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

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" »

Competitive Environment Analysis

The Competitive Environment significantly affects a business within its industry. We use Porter’s Five Forces model for analysis.

The Five Forces Components

• Substitutes: Products or services that can replace yours. Fewer substitutes are better.
• Complements (Comps): Potential opportunities that enhance your product (e.g., ink for a printer).
• Rivals (Competitors): You want few rivals and high market demand.
• New Entrants: Undesirable; they are kept out via barriers to entry.
• Customers: The more customers you have, the less bargaining power each individual customer possesses. This applies to both B2B and B2C models.
• Suppliers: The more suppliers available, the better the terms and deals you can secure.

Adapting to Environmental

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.

The Urgent Need for Climate Action

The effects of climate change are a pressing concern for society. While much has been done to mitigate its impact, there is still much more to be done. In recent years, there has been a growing awareness of the need to take action to combat climate change. However, more action needs to be taken, and it must be taken quickly.

It is suggested that more measures be implemented to reduce carbon emissions and to increase the use of renewable energy sources. The government should also encourage people to make lifestyle changes to reduce their carbon footprint. It is hoped that, in the future, the effects of climate change can be minimized.

If more action were taken, the future would be brighter. However, it is not... Continue reading "The Urgent Need for Climate Action and the Impact of Technology on Jobs" »

Business Financing (Microcredits) Causes and Effects

Introduction

The goal of the present study is to analyze microcredits, their origin and their development. This report shows two dimensions. Firstly, the origin of microcredits and secondly, the effects in developed countries and in developing countries.

Origin of Microcredits

Microcredits are a kind of loan addressed to a part of the society who did not have enough means to pay back a loan with a higher amount, a fixed employment or a verifiable credit history. In addition, it has also served to finance entrepreneurs. The roots of this type of loan were originated in the 60’s by Muhamad Yunnus. The main cause of this creation was the financing of this type of people to acquire their houses,... Continue reading "Microcredits and China's Economic Expansion" »

Economic Index Numbers and Variable Comparison

Longitudinal Indexes and Growth Rates

Longitudinal indexes show changes of a variable across time related to its specific value at a reference year (base year).

• Growth rates of indexes calculated in this way accurately reflect the changes in the original variables.

Cross-Sectional Index Numbers

A cross-sectional index number relates the value of a variable for one country (i) with the value for a reference country or area (j), making it easier to comprehend the differences.

Comparing Economic Variables

Comparison in Different Currencies

• Use Exchange Rates (ER).

Comparison with Different Price Levels

• Use Purchasing Power Parities (PPP). PPP is an exchange rate which compares the cost in national currency

Comparative Advantage and Trade

Absolute vs. Comparative Advantage

Absolute advantage occurs when a country can produce more of a good with the same resources or produce the same good with fewer resources (higher efficiency). Comparative advantage exists when a country can produce a good at a lower opportunity cost than another country.

Illustrative Example

1. Before Specialization: Assume two countries, A and B, each allocating half their resources to produce wheat (W) and rice (R). Country A produces 50W and 40R, while Country B produces 100W and 50R.
2. After Specialization: Based on opportunity costs, Country A specializes in rice (80R), while Country B specializes in wheat (200W).
3. Trade: At a market price of 1W = 0.6R, Country B can export 100W and

Management Accounting

Management accounting measures, analyzes, and reports financial and non-financial information that helps managers make decisions to fulfill organizational goals. Management accounting need not be GAAP compliant. Managers use management accounting information to develop, communicate, and implement strategies, coordinate product design, production, and marketing decisions, and evaluate a company's performance. Behavioral and technical considerations recognize that management is primarily a human activity that should focus on encouraging individuals to do their jobs better.

Financial Accounting

Financial accounting focuses on reporting to external parties such as investors, government agencies, and banks. It measures and records

Product Classification Types

• Consumer Products

  Products sold directly to families and individuals for personal use, not to companies.

• Business Products

  Products sold to organizations, including small and large businesses.

Specific Product Categories

• Convenience Products

  Inexpensive items requiring minimal purchasing effort (e.g., toothpaste, basic groceries).

• Shopping Products

  Items for which consumers are willing to spend more money and effort comparing options (e.g., jeans, electronics).

• Component Parts

  Finished items that become part of a larger product.

• Process Materials

  Materials used directly in the production of other items (e.g., glue, chemicals).

The Four Stages of the Product Life Cycle

Industry profit changes significantly as a product moves through... Continue reading "Core Marketing Concepts: Product, Distribution, and Promotion" »