what could be a prospective economics dissertation topic in applied microeconomics?

Answer 1

Applied Micro seems like a contradition to me, but I'm a macro guy.

Here is an idea. Find an odd contract or auction type and try to explain it using mechanism design. I read a paper which attempted to explain ebay auctions with a "buy option". There is more than enough to study concerning the mechanics of online auctions in both theory and empirical research.

Answer 2

Is this an honors undergrad or Ph.D? Some of these may sound dumb if your a ph.d. student

I am assuming that you are just getting into your program. You should have a long time to think. The main thing about a Thesis is that it will be your life for quite a while so you have to choose something your interested in. What is is that interests you about your degree path?

Here is some stuff that you could do

- DEATH of walmart when will wallmart reach diseconomies to scale. Everyone in econ seems to be opinionated about walmart.

- The business modle of Itunes. How is that redefining recording labels

- The economics of cartoons. IE companies that produce animated productions are moving away from hand drawn cartoons... why? One look at cartoon network will have you scratching your head.

- Since we are on the subject. Video games is an industry that is going insane. Locate and examine a company that interests you.

It really makes me currious if this is your Ph.D. if it is then i recomend making it somethign that you can tote over your head with pride when you go looking for a job. Some of the ideas i gave would make a stupid Ph.D. thesis i think but who knows im not quite there yet.

I sure hope you have a few years to think it over. Email me if you wanna talk more about it.

Answer 3

Come on, haven't you picked up a single topic in all this time? What sparked your interest? What made you curious? You didn't hear a single thing in 4 years?

Answer 4

Something to do with small business owners.