MN3205 - Emerging Markets
Assignment 1 guidance
Assignment 1 brief
· Essay (30%)
· Word limit: 1,500 (excluding appendices and references)
· Deadline: 14.02.2024 (Tuesday, 12 Noon)
Address the following question:
How do ‘institutional voids’ shape the characteristics of business in emerging markets? You must choose two emerging markets, compare the nature and role of institutional voids, and use examples from different industries to illustrate their impact.
In writing the assignment, you must consider the following points:
§ You should define institutional voids rigorously. In what ways do institutional voids distinguish emerging from developed markets? Why is the concept seen as important to understanding emerging markets?
§ Find space to make comparisons of institutional voids between the two chosen emerging markets. Which institutional voids reveal important similarities and differences between these two selected cases?
§ Use examples from different firms and industries to illustrate effectively the implications of institutional voids for firms in the two emerging markets. Examples should be to the point, and support your analysis of the concept of institutional voids
§ Consider carefully how to analyse and structure your essay, which should include an introduction, definitions and literature review, a comparison of institutional voids with illustrative examples, and a conclusion. Consider, too, how to connect all the sections through a clear argument and synthesis.
Structure [you are permitted to use sub-headings] [and also your own structure]
Introduction [for example 200 words]
Map-scope the study: set the boundary of the study, define what you understand by emerging markets. The idea of this introduction is two-fold: being able to signpost what you are going to discuss and providing a background of emerging markets in the context of the question.
Note: The question requires a critical understanding of emerging markets vis-à-vis advanced markets and other developing markets. It is important that you dig deep enough into the topic to avoid writing generic statements about institutional voids and emerging markets.
Main body [for example 1,100 words]
This is where you are expected to define rigorously what institutional voids are (don’t forget to reference!) and explain why the concept is seen as important to understanding emerging markets. You should also compare institutional voids in two emerging markets and illustrate through examples from different firms and industries. Make sure to back your arguments with relevant figures, facts and references (academic and non-academic).
To structure this section, you may start with a sub-section which includes core definitions and literature review, followed with another section that includes a comparison of institutional voids in two distinct emerging markets and examples.
Note: You are not limited to the few sections indicated above, please structure your work to suit your discussion.
Conclusion [for example 200 words]
Short synthesis-summary of the essay, reconsidering the background and main presentation of the concepts and arguments. No new issues should be introduced in this section.
Bibliography
Follow the Harvard format
Essay rubric - grading criteria
See Excel document on Moodle. Additionally, the following key issues should be addressed:
✓ Intellectual qualities expressed
✓ Structure and organisation
✓ Level of reading (academic and reputable sources)
✓ Quality of referencing [Harvard Reference Style]
✓ Writing style
Harvard referencing and plagiarism
§ Essay Writing and Referencing Guide 22-23
§ https://moodle.royalholloway.ac.uk/enrol/index.php?id=8879