact the supply and demand in this market? Specifically, is the market impacted by
government regulations place on the products supplied in this market?
Part I
Your report should be a minimum of 2-3 pages of text typed, DS, with a standard
front. You should have at least three sources to cite at end of report and if you take any information
directly from a source, it should be cited in the text of the report. You should have an
introduction, body and conclusion. The above information should be included in the body of the
report. (35 pts)
Part II
You are to create a trifold- brochure that summarizes the information about your
market. All pertinent information should be included. Use of images, diagrams and products is
expected to illustrate the current condition of the market related to industry sales and leaders. (15
pts.)
DUE: Day 1 (November 30th)
A)
B)
C)
D)
E)
F)
G)
H)
I)
TYPE OF MARKET: Computers
ITEM(S) TO BE EXCHANGE: Processor, Memory, Hard Drive, etc.
HOW THE EXCHANGE TAKES PLACE? (PROCESS): In the store
HOW IS PRICE DETERMINED?: What are the variables for cost? (Intended use, operating system,
hardware, upgrades, etc.)
WHO PARTICIPATES IN THE MARKET? (PLAYERS) (Who are the buyers, manufacturers, and
related businesses)
CURRENT MARKET TRENDS (What are the “hottest” computers? Most recent features or
available types
WHAT EXTERNALITIES ARE INVOLVED AND IMPACT? (What factors influence the cost? Demand
from schools, competition, broadband availability)
HOW IS THE MARKET REGULATED? (Is there regulation that controls computer hardware and
software?)
IDENTIFY THE MARKET STRUCTURE? (Who competes for share of the market?; Many companies
provide variety of products/services)