Theme 1 Content Flashcards
1.1 - Nature of economics
What is the definition of PPF? (production possibility frontier)
1.1.4 - Production possibility frontiers
The maximum possible combination of goods that can be produced with current technology and resources.
1.1 Nature of Economics
What does a PPF curve show and why is it curved?
1.1.4 - Production possibility frontiers
It shows the maximum possible combination of goods that can be produced with current technology and resources. It is curved as both products depend on the same finite resource for their manufacture. Law of diminishing returns
1.1 Nature of Economics
Why is a PPF graph curved?
1.1.4 - Production possibility frontiers
Law of diminishing returns - there comes a point where an added production factor has less of an impact.
1.1 Nature of Economics
Sketch a PPF showing:
unobtainable, efficient, inefficient, firm specialising in one product:
1.1.4 - Production possibility frontiers
1.1 Nature of Economics
Define specialisation
1.1.5 - Specialisation and the division of labour
The production of a limited range of goods by an individual organisation.
1.1 Nature of Economics
Name an example of Division of Labour + EXPLAIN WHY USEFUL
1.1.5 - Specialisation and the division of labour
Production of cars. Different people produce different parts: Wheels, doors, engines.
Increasing productivity due to less time taken and reduces cost of production
1.1 Nature of Economics
4 functions of money
1.1.5 - Specialisation and the division of labour
- Medium of exchange
- Measure of value
- Store of value
- Method of deferred payment
1.1 Nature of Economics
Adam Smith (18th C)
1.1.5 - Specialisation and the division of labour
Father of modern economic theory. Described specialisation and the division of labour in a pin factory.
1.1 Nature of Economics
What are the advantages of specialisation
1.1.5 - Specialisation and the division of labour
- Increased Productivity: Specialization allows workers to become more skilled in specific tasks, leading to higher efficiency. –> leads to higher profits for businesses
- Economies of Scale: Larger quantities of identical goods can be produced more efficiently.
- Lower Costs: Reduced training time and waste contribute to cost savings –> higher real incomes and GDP growth. When successful key cause of economic growth
1.1 Nature of Economics
Disadvantages of Specilisation
1.1.5 - Specialisation and the division of labour
- Monotony: Workers may find repetitive tasks monotonous, leading to job dissatisfaction.
- Dependency: An economy heavily dependent on a single industry or export can be vulnerable to economic shocks.
- Lack of flexibility - for example, if the companies eventually move elsewhere, the workforce left behind can struggle to adapt
1.1 Nature of Economics
Advantages of Specializing for Trade
1.1.5 - Specialisation and the division of labour
- Comparative Advantage: Nations can focus on producing goods and services where they have a comparative advantage, leading to higher efficiency.
- Increased Standard of Living: Trade allows access to a wider variety of goods and services, enhancing overall living standards
1.1 Nature of Economics
Disadvantages of Specializing for Trade
1.1.5 - Specialisation and the division of labour
- Vulnerability to External Shocks: Reliance on trade exposes nations to risks, such as changes in global demand or supply disruptions.
- Income Inequality: Specialization may benefit certain industries or regions more than others, leading to income inequality.
1.1 Nature of Economics
Free Market Economy
1.1.6 - Free Market Economies, Mixed Economy and Command Economy
- Markets allocate scarce resources
- Suppliers are driven by the profit motive
- Private sector is dominant
- Consumer tastes and preferences are really important
- Key figures: Adam Smith, who advocated for the “invisible hand” of the market to allocate resources efficiently.
1.1 Nature of Economics
Mixed Economy
1.1.6 - Free Market Economies, Mixed Economy and Command Economy
- Mix of state and private ownership of businesses
- Government intervention in most markets
- The mix of state and market forces will vary from country to country
- Example: Most modern economies, including the United States, have mixed economic systems.
1.1 Nature of Economics
Command Economy
1.1.6 - Free Market Economies, Mixed Economy and Command Economy
- Most resources are state owned (nationalised)
- Government planning allocates most scarce resources
- Little role for market prices and the profit motive
- In a command economy, the government or central authority makes all economic decisions.
- Key figures: Karl Marx, who envisioned a classless society with centralized planning, and Friedrich Hayek, a critic of central planning who believed in free markets.
1.1 Nature of Economics
Advantages of a Free Market Economy
1.1.6 - Free Market Economies, Mixed Economy and Command Economy
- Efficiency: Competition incentivizes firms to produce efficiently and innovate. Competition also helps keep prices low
- Consumer Choice: Consumers have a wide range of choices in products and services.
- Economic Growth: Free markets can lead to rapid economic growth and higher living standards.
- Example: The United States’ free-market system has led to significant technological advancements and economic growth.
1.1 Nature of Economics
Disadvantages of a Free Market Economy
1.1.6 - Free Market Economies, Mixed Economy and Command Economy
- Inequality: Income and wealth disparities can be significant.
- Lack of Public Goods: Some essential services may be underprovided without government intervention (e.g., public healthcare).
- Boom-Bust Cycles: Free markets can be prone to economic cycles of booms and busts.
- Example: The 2008 financial crisis exposed some of the shortcomings of unregulated financial markets.
1.1 Nature of Economics
Advantages of a Command Economy
1.1.6 - Free Market Economies, Mixed Economy and Command Economy
- Equality: Command economies aim to reduce income inequality through central planning.
- Stability: Central control can provide stability during crises.
- Prioritizing Social Goals: Resources can be directed toward public services and social welfare.
- Example: North Korea’s command economy focuses on central planning and state control
1.1 Nature of Economics
Disadvantages of a Command Economy
1.1.6 - Free Market Economies, Mixed Economy and Command Economy
- Problems in fixing prices of goods and services - planners are unlikely to be as good as the market in determining suitable prices
- Lack of Incentives: Central planning may discourage innovation and individual initiative. Also leading to low productivity
- Resource Misallocation: Inefficient allocation of resources can lead to shortages or surpluses.
- Bureaucracy: Command economies often involve complex bureaucracies.
- Example: The collapse of the Soviet Union highlighted the challenges of central planning.