Notes, abstracts, papers, exams and problems of Economy

OLIGOPOLY

A market structure characterized by a small number of sellers, each offering products that are similar or identical to those of their competitors. Examples of oligopolistic industries include chocolate bars, brewing, banking, oil, and supermarkets.

CONCENTRATION RATIO

The proportion of the total market share held by the top firms in an industry. For instance, a five-firm concentration ratio of 80% indicates that five companies control 80% of the market share.

GAME THEORY

The study of how individuals make decisions in strategic situations, considering the potential responses of others to their actions. Game theory is crucial for understanding oligopolies, as firms in these markets must act strategically due to the limited number of competitors.... Continue reading "Understanding Oligopolies: Market Structure, Game Theory, and Cooperation" »

Central Banks and Shadow Banking

Competencies of Central Banks

• Monetary Policy (open market operations)
• Exchange Policy
• Lender of Last Resort
  • Bank of Banks
  • Bank of the State (In the US but not in Europe)
• Supervision of the Financial System

Banks create credit, money, and thus purchasing power. The ability to create credit and purchasing power, for good or ill purposes, is not unique to banks.

Shadow banking activities can create credit and money equivalents outside the normal banking sector. Central banks have not been able to counter the unsustainable shadow banking boom and have lost the capacity to control the quantity of money.

History of the Spanish Financial System

The modern history of Spanish banking begins in 1856. The Parliament approved two... Continue reading "Central Banks, Shadow Banking, and Spanish Financial History" »

Perfect Competition Properties

• P=MR
• Many Producers
• Homogeneous Product
• Many Buyers
• Price Taker
• Complete Knowledge of Input and Producer Prices
• Easy Entry and Exit

Monopoly Properties

• Heterogeneous Product
• One Producer
• Many Buyers
• Difficult Entry
• Producers Decide Price

Monopolistic Properties

• Many Buyers & Producers
• Slightly Differentiated Products
• Good Substitutes
• Easy Entry and Exit
• Producers Decide Prices

Oligopoly Properties

• Small Number of Firms
• Homogenous or Heterogeneous Product
• Price Decided by Firms
• Non-Price Competition

Optimum Output Conditions

TP= TR-TC, TP Slope = Derivative TP/ Derivative Q, if = 0 Profit is Maximum, MR=MC

1. MR=MC
2. Rising MC
3. P=Minimum AC
4. Zero Economic Profit

Slope MR is Horizontal, Per Unit Profit = P –AC, Total Profit = (P-AC)Q

Profit Situation=... Continue reading "Understanding Market Structures and Optimum Output Conditions" »

Special Pricing Strategies

1. For a New Product

Different stages in a product’s life cycle involve different goals, which require different pricing strategies.

A. Market-Skimming Price

Setting a high price for a new product to skim maximum revenues layer by layer from segments willing to pay the high price; the company makes fewer but more profitable sales. Example: Apple introduces new products with high prices, and then, when the new model is introduced, the older model decreases in price.

Conditions:

• Good quality and image
• Enough buyers
• Profitable → revenues can’t be offset by the costs of producing on a small scale
• Competitors can’t enter easily

B. Market Penetration Price

Setting a low price for a new product in order to attract a large number... Continue reading "Effective Pricing Strategies for Businesses" »

Introduction

Good morning everyone and welcome to Airbnb. Thank you all very much for coming here today. My name is Michelle Romero and, as some of you know, I am responsible for management and analysis of tourism trends department and I have been working for Airbnb during 8 years.

Airbnb is a San Francisco based company and it was founded in 2008. Airbnb is a community market that publishes, advertises and reserves budget accommodation in more than 190 countries using online services. It is based on the 'Bed and Breakfast' mode that is where the 'bnb' comes from.

I would like to take this opportunity to explain you the purpose of my speech. It is to present the business model and to defend his position in the market. The main goal of our model... Continue reading "Airbnb: Business Model and Market Positioning" »

UNIT 8 TRADE AND MANAGEMENT

Partnership: A Case Study of Diamond

Introduction

A partnership is a business arrangement where two or more companies share profits and liabilities. It can offer both advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages of Partnership

Pros

• New Perspectives and Knowledge: Partnerships can bring in new ideas and expertise, helping companies take their products to the next level.
• Easier Market Entry: Partnerships can provide credibility and local knowledge, making it easier to establish a business in new countries.
• Increased Capital: Partnerships can provide access to more capital for potential investments.

Disadvantages of Partnership

Cons

• Shared Control: Partnerships require sharing control, which can be challenging.
• Disclosure of Secrets: Partnerships can lead to

The aging of the Canadian population will strongly influence our economy. Social policies need to be re-evaluated and insurance coverage needs to be properly addressed. Mortality rates are trending upwards for all age groups.

Sandy is a financial planner. She uses statistics to illustrate the importance of life insurance for her clients. The total number of deaths per year among the Canadian population is decreasing.

Victoria and Rafael are both in their late fifties. Victoria has a part-time retail job and Rafael is currently employed as a carpenter and expects to get full CPP benefits when he retires.

Tyler and Suzie follow their financial planner's advice and implement some risk control strategies. Which of the following strategies does not