Notes, summaries, assignments, exams, and problems for Economy

International Trade Policy Analysis

Impact of a 20% Tariff on Personal Computers

Given the following information, we will calculate the cost to consumers, the benefit to producers, the change in government revenue, and the deadweight costs of a proposed 20 percent tariff on personal computers.

Calculations for the 20% PC Tariff

With a 20% tariff, the price of personal computers increases from $2,000 to $2,400 (a $400 increase).

• Cost to Consumers (Loss in Consumer Surplus):
  The total loss in consumer surplus is the area of the trapezoid

Mercantilism (Dominant from The 16th to the 18th Century) - It's not efficient…Made a small group of people wealthy Emphasis on developing national power, building exports, getting bullion. Favored A large trade surplus, subsidizing big business, low wages.

Adam Smith - Is the "Father of Economics". Was a professor of Moral Philosophy in the Department of Logic. Made The Wealth of Nations in 1776. Describes the Building blocks of national economic wealth. Divisions of labor allows people To specialize Productivity rises up due to improvements in dexterity, ↓ use of Time, and lead to Interconnect Economy. Trade = another building block; leads People to act in their own self-interest. Argued FREE trade benefits all parties. NOT zero-sum "I... Continue reading "Economic Theories and Concepts: Mercantilism, Adam Smith, and More" »

Core Terminology for Merchandising Operations

Parties and Inventory Management

Retailer

A business that sells goods directly to the final user, the customer.

Wholesaler

A business that sells goods to retailers.

Merchandise

Goods purchased specifically to be resold to customers.

Inventory

The items of merchandise a business currently has in stock.

Sales Transactions and Revenue Recognition

Sales

A revenue account used to record the amount of merchandise sold.

Sales on Account

The sale of merchandise where payment will be received at a later date (a credit sale).

Charge Customer

A customer to whom a sale on account is made.

Credit Cards

A card issued by a business containing a customer’s name and account number that facilitates the sale on account.

Sales Slip

A

Government Economic Policies

1) Economic growth: the government will always want the economy to grow. They can encourage growth through helping private business to grow, through low business taxes or through government involvement in growth sectors such as new high tech industries.

2) Prices: the government will want to make sure that the general level of prices in the economy is effectively managed. Prices need to rise in a relatively slow and predictable way so that future contracts can be made where both sides know the value of what they pay or receive. Government policies to control inflation might include reducing spending or raising taxes when prices start to rise.

3) Income distribution: all economies are characterized by inequalities in... Continue reading "Government Economic Policies and Financial Instruments" »

Understanding Business Risk

The term business risk refers to the possibility of inadequate profits or even losses due to uncertainties, such as changes in tastes and preferences of consumers, strikes, increased competition, and changes in government policy. These risks are generally categorized into two types: speculative and pure.

Nature of Business Risks

• Business risks arise due to uncertainties: Natural calamities, changes in demand and prices, and shifts in technology are examples of uncertainties that create risks.
• Risk is an essential part of every business: No business can avoid risk. While it can be minimized, it cannot be entirely eliminated.
• Degree of risk depends on nature and size: For small-scale businesses, the risk is typically less,

Capital Adequacy Requirements

(A) To improve the capital adequacy requirements, Basel III provides a minimum capital requirement for Core Tier 1 capital adequacy ratios and a general capital adequacy ratio. It introduces capital retention capital, enhancing the bank's ability to absorb losses during a recession, and establishes countercyclical excess capital linked to excessive credit growth intervals. Large banks must provide additional capital requirements to reduce the moral hazard of being "too big to fail."

Strict Capital Deduction Limits

(B) For minority gains, goodwill, deferred tax assets, and non-consolidated investments in common equity of financial institutions, capital requirements have changed. This includes unrealized gains on debt... Continue reading "Basel III Capital and Liquidity Standards" »

China's Carbon Footprint: Challenges and Progress

Every nation faces unique challenges and opportunities in mitigating its emissions. China, as the world's largest emitter of carbon dioxide and a significant player in the global economy, serves as a compelling example.

Understanding China's Carbon Footprint

China's rapid economic growth and industrialization have led to a substantial carbon footprint. The country's high energy demands, primarily met by fossil fuels, have resulted in significant emissions. Additionally, with its vast population, the demand for consumer goods continues to rise, further contributing to its environmental impact.

China's Commitment to Renewable Energy

Despite these challenges, China has made considerable efforts to address... Continue reading "China's Carbon Footprint: Challenges and Renewable Energy Progress" »

Brand Sponsorship

1. Manufacturer and Private Brands

Manufacturers have historically dominated the retail scene. Today, retailers are creating their own private brands to set their own prices and fend off manufacturer competition. To succeed, retailers must invest in research and development (R&D), manage the high costs of stock, and effectively promote their products, which can be difficult to establish.

2. Licensing Brands

Creating a brand from scratch takes years and significant capital. Some companies choose to license names or symbols created by other manufacturers. For a fee, this provides an instant and proven brand identity.

3. Co-Branding

Co-branding occurs when two established brands from different companies create a new product to... Continue reading "Brand Sponsorship, Product Strategy, and Marketing Mix" »

1. Introduction: The European Union

Important dates: 7 enlargements:
- UK, Ireland, Denmark (1973)
- Greece (1981)
- Portugal and Spain (1986)
- Finland, Sweden, Austria (1995)
- 10 countries (2004)
- Bulgaria and Romania (2007)
- Croatia (2013)

7 treaties:
1. Treaty of Paris (1950): European Coal and Steel Community
2. Treaty of Rome (1957): EURATOM, EEC, ECSC.
3. Treaty of the European Single Act (1986): the Single Market.
4. Treaty of Maastricht (1991): the Treaty of the EU.
5. Treaty of Amsterdam (1996)
6. Treaty of Nice (2001)
7. Treaty of Lisbon (2009)

1 downsizing: Brexit (2019-?)

Aspects of the European Integration Model - Mechanisms:
- Single market.
- Customs Union.
- Single currency.
- European institutions.
- Interterritorial cohesion policies.
- Common... Continue reading "Understanding the European Union and Its Monetary Union" »