Course: Economic Regulation: Theory and Evidence

Deadline for Term Paper submission: 18 Mar, 2011 (Presentation

at a latter date)

Term Paper (not more than 3500 words) and Presentation Topics for a
group (Choose any one)

1) Public Good versus Private Profit: To what extent do you think

regulation serves the purpose for which it is intended in India?
Try to analyse the problem in the context of any of the following
energy sector-

a) Electricity

b) Oil

2) Independence of Regulator: A regulator should is defined to be

independent as per the statute but one actually needs to do a
reality check to find out whether it holds good in India. In this
context, try to examine if the Capture Theory and
Interest/Pressure Groups related theories of regulation, as taught
to you in the class, is applicable. You may analyse in favour or
against by using case study of a sector which is regulated. If you
want you can also choose more than one sector.

3) Natural Monopoly in India: Are you aware of any sector in India

which has characteristics similar to natural monopoly? Try to do a
sectoral analysis and also suggests any policy solutions that you
think might take care of the problem in the best possible manner.

References: The main textbook for the theoretical background is

Viscusi et al. For empirical analysis in Indian context look out in
the internet. No specific papers/resources are being suggested at
this point and a degree of freedom is given to you to decide your
own terms of references for the above papers.

Prepare the term papers keeping in mind the criteria of judgment

which are:

1) Ability to apply a theory in practice

2) Ability to understand the applicability/limitations of a theory in

our country’s context

3) Ability to choose the right kind of references

4) Coordination and Teamwork

The marks would be given depending on your group’s paper and

presentation and also on your individual presentation. I would
expect each one of you to devote not more than 5 minutes while
presenting as a member of a group. The group’s presentation
should not exceed 25 minutes assuming there are 5 members
within a group.

Do’s and Don’ts

1) Don’t copy from any other papers/presentations that you

would be consulting for your term paper/presentation. If you
are interested in adopting somebody’s statement or opinion
put it within quote with proper references and
acknowledgment. If I find anybody who has not followed this
procedure, I would consider that as a case of plagiarism and
might as well deduct marks.

2) I would rather encourage you to assimilate the ideas from

other papers or resources and then try to express them in your
own thoughts and words. Even if they may appear quite
premature/crude, I would still give more importance to that.