BSB123 ASSESSMENT ITEM 2
Research Report Task
 
Due Date:    Wednesday 13^th January 2016– to be submitted to ASSIGNMENT MINDER
Word Limit:       1000 words, with a tolerance of 20%
Weighting:  20%
Submission:  As an individual OR a group of two (2) – if submitting as a pair, then only one report is submitted with both names on the cover sheet and report title page. Also it is fine to work with someone from a different workshop group or even a different campus.
 
Rationale
In this task, you will have the opportunity to deepen your understanding of the relevant statistical concepts and techniques by applying them to real world data
 
Topic - BHP
The Australian Stock Exchange (ASX) plays an important role within our economy. BHP Billiton, a leading global resources company, is an example of a company listed on the ASX. BHP Billiton is among the world’s largest producers of major commodities, including aluminium, copper, energy coal, iron ore, manganese, metallurgical coal, nickel, silver and uranium along with substantial interests in oil and gas. Considered by many as a "safe" investment option, the performance of this company will be considered in this task.
 
In this research report you will be analysing data which can be found in an EXCEL file available for download in the Assessment section of the BSB123 Blackboard site. The dataset contains the weekly BHP closing share prices for the period 11/1/1999 to 31/12/2012. This data has been sourced from Yahoo Finance.  The dataset includes the following columns:
 

• Week ending
• All ordinaries index
• BHP closing price
• All ordinaries return
• BHP return

 

 
If you are not familiar with any of the terminology used in this assessment item, we would recommend that you undertake some general reading on this topic. Information can be found on the Australian Stock Exchange (ASX) website; as well there are many online finance dictionaries which can be searched to define terms.
 
Tasks
As a research officer you have been asked to summarise, analyse and interpret the data. Specific tasks include the following:
 
·         Analysis of the weekly BHP closing prices
·         Analysis of the general distribution of returns
·         Analysis of the relationship, if any, between BHP and the All Ordinaries index returns
 
For each of the above components you should:
              i.    Prepare a table and/or chart to summarise the data
             ii.    Analyse & interpret the data; noting any key features
 
Please note that part of this task is for you to assess which is the most appropriate table/chart to use for each section of analysis and in some cases this will mean that you need to try various options before making your final decision.
 
You are to prepare a report to summarise your findings.
 
Report structure
As a research report your work should be presented in a professional manner and the report should be structured accordingly.
 
Marking Criteria
Your report will be assessed according to the criteria sheet provided on Bb. You should read through the criteria sheet carefully so as to be aware of the criteria on which your research report will be graded.
 
Please remember to attach a copy of the criteria sheet to the report you submit (it can be downloaded separately from the Blackboard site).
 
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Referencing
The research report is primarily based on the data provided. If however you wish to include additional information, then please include a bibliography. However please note that the focus of this research report is on the summation, analysis and interpretation of the data itself.
 
Late submissions and extensions
All information relating to the late submission policy and the procedure for applying for an extension is included on the Blackboard site in the Assessment section.