ASSESSMENT BRIEF

BUS9005 Economics for International Business

Assessment 2

Overview of the Assessment Task

In this individual assessment, you are required to apply microeconomic theories and concepts to analyse the market in which a selected Australian company operates. This report will assess your ability to critically evaluate how market forces, market structures, and market failures influence business strategy and public policy.

You will select one Australian company (from any industry such as retail, transport, technology, mining, finance, etc.) and examine:

• The supply and demand conditions shaping the company's market
• The market structure and its implications for business strategy
• Any relevant market failure(s) and how public policy addresses them.

This task encourages you to link theory to real-world Australian business conditions, showcasing your ability to think critically and apply economic reasoning to practical business challenges.

Assessment Instructions

Choose one Australian company operating in a specific industry (e.g., retail, banking, transport, energy, technology) and prepare a 1500-word analytical report addressing the following:

Part A: Company and Market Context (Approx. 300 words)

• Describe your chosen company and its main products or services, main customers and competitors
• Provide at least one piece of evidence from your selected company (e.g., screenshot or link to annual report, product page, or media release).

Part B: Market Dynamics (Approx. 400 words)

• Select one specific product or service supplied by your chosen company.
• Identify three factors that determine demand and three factors that determine supply for this product/service.
• Discuss how changes in these factors influence demand and supply. Use demand and supply curves to illustrate the effects (hand-drawn, digital, or spreadsheet graphs are acceptable).
• Provide at least one piece of evidence from your selected company, or credible market sources. (e.g., screenshot or link to annual report, product page, or media release).

Part C: Market Structure and Strategy (Approx. 400 words)

• Identify and justify the market structure in which your company operates (perfect competition, monopolistic competition, oligopoly, or monopoly).
• Clearly provide three reasons supporting your classification (e.g., number of competitors, product differentiation, barriers to entry, pricing power).
• Explain how this market structure influences the company's strategic decisions such as pricing, innovation, or advertising.
• Provide at least one piece of evidence from your selected company, or credible market sources. (e.g., screenshot or link to annual report, product page, or media release).

Part D: Market Failure and Policy Response (Approx. 400 words)

• Identify a relevant market failure affecting your chosen company or industry (e.g., pollution, information asymmetry, under-provision of public goods).
• Analyse how this failure impacts the company, consumers, or society.
• Evaluate an Australian government policy or regulation addressing this issue and discuss whether it effectively corrects the problem.
• Provide at least one piece of evidence to support your answer (e.g., screenshot or link to annual report, product page, or media release).

Assessment Stages and Mark Allocation

Other Instructions

• Structure of the report – Introduction, answers to part A-D, summary/conclusion, reference list.
• Reference list is not part of the word count.
• Submission format- word document. All submissions via Turnitin on Canvas.

This assessment should incorporate APA 7th referencing style. For support on how to reference see the AIHE Learning Support Hub on canvas for further information.

Use of GenAI is not allowed:

In this assessment, the use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is not permitted. These tools include content generators, data analysis tools, and other AI-assisted technologies. Students must ensure that their work is solely their own. Any submission that includes content created by unauthorised use of artificial intelligence tools is a breach of academic integrity.

Marking Criteria

Please refer to the attached rubric for marking criteria and standards of performance. Constructive feedback will be provided within a timely manner in accordance with AIHE Assessment Procedure.

This assessment is not redeemable unless otherwise specified.

Limits for Assessments

Written submissions that exceed the word limit by more than 10% will cease to be marked from the point at which that limit is exceeded.

Time limits for in-person or video presentations that exceed the allocated time limit by more than 10% will cease to be marked from the point at which that limit is exceeded, and Lecturers may ask students to cease their presentation.

Assessment Variation and Special Consideration

Students may be eligible for a variation to assessment arrangements when unexpected or extenuating circumstances impact on their performance or their ability to complete their assessment tasks by or on the specified date. Students must complete the Application to Vary Assessment with evidence.

Students with identified, special or specific needs may apply for variations to assessment in the subject. Students are required to contact the Student Support Officer or Student Learning Advisor to discuss their specific needs.

Late Assignment Submission Penalties

An assessment task is late for submission when it is not submitted by the due date and time as indicated on Canvas, or by an agreed extension date and time as confirmed by the subject lecturer.

Late assessment tasks will be penalised at the rate of 5% of maximum possible marks, per calendar day (i.e. 24 hours or part thereof). After seven (7) calendar days, assignments will attract zero (0) marks. Assignments submitted at any stage within the first 24 hours after the deadline will be considered to be one day late and therefore subject to the associated penalty. For further detail see: AIHE Assessment Procedure.

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is an essential quality for higher education and is a fundamental part of learning and teaching. AIHE is committed to promoting academic integrity and ethical behaviour. The reputation of AIHE and its graduates, and the academic standing of its qualifications rests with its ability to promote academic integrity and manage academic misconduct fairly and consistently.

All students must become familiar with, and understand the meaning and consequences of plagiarism, cheating in exams and tests, unauthorised use of artificial intelligence, collusion, contract cheating and other academic offences under the AIHE Academic Integrity Policy.

Marking Rubric & Standards of Performance

Individual Report (Microeconomics)

BUS9005 (Assessment Brief 2) 10/10/2025

Note: This report is provided as a sample for reference purposes only. For further guidance, detailed solutions, or personalized assignment support, please contact us directly.

Sample Microeconomics Report (Guide Version)

Selected Company: Woolworths Group (Australia)
(You can change this company if needed.)

🔹 Introduction (Approx. 100 words)

This report analyses the microeconomic environment of Woolworths Group, a leading Australian supermarket chain. It applies key concepts such as supply and demand, market structure, and market failure to evaluate how economic forces influence business strategy and public policy. The report aims to connect theoretical concepts with real-world business practices in Australia.

🔹 Part A: Company and Market Context (Approx. 300 words)

Woolworths Group is one of Australia’s largest retail companies, primarily operating in the supermarket and grocery sector. Its main products include fresh food, packaged groceries, household items, and online delivery services.

The company serves a broad customer base, including households across different income levels. Its key competitors include Coles Group, Aldi Australia, and IGA. These firms compete in pricing, product quality, and customer experience.

Woolworths focuses on value, convenience, and digital innovation such as online grocery delivery and mobile apps. According to its annual report, the company has invested heavily in supply chain efficiency and sustainability initiatives.

Evidence (example you should include):

• Woolworths Annual Report link
• Screenshot of online grocery platform

🔹 Part B: Market Dynamics (Approx. 400 words)

✔ Product Selected: Fresh Groceries

📉 Demand Factors:

1. Consumer Income
   Higher income increases demand for premium products.
2. Population Growth
   More population increases overall demand.
3. Consumer Preferences
   Growing demand for organic and healthy food.

📈 Supply Factors:

1. Production Costs
   Rising fuel and logistics costs reduce supply.
2. Technology
   Automation improves efficiency and increases supply.
3. Weather Conditions
   Poor weather affects agricultural output.

🔄 Impact of Changes:

• Increase in income → Demand curve shifts right
• Increase in costs → Supply curve shifts left
• Improved technology → Supply curve shifts right

👉 You must include a demand-supply graph showing shifts.

Evidence examples:

• News article on food inflation in Australia
• Woolworths pricing updates

🔹 Part C: Market Structure and Strategy (Approx. 400 words)

✔ Market Structure: Oligopoly

✔ Justification:

1. Few dominant firms (Woolworths, Coles, Aldi)
2. High barriers to entry (capital, supply chain, brand loyalty)
3. Product differentiation (branding, store experience, private labels)

✔ Strategic Implications:

• Pricing Strategy: Competitive pricing due to rival firms
• Innovation: Investment in online delivery and automation
• Advertising: Strong branding and loyalty programs

Woolworths uses data analytics and loyalty programs (Everyday Rewards) to maintain a competitive advantage.

Evidence examples:

• Market share reports
• Company marketing campaigns

🔹 Part D: Market Failure and Policy Response (Approx. 400 words)

✔ Market Failure: Environmental Externalities (Pollution & Waste)

Supermarkets contribute to plastic waste and food waste, which negatively impact society and the environment.

✔ Impact:

• Environmental damage
• Increased waste management costs
• Consumer concern about sustainability

✔ Government Policy:

The Australian government has introduced policies such as:

• Plastic bag bans
• Waste reduction targets

✔ Evaluation:

These policies partially address the issue but are not fully effective. While plastic use has reduced, food waste remains a major concern. More strict regulations and incentives may be required.

Evidence examples:

• Government sustainability reports
• Woolworths sustainability initiatives

🔹 Conclusion (Approx. 100 words)

Woolworths operates in a highly competitive oligopolistic market influenced by demand and supply factors. Its strategies are shaped by market structure and external pressures such as sustainability concerns. Government policies help address market failures but require further improvement for long-term effectiveness.

🔹 References (APA 7 Style – Example)

(You must format properly in your submission)

• Woolworths Group. (2024). Annual Report
• Australian Government Sustainability Report
• Market analysis articles

⚠️ Important Tips to Avoid Academic Issues:

• Rewrite everything in your own words
• Add real references and links
• Create your own graphs
• Do NOT copy-paste this directly