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

The Welfare State: A Social Contract

The welfare state is a system in which the government provides citizens with a minimum level of education, healthcare, and financial support, even during challenging circumstances such as illness, retirement, disability, or unemployment.

Types of Taxes

Value-Added Tax (VAT)

A tax levied on the price of goods or services paid by consumers.

Income Tax

A tax on the income earned by individuals or businesses, including salaries and profits.

Company Tax

A tax on the profits generated by companies.

Social Security Contributions

Taxes paid by both employers and employees to fund social security programs.

Measuring Social Inequality: The Gini Coefficient

The Gini coefficient is a measure of social inequality, ranging from 0... Continue reading "Understanding the Welfare State and Social Security: A Comprehensive Guide" »

SMART Objectives

SMART objectives: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound

Aims vs. Objectives

Difference between aims and objectives: Aims are general statements concerning the overall goals, ends, or intentions of teaching. Objectives are the individual stages that learners must achieve to reach these goals.

AIDA

AIDA: Attention, Interest, Desire, Action. The objective is close to the sale.

Marketing Mix

Marketing mix: 4 aspects to be considered in the market: product, price, distribution, and promotion.

KPIs

KPIs: Numbers related to the objectives set within our strategy or annual marketing plan.

The Boston Matrix

The Boston Matrix: Relationship with the commission and the growth of the market.

The Body Shop (Auditing)

How do the auditing

• Modes of International Business

  • Merchandise Exports & Imports

-This is the most common mode of international business.

-Merchandise exports and imports are tangible products. They can be seen leaving and entering a country.

• • Services Exports & Imports

They are international non-product sales and purchases.

• • • Tourism and Transportation:

Are important sources of revenue for airlines, shipping companies, travel agencies, and hotels.

• • • Performance of Services

This refers to company's earnings in the form of fees (payments for the performance of a service).

1. Turnkey Operation

Is a deal where a company takes all responsibility for constructing, fitting and staffing a building (such as a school, hospital or factory) so that it is completely ready for the purchaser... Continue reading "Modes of International Business and Investment" »

What is Economics?

Economics is the study of choices that people make to satisfy their needs and wants.

Factors of Production

• Land
• Labor
• Capital
• Entrepreneurship

Goal of Entrepreneurship

The goal of entrepreneurship is to be successful and maximize profit.

Why is Scarcity a Basic Problem of Economics?

Scarcity is a basic problem because wants are unlimited, even when resources are limited. Therefore, it's crucial to use resources effectively.

What Issues Must Producers Address to Distribute/Allocate Resources?

1. What to produce?
2. How to produce?
3. For whom to produce?

Why Do Producers Study Productivity?

Producers study productivity to determine if resources are being used wisely.

Why is Sacrifice an Important Element of Economic Choice?

Sacrifice forces people to... Continue reading "Understanding Economics: Principles and Applications" »

Business Ethics and Corruption in Spain

Introduction

This study analyzes business corruption in Spain, focusing on its origins and development. This report highlights two key dimensions: the causes and the effects of business corruption within the country.

Causes of Business Corruption

The primary cause of business corruption stemmed from exploiting the pre-crisis situation. The price of housing was well above its real value, a direct consequence of the inmobiliaria bubble. Furthermore, banks were granting high-risk mortgages without sufficient endorsement, famously known as subprime mortgages. While the risk of non-payment for these loans was exceptionally high, the profitability banks obtained was equally significant.

Another ethically incorrect... Continue reading "Business Corruption in Spain: Causes and Consequences" »

Executive Summary

This policy paper analyzes Venezuela's recent financial crisis and provides recommendations to the Venezuelan government regarding exchange rate policy.

Venezuela's Economic Crisis

Venezuela has experienced a rapid economic downturn since the implementation of socialist economic policies in 1999. The country's heavy dependence on oil exports to manage the economy has stifled private investment and created an over-reliance on imports for basic goods. The drop in global oil prices since 2013 has plunged Venezuela into hyperinflation, which exceeded 1.3 million percent in 2018. The nation's political turmoil has been exacerbated by a lack of economic development, corruption, and the devaluation of its currency, the Venezuelan Bolivar.... Continue reading "Venezuela's Financial Crisis: Exchange Rate Solutions" »

Chapter 1: Introduction to Economics

Economics is the study of how we choose to use resources to produce goods and services. There are four factors of production:

• Land: Natural resources, such as grass
• Labor: Human effort, such as work
• Capital: Tools and machinery used in production
• Entrepreneurship: The ability to combine the other factors of production to create goods and services

When making economic decisions, we consider marginal benefit (MB) and marginal cost (MC). If:

• MB > MC: It is beneficial to proceed
• MB = MC: This is the break-even point
• MB < MC: It is not beneficial to proceed

Economic theory simplifies economic reality, while economic policy involves remedial actions taken to solve economic problems. Economic goals include economic... Continue reading "Fundamentals of Economic Theory and Practice" »

Key Changes in Vocabulary

• Income (paragraph 1) Earnings
• Consultants (paragraph 4) Guidance Counselors
• Persist (paragraph 6) Remained
• Considerable (paragraph 7) Significant
• Enhance (paragraph 8) Complement Each Other
• Well Informed (paragraph 11) Fully Aware
• Present (paragraph 13) Current
• Results (paragraph 15) Outcomes
• Distant (paragraph 17) Remote
• Recognition (paragraph 18) Awareness

Key Phrases

• Deliberate B
• The Advantages D
• People Have A
• The Effort B
• Expanding Cities D
• Some Doubt A
• Beneath B
• Residents D
• Attempts C
• Greater Consideration C

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How will jobs change due to the fourth industrial revolution?

The fourth industrial revolution is expected to lead to the complete loss of some jobs, particularly those involving repetitive, production-... Continue reading "Impact of the Fourth Industrial Revolution on Jobs and Careers" »

International Trade and Export Marketing

Key Concepts in Exporting

31) The only marketing mix element applicable solely in export selling is Place.

32) Which of the following is not true about personal selling? E) To have a face-to-face meeting is not a requirement.

33) Export marketing requires all of the following except: E) Reaching retail customers.

34) The possible arrangements of responsibilities for handling exports include all except: E) Through an export department of an embassy.

35) Research has shown that exporting firms tend to: C) Receive unsolicited export orders.

Global Trade Dynamics

36) According to recent data on percent market share, which country is a dominant player in international trade? B) China

37) Governments commonly use activities... Continue reading "International Trade and Export Marketing: A Comprehensive Guide" »

International Capital Market Drivers

The volume of debt, equity, and currencies traded internationally has increased dramatically.

Key Drivers

1. Information Technology: This is the lifeblood of every nation's capital market because investors require information corresponding to risk levels. (Example: Big Data)
2. Deregulation: Instrumental in the expansion of the international capital market.
3. Financial Instruments: Greater competition in the financial industry is creating the need to develop innovative financial instruments. (Example: Securitization, Mortgage Loan)

Key Market Institutions

1. Interbank Market

Market in which the world's largest banks exchange currencies at spot and forward rates.

• Clearing Mechanisms: Important element of the interbank market.