Globalisation refers to the increased integration of the world economy. The process of globalisation involves increased trade, greater mobility of labour and capital and the increased interdependence of national economies. There are many aspects of globalisation that are irreversible. Improvement in transport and communication. Air travel has made it easier for people to travel around …
The size of current account deficit/surplus is affected by several factors including: Exchange rate (overvalued exchange rate would cause large deficit) Level of consumer spending (economic growth) and hence import spending Capital flows to finance deficit in long-term Saving rates – influencing level of import spending Relative inflation/competitiveness The current account measures: The balance of …
Since 1978 the Chinese economy has maintained economic growth at an average of nearly 8%. By western standards this is remarkable. The UK, by contrast, has grown at an average rate of 2.5%. However, despite the impressive figures, there are many serious economic problems resulting from economic growth. Chinese GDP In particular, the growth rate …
Definition of the Accelerator Effect The accelerator effect states that investment levels are related the rate of change of GDP. Thus an increase in the rate of economic growth will cause a correspondingly larger increase in the level of investment. But, a fall in the rate of economic growth will cause a fall in investment …
Readers Question: why some countries are more successful in attracting Foreign Direct Investment than others? Foreign direct investment (FDI) means companies purchase capital and invest in a foreign country. For example, if a US multinational, such as Nike built a factory for making trainers in Pakistan; this would count as foreign direct investment. In summary, …
Economic development implies an improvement in economic welfare through higher real GDP, but also through an improvement in other economic indicators, such as improved literacy, better infrastructure, reduced poverty and improved healthcare standards. Policies for economic development could involve: Improved macroeconomic conditions (create stable economic climate of low inflation and positive economic growth) Free market …
Definition of automation Automation refers to the process of automatically producing goods through the use of robots, control systems and other appliances with a minimal direct human operation. Within manufacturing industries, automation has led to increased labour productivity as fewer workers are needed to produce the same number of manufactured goods. A perceived downside of …
Microeconomics is concerned with the economic decisions and actions of individuals and firms. Within the broad church of microeconomics, there are different theories that emphasise certain assumptions and expectations of economic behaviour. The most important theory is neo-classical theory, which places emphasis on free-markets and the assumption individuals are rational and seek to maximise utility. …