INDIVIDUAL RESEARCH PROJECT: MERGERS AND THEIR IMPACT, Singapore

Assignment Topic:

THIS ASSIGNMENT REQUIRES STUDENTS TO EXPLAIN THE MAIN TYPES OF MERGERS, AS WELL AS THE BENEFITS OF THIS BUSINESS STRATEGY.  STUDENTS ARE ALSO ASKED TO ANALYSE TWO RECENT CASE-STUDIES OF COMPANIES UNDERGOING A MERGER.

Q1. a)  Define and discuss 3 types of mergers.                                                                                                                                                                                                  (6 marks)         

1. b)   Discuss any 4 benefits to shareholders/owners from a                                                                                                                                           (4 marks)

Q2.  Analyse any 2 recent (last 10 years) examples of company mergers. These two examples need to be from 2 different business sectors. For example, merger example 1: between two agribusiness companies; and            merger example 2: between two financial services companies, or between 2 mining companies etc

   Each example of company mergers is worth 10 marks, ie, 2 x two merger examples = 20 marks.

 Students should explain the nature of each firm/industry sector for 4 marks out of 10; and explain any 3 costs and/or benefits from each merger for 6 marks out of 10.

…….see over

General Requirements:

Develop logical and coherent responses to the issues raised above. The opinions or decisions that are presented should be supported by references to appropriate texts, articles, websites and current economics practice.  The following lists of deadline and requirements should be adhered to. Failure to do so will result in a lower grade on the project.

SUBMISSION DATE:  Sunday 3th March: 11.00pm 

ASSESSMENT WEIGHTING: 30%.

WORD-LENGTH: 2,500 words (plus/minus 10%)

Assignment Two: INDIVIDUAL RESEARCH PROJECT (MERGERS)

MARKING GUIDE

Q1. a)  Define and discuss 3 types of mergers.                                                                                                      

      2 marks for each of 3 types of mergers. Students must provide a definition of each type of merger, as well as a brief discussion of what it involves. An example of each type could also be rewarded.

                                                                                                                                                          (6marks)

1. b)   Discuss any 4 benefits to shareholders/owners from a                                                                                                                                           (4 marks)

                1 mark for a discussion of each of 4 benefits which may result from               a merger.

Question 1 is worth 10 marks/30, so allocate approximately 800 words for Q1.

Q2.     Analyse any 2 recent (last 10 years) examples of company mergers. These two examples need to be from 2 different business sectors. For example, merge example 1: between two agribusiness companies; and merger example 2: between two financial services companies, or between 2 mining companies etc

Each example of company mergers is worth 10 marks, ie, 2 x two merger examples = 20 marks for Q2.

    4 marks out of 10 for an explanation/discussion of the nature of each firm/industry sector.

  6 marks out of 10 for an explanation of any 3 costs and/or benefits resulting from each merger. That is, 2 marks for each of 3 explanations of benefits and/or costs = 6 marks per merger example.  Evidence/data in support will be highly rewarded.

Question 2 is worth 20 marks/30, so allocate approximately 1600 words for Q2.