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SS 2 Economics

These values indicate the extent to which a given dataset or set of values converges toward the central point of the data.

 

Measures of central tendency, also known as measures of location, provide statistical insights into the middle, center, or average of a dataset. They encompass the arithmetic mean, median, and mode.

 

MEAN: Representing the average of variables in a study, it is the most prevalent form of average. For group data, the mean is calculated using the formula ∑fx / ∑f, where ∑ denotes summation, f is frequency, and x is observation.

 

MEDIAN: This refers to the middle number in a given distribution and is calculated by the formula Median = L + (N/2 – Fb)c / f. Here, L is the lower-class limit, N is the sum of frequencies, Fb is the cumulative frequency before the median class, f is the frequency of the median class, and c is the class size.

 

MODE: Identifying the number with the highest frequency in a distribution, the mode is determined by the formula Mode = L + D1 / D1 + D2, where L is the lower-class boundary of the modal class, D1 is the frequency difference between the modal class and the class before it, D2 is the frequency difference between the modal class and the class after it, and c is the width of the modal class.

 

Example: Consider a dataset of JSS 3 mathematics marks without the table:

 

Marks: 1-5, 6-10, 11-15, 16-20, 21-25, 26-30

Frequency: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7

 

Using this information, calculate the mean, median, and mode.

 

Solution:

 

  1. Mean: ∑fx = 506, ∑f = 27

   Mean = 506 / 27 ≈ 18.7

 

  1. Median: Using the provided data and formula, the median is calculated as 20.

 

  1. Mode: Employing the formula for mode, the result is approximately 26.125.

 

 

 

Theory Of Consumer Behaviour

The theory of consumer behaviour also called the theory of household behaviour, focuses on how individuals or households allocate their limited income among various commodities to achieve equal satisfaction.

 

What is utility?

Utility is the satisfaction derived from consuming a specific commodity. Thus, when a consumer finds satisfaction in consuming a commodity, it indicates that the commodity possesses utility.

 

Utility is relative to the consumer and depends on factors such as time, place, and form. A commodity satisfying one consumer’s want at a particular time and place may not fulfill another’s desire.

 

Two main schools of thought analyze utility: the Cardinal School of Thought and the Ordinal School of Thought.

 

Cardinal School Of Thought

This approach asserts that utility is measurable. After consuming a certain quantity of a commodity, a consumer can evaluate satisfaction using figures ranging from zero to infinity.

 

Assumptions Of Cardinal Approach

  1. Utility is measurable.
  2. The consumer is rational.
  3. There is diminishing marginal utility.
  4. Total utility (TU) depends on the quantity consumed.
  5. The consumer’s money income is constant.

 

Concept Of Total, Average, And Marginal Utility

Total Utility: The overall satisfaction a consumer derives from consuming a commodity at a specific point in time. While utility increases with the quantity consumed, it does so at a decreasing rate due to a saturation point.

 

Average Utility: Derived by dividing total utility by the units of the commodity consumed. It represents satisfaction per unit of the commodity consumed (AU = TU/Q).

 

Marginal Utility: Additional satisfaction from consuming an extra unit of a commodity. It is the change in total utility resulting from consuming an additional unit (MU = ∆TU/∆Q).

 

In the context of utility analysis, a utility schedule provides a detailed account of the relationship between the quantity of a consumed good and various utility measures, including Total Utility (TU), Average Utility (AU), and Marginal Utility (MU). Each row in the schedule corresponds to a different quantity of the commodity consumed.

 

Quantity 1:

  1. Total Utility (TU): At a quantity of 1, the total satisfaction derived is 4 units.
  2. Average Utility (AU): Since only one unit is consumed, the average utility is also 4 units.
  3. Marginal Utility (MU): For the first unit consumed, marginal utility is not applicable and is represented as “–” in the schedule.

 

Quantity 2:

  1. Total Utility (TU): The satisfaction increases to 7 units with the consumption of the second unit.
  2. Average Utility (AU): Calculated by dividing the total utility (7) by the quantity consumed (2), resulting in an average utility of 3.5 units.
  3. Marginal Utility (MU): The additional satisfaction from the second unit is 3 units.

 

Quantity 3:

  1. Total Utility (TU): Further consumption brings the total satisfaction to 9 units.
  2. Average Utility (AU): The average utility decreases slightly to 3 units (9/3).
  3. Marginal Utility (MU): The additional satisfaction from the third unit is 2 units.

 

Quantity 4:

  1. Total Utility (TU): With the consumption of the fourth unit, the total satisfaction reaches 10 units.
  2. Average Utility (AU): Calculated as 10/4, resulting in an average utility of 2.5 units.
  3. Marginal Utility (MU): The marginal utility for the fourth unit is 1 unit.

 

Quantity 5:

  1. Total Utility (TU): Despite consuming an additional unit, the total satisfaction remains at 10 units, indicating a saturation point.
  2. Average Utility (AU): Drops to 2 units (10/5).
  3. Marginal Utility (MU): The additional satisfaction from the fifth unit is 0 units, implying no increase in total satisfaction.

 

The utility schedule illustrates the changing dynamics of total, average, and marginal utility as the quantity of the consumed good varies, providing insights into consumer satisfaction patterns and the diminishing marginal utility principle.

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN TOTAL UTILITY AND MARGINAL UTILITY

The Marginal Utility (MU) starts to decline after consuming the first unit, reaching zero on the x-axis. Total Utility (TU) peaks when MU hits zero, and as MU descends below the x-axis, TU starts to decrease.

 

 

 

Change In Quantity Demanded

A change in quantity demanded refers to a shift along a specific demand curve, influenced solely by price. The demand curve remains unchanged when there is a shift in quantity demanded, as only the price of the commodity is responsible for this alteration, with all other factors held constant.

 

Illustrated in the provided diagram, the movement from point A to B occurs as the price decreases from $50 to $30, resulting in an increase in quantity demanded from 60 to 80 units. This movement signifies a change along the same demand curve.

 

Further variations in price, whether an increase or decrease, will similarly impact movement along the existing demand curve.

 

Changes in demand occur when various quantities of goods and services are sought at a specific price due to factors beyond the commodity’s price, such as shifts in taste, fashion, or income. This change prompts a shift of the demand curve to a new position — a rightward shift denotes an increase in demand, while a leftward shift indicates a decrease.

 

Conversely, a change in quantity supplied is solely influenced by price, leading to movement along the same supply curve.

 

Change in supply is instigated by factors other than the commodity’s price, resulting in a physical shift of the supply curve to the right (increase) or left (decrease).

 

Changes in demand and supply disrupt the initial equilibrium, creating a new equilibrium and affecting the market equilibrium price and quantity. Increases in demand lead to an elevated equilibrium price (from P1 to P2) and quantity (from Q1 to Q2). Conversely, a decrease in demand causes a reduction in both equilibrium price (from P1 to P2) and quantity (from Q1 to Q2). An increase in supply lowers the equilibrium price (from P1 to P2) but raises the equilibrium quantity (from Q1 to Q2). Conversely, a decrease in supply raises the equilibrium price (from P1 to P2) but diminishes the equilibrium quantity (from Q1 to Q2).

 

 

Elasticity Of Demand

Definition Of Elasticity Of Demand

Elasticity of demand may be defined as the degree of responsiveness of demand as changes in price, income, prices of other commodities etc.

 

Types of Elasticity of Demand

Price elasticity of demand

Income elasticity of demand

Cross elasticity of demand

 

Price Elasticity Of Demand

Price elasticity of demand is the degree of responsiveness of demand for a particular commodity to changes in its price.  It is the rate at which the quantity demanded changes as its price changes.

To measure the price elasticity of demand we use the formula:

   % change in Quantity Demanded

 

% change in price

This formula can be broken down or simplified as:

 

Old Quantity – New Quantity  X  100

Old quantity

 

E=       Old Price – New Price   X 100

 

Old Price

 

Illustration

When the price of a given product is reduced from N90 to N80, the quantity demanded increases from 50 to 60 units.   Deduce the coefficient of elasticity of demand.

 

Solution

Old price = N90, New price = N80

 

Change in price = 80 – 90 = -10

=    10   x  100    

 

90         1               =   11.1%

 

Old quantity = 50, New quantity = 60

 

Change in quantity = 60 – 50 = 10

 

=  10  x  100

 

50         1     =  20%

 

PE      =      20

 

11.1    =   1.8%

 

Types Of Price Elasticity Of Demand

The types of elasticity of demand and their graphical representation can be shown as follows:

Perfectly Elastic (or Infinitely Elastic) Demand.

Consumers react sharply to changes in price. They are willing to buy all the goods available at a particular price and none at all at a slightly higher price. The co-efficient of elasticity tends to infinity.

 

  1. Perfectly Inelastic (or Zero Elasticity) Demand

When the quantity demanded remains the same regardless of the change in price. The demand is said to be perfectly inelastic. The co-efficient of elasticity is zero

 

Unitary (or Unity) Elasticity of Demand

This is the situation where a change in price or income brings about the same percentage change in the quantity demanded. The coefficient of elasticity of demand is equal to 1

 

Price

Fairly Elastic Demand

In this case, a small percentage change in price gives rise to more than proportionate change in the quantity demanded.  For example, where a 20% fall in price leads to a 50% rise in demand, the coefficient of elasticity is greater than 1 but less than infinity.

 

Inelastic Demand (Fairly Inelastic Demand)

When a change in price of a commodity leads to a less than proportionate change in the quantity demanded then demand is inelastic e g a 15% increase in price bringing about 10% decrease in quantity demanded.

 

The coefficient of elasticity is less than 1 but greater than zero

 

FACTORS AFFECTING (OR DETERMINING) ELASTICITY OF DEMAND

Availability of Close Substitutes: A commodity that has close substitutes is likely to have an elastic demand

Degree of Necessity of the Goods: If a commodity is a necessity or a near-necessity, increase or

decrease of its price are not likely to affect its demand

Proportion of Consumer’s Income that Is Spent on that Commodity: Generally the higher a persons income, the more inelastic his demand for commodities

Habit: If a consumer has become addicted to a commodity, his demand for the good will tend to be monastic. An increase in the price of the commodity may therefore not affect (reduce) his quantity demanded.

The Level of Consumer’s Income: The larger the income of the consumer the more inelastic is his demand for commodities. On the other hand, the demand of consumers with low income tends to be elastic.

Cheap Commodities: The cost of some commodities are relatively insignificant and as such consumers demand for them will be inelastic.

 

 

 

Elasticity Of Supply

The elasticity of supply can be defined as the degree of responsiveness of change in quantity supplied as a result of price change.  The elasticity of supply measures the extent to which the quantity of a commodity supplied by a producer changes as a result of a little change in the price of the commodity.

 

Measurement Of Elasticity Of Supply

The elasticity of supply can be measured or calculated by using the coefficient of price elasticity of supply.  The formula used in calculating the elasticity of supply is :

 

Elasticity of supply (ES)  =  % change in supply

 

% change in price            =            %∆QS

 

% ∆P       where ∆ = Change

 

QS = Quantity supplied

 

P = Price

 

% = Percentage

 

The table below shows the relationship between prices of goods and the unit of commodity supplied.

 

Price  (N)                    Quantity Supplied

 

                 9                                850

 

10                              1000

 

11                              1,150

 

Calculate the elasticity of supply when price falls from N10.00 to N9.00 State whether the supply in (iii) above is elastic or inelastic (WASSCE 1994)

New Qty  –  Old Qty      x    100

 

Old Qty                         1

Old  Quantity  =  1000

 

New  Quantity  = 850

 

New – Old   x  100

 

Old         1

 

850  –  1000   x   100

 

1000                   1

 

  150   x   100   =  15%

 

1000     1

 

Old  Price  =  N10

 

New Price   =  N9

 

New Price – Old Price   x  100

 

Old Price                1

 

  9 – 10    x   100   =   1    x    100   =   10%

 

10                1        10           1

 

Elasticity of Supply =  15   =  1.5

 

10

 

Types Of Elasticity Of Supply

Perfectly (Zero) Inelastic Supply: Supply is said to be perfectly inelastic if a change in price has no effect whatsoever on the quantity of commodity supplied. In this case, elasticity is equal to zero, E = 0

 

Fairly Inelastic Supply: Supply is said to be inelastic, if a change in price leads to a smaller or slight change in the quantity of goods supplied. In this case, elasticity is less than one but greater than zero, E > 0 < 1                                      s

 

Unity or Unitary Elastic Supply: Supply is said to be unitary when a change in price leads to an equal change in the quantity of goods supplied. In other words, a 5% change in price will equally lead to a 5% change in supply. In this case, elasticity of supply is equal to one, E = 1.

 

Fairly Elastic Supply: Supply is said to be fairly elastic if a small change in price leads to a greater change in the quantity of commodity supply. In this case, elasticity is greater than one but less than infinity, E > 1 < o0.

Perfectly ( Infinitely ) Elastic Supply: Supply is said to be perfectly elastic when a change in price brings about an infinite effect on the quantity of goods supplied. In other words, a slight increase in price can make producer to increase the supply of the commodity, while a slight decrease in price will make producer to stop the supply of the commodity. In this case, elasticity is equal to infinity, E = o0.

 

 

Factors Affecting Elasticity Of Supply

Cost of Production: The low cost of production normally results in elastic supply, and while the high cost of production results in inelastic supply.

Nature of Goods: While durable goods are inelastic  due to their nature, perishable goods are elastic in supply.

Cost of Storage: Producer will supply all their goods to the market if the cost of storage is very thereby making the supply to be elastic, and vice – versa.

Time: This relates mainly to agricultural produces which remain for a long time in the farm before they are harvested. Before their harvest, their supply is inelastic but after harvest, it becomes elastics.

Market Discrimination: Elasticity of supply of a commodity depends on where it is sold. When few commodities are sold at a particular location as a result of lower price, such commodity can be taken to another location where the price are higher. In this  case, supply is elastic and vice – versa.

Availability of Storage Facilities: The availability of storage facilities leads to inelastic supply after harvest, while non – availability of storage facilities leads to elastic supply.

 

 

 

Income Elasticity Of Demand

Income elasticity of demand is the degree of responsiveness of quantity  demanded of a commodity to a little change in consumer’s income. That is, it measures how changes in income of consumers will affect the quantity of commodities demanded by such consumers.

 

Mathematically, income elasticity of demand is expressed as:

% change in Quantity Demanded

 

% change in Income

 

When the percentage change in income brings about an equal change in the quantity demanded, then income elasticity is unit.

 

When the percentage change in income is greater than the percentage change in quantity demanded, income elasticity is less than unit, hence income is inelastic.

 

When the percentage change in quantity demanded is greater than the percentage change in income, then income elasticity is greater than unit, hence income elasticity is elastic.

 

Types Of Income Elasticity Of Demand

Positive Income Elasticity of Demand: is the type of income elasticity of demand in which an increase in income of consumer will equally lead to an increase in the quantity of commodity demanded. This is applicable majorly to normal goods.

Negative Income Elasticity of Demand: is the type in which an increase in income of consumers will lead to a decrease in the quantity of commodity demanded. This is applicable to inferior goods.

 

Illustration: The table below shows the various income and demand for different commodities.

Income                                   Quantity Demanded

#                                                             Kg

20,000                                                   120

36,000                                                   96

40,000                                                   160

44,000                                                   200

45,000                                                     240

47,000                                                     252

  1. a) Calculate the income elasticity between (i) A and B (ii) C and D (iii) E and F
  2. b) What kind of good relationship is between (i) A and B (ii) C and D

 

 

SOLUTION

 

Income Elasticity of Demand      =        % Change in Quantity Demanded

 

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% Change in Income

 

(a)        Income Elasticity of Demand

 

i           Between A and B

 

= 120– 96 x 100

 

120                                       = 0.25

 

36000 – 20,000 x 1000

 

20,000

 

ii           Between C and D

 

200 – 160 x 100

 

160                                            = 2.5

 

44000 – 40,000 x 100

 

40,000

 

iii          Between E and F

 

252   –    240    x 100

 

240

 

= 1.125

 

47000 –  45000 x 100

 

45000

 

(b)   i.    Giffen goods or inferior good

 

Normal goods

It should be re-emphasized that positive income elasticity of demand is for ‘normal’ or ‘superior’ or ‘luxury goods’, whereas Negative income elasticity of demand is for ‘abnormal’, or ‘inferior goods.

 

 

 

 

Cross Elasticity Of Demand

Cross Elasticity of Demand is the degree of responsiveness of quantity demanded of commodity X to a little change in the price of commodity Y.  Cross elasticity of demand is applicable mainly to goods that are close substitute as well as complementary goods.   For example the demand for Milo will increase as a result of an increase in the price of Bournvita, all other things being equal.

 

Mathematically, cross elasticity of demand can be expressed as

 

% change in quantity demanded of commodity  X

 

% change in price of commodity Y

 

Types Of Cross Elasticity Of Demand

Positive Cross Elasticity of Demand: With substitute goods, the cross elasticity of demand is always positive, ( ie greater than zero), which means it is Elastic. This positive relationship is high with close substitutes and low with substitutes not very close.

 

Negative Cross Elasticity of Demand: With complementary (or jointly demanded goods), eg car and petrol, the cross elasticity of demand is always negative ( ie less than zero), which means it is Inelastic. Here, too, a high negative cross elasticity of demand indicates that the goods involves are highly complementary and, vice versa, i.e, a low negative cross elasticity of demand means that the goods concerned are not highly complementary.

 

The table below shows the response of quantity demanded to changes in price for two pairs of commodities. Use the table to answer the questions that follow:

 

Commodities            Changes in            Commodities              Changes in Quantity

Price                                                           Demanded

 

Old#         New#                                          Old kg       New kg

 

Bread                         25             40                 Yam                      1000          3000

 

Liter of petrol            50           100                  Car                         400             250

 

Calculate the cross elasticity of demand for : (i) Bread and Yam, (ii) Petrol and Car.

 

Solution:

Cross elasticity of demand for bread and yam

Let x = yam,  y = bread

Old demand = 1000kg, New demand = 3000kg

Change in demand = 3000 – 1000 = 2000kg

2000     x   100

=  1000             1         =   200%

Old price = #25, New price = #40

Change in price = 40 – 25 = #15

15   x    100

25            1               =60%

CE  =  200           

60             =   3.3%

 

Cross elasticity of demand for petrol and car

Let x = car, y = petrol

Old demand = 400, New demand = 250

Change in demand = 400 – 250 = 150cars

150    x   100

400            1        = 37.5%

Old price = #50, New price = #100

Change in price = 100 – 50 = #50

50   x   100

50          1            = 100%

CE = 37.5

100         =  0.4%

 

 

 

Price Control/ Legislation

Price Control Policy

The Price Control Policy is characterized as a procedure in which the government or its designated agency establishes the pricing of essential commodities. In essence, it involves the government utilizing legal means to determine the prices of specific goods, with options including both maximum and minimum price control. In Nigeria, the Price Control Board is responsible for implementing and overseeing price regulations on essential commodities.

 

Objectives Of Price Control Policy

  1. Preventing the exploitation of consumers by producers.
  2. Managing or preventing inflation.
  3. Supporting low-income earners, such as those earning minimum wage.
  4. Controlling the profits of companies, particularly monopolists.
  5. Preventing price fluctuations of certain goods, such as agricultural produce.
  6. Stabilizing the income of producers, such as farmers.
  7. Facilitating future output planning.

 

Types Of Price Control Policy

Minimum Price Control Policy: This establishes the legally lowest price for goods and services, allowing buyers to offer a higher, but not lower, price. The primary purpose is to ensure a minimum income for workers, especially during inflation, and to safeguard agricultural producers from income decline due to bumper harvests. However, it may lead to excess supply and unemployment in labor markets, as well as the emergence of a black market.

 

Maximum Price Control Policy: This sets the legally highest price at which goods and services can be sold. Sellers can offer prices below it but not above it. The objective is to protect consumers, particularly the poor, during periods of rising prices. This often results in excess demand, shortages, black market activities, secret sales, and rationing.

 

Effects of Price Control Policy

  1. a) Hoarding of goods
  2. b) Stimulation of demand, leading to excess demand
  3. c) Shortages of goods in the market
  4. d) Queues for the concerned goods
  5. e) Black market dealing and under-the-counter sales
  6. f) Reduction in supply
  7. g) Rationing of goods
  8. h) Favouritism, bribery, and corruption

 

 

Rationing And Hoarding

Rationing

Rationing is an economic circumstance characterized by a shortage of essential commodities in the market. Under this condition, consumers are granted access to these commodities in specified quantities and regulated time intervals. The scarcity of essential goods may be artificially induced, often by certain individuals aiming to derive super-normal profits from their sales.

 

Impacts of Rationing:

  1. Denies certain individuals’ access to essential commodities.
  2. Involves struggles and uncertainties.
  3. Insufficient rationing negatively impacts people’s standard of living.

 

Hoarding

Hoarding refers to a deliberate action taken by a seller or producer to create an artificial scarcity of a specific commodity by storing it and refraining from releasing it to the market. This tactic is often employed to inflate the selling price of commodities to make excessive profits, or by refusing to adhere to the government-regulated lower prices for essential commodities.

 

Impacts of Hoarding:

  1. Leads to artificial scarcity.
  2. Causes prices to rise.
  3. Non-availability of goods due to artificial scarcity affects the economic and material well-being of the people.

 

Black Market

The black market is a market situation where trading transactions and resource allocations occur outside the conventional norms of market forces, demand and supply, or government-set prices for essential commodities. This market pattern deviates from the fundamental principles of open exchange, operating in secrecy and hence earning its designation as the black market.

 

Impacts of the Black Market:

  1. Leads to the exploitation of consumers.
  2. Results in favouritism, corruption, and bribery.
  3. Adversely affects economic growth and development.
  4. Creates opportunities for abnormal profits for some producers.

 

 

 

Production Possibility Curve

A production possibility curve (PPC) is a graphical or diagrammatic illustration of all possible bundles or combinations of two types of goods which a society can produce using its present level of resources and given the existing level of technology.

 

The idea behind the production possibility curve is that to produce a particular commodity, the production of another commodity has to be sacrificed.

 

For example, the production possibility curves for the production of cattle and motor vehicles in South Africa.

 

Production Possibility Table for The Production of Cattle and Motor Vehicles by South Africa

 

Possible combination              head of cattle              no of motor vehicles

 

A                                             200                              0

 

 

B                                             170                              30

 

C                                             100                              70

 

D                                             80                                130

 

E                                              40                                150

 

F                                              0                                  180

 

The table shows the alternative open to South Africa to substitute the production of cattle for vehicles monthly, assuming a given state of technology and a given total of resources.

Production Possibility Curve for the Production of Cattle and motor Vehicles in South Africa.

 

Interpretation Or Points To Note From The Graph

Points A to F on the graph indicate the efficient use of resources

At points O and P (outside the curve), production is not feasible. Production of these points is not feasible due to the limited resources and technology.

At points K and L (inside the curve), production is feasible. It represents where resources are not efficiently utilized.

The downward slope of the PPC indicates that there is an opportunity cost of producing more of one type of commodity and less of the other due to limited resources and technical know-how

LAW OF DIMINISHING RETURNS OR VARIABLE PROPORTION

This law refers to a short-run production situation.  The law of diminishing returns states that as more of the variable factor (e.g. labour or capital) is added to other factors which are constant (e.g. land), outputs will eventually increase at a decreasing rate.

 

The law of diminishing returns follows three stages, these are;

Increasing returns

Constant returns

Decreasing returns

 

Concept Of Total Product (Tp), Average Product (Ap) And Marginal Product (Mp)

TOTAL PRODUCT (TP): Total product refers to the total quantity of goods produced at a particular time as a result of the use of all the factors of production.

Symbolically written as TP = AP X Q

 

total                                                        Point of diminishing returns

 

output                                                                          TP

 

Average Product (Ap): Average product is defined as the output per unit of the variable factor (labour or capital) employed. This is obtained by dividing the total output by the number of labour or capital employed.Symbolically written as AP­:TP/Q

Y

 

AP

 

AP

 

3.Maginal Product (Mp): This is the additional product produced as a result of the application of additional unit of a variable factor when all other factors are fixed.

 

MP

 

Unit of labour

 

MP

 

Symbolically written as MP = CHANGE IN TP/CHANGE IN VARIABLE FACTOR =

 

TP1 – TPO

 

Q1 –QO

 

Total Product, Average Product And Marginal Product

VARIABLE UNIT           FIXED FACTOR       TOTAL PRODUCT   AVERAGE PRODUCT   MARGINAL PRODUCT

 

OF LABOUR        hectares of land       (Kg)                              (Kg)                              (kg)

 

1                                  3                      8                                  8                                  ……

 

2                                  3                      18                                9                                  10

 

3                                  3                      36                                12                                18

 

4                                  3                      48                                12                                12

 

5                                  3                      55                                11                                7

 

6                                  3                      60                                10                                5

 

7                                  3                      60                                86                                0

 

8                                  3                      56                                7                                   -4

 

Relationship between total product, average product and marginal product.

The relationship between total products, average product and marginal product can be demonstrated by a graph. Both TP and MP initially rise. The TP curve remains at maximum point when MP is zero. To declines after MP = 0 and MP afterwards assumes negative values.

 

 

Cost Concept

Meaning Of Cost Of Production

Cost of production can be defined as the sum of the total of all the payments to the factors of production used in the production of goods and services.

For goods and services to be produced, all the four factors of production, which are land, capital, labour and entrepreneur, must work together.

 

Economist’s View Of Cost

Economists view cost as opportunity cost.  He is not concerned about the real amount of money spent on a particular item but the value of the sacrificed alternative.  For example, if an individual bought a shoe instead of a handset.  The opportunity cost is the handset forgone.

 

Accountant’s View Of Cost

To an accountant, cost is the total amount of money spent to acquire a product.

 

Types Of Cost

Total Cost (TC): Total cost may be defined as the total sum of fixed and variable costs incurred by an enterprise in the production of a particular commodity.

Total cost = Fixed cost + variable cost or Average cost x Quantity.

 

Fixed Cost (FC): Fixed cost, also called overhead cost or unavoidable cost, is defined as the cost that remains constant in the short run no matter the level of output.  g. money spent on rent, etc.

FC = Total Cost – Variable or TFC = AFC x Q

 

Variable Cost (COST): Variable cost, also called direct cost, is defined as the cost of production which varies or changes directly with the level of output. E.g. cost of raw materials, labour, etc.  VC = TC – FC

Average Cost (AC) OR Average Total Cost (ATC): Average cost is defined as cost per unit of output.

Average cost is the total cost of producing a given output divided by the number of units of output.

 

AC =

Average Variable Cost: The average variable cost is the cost per unit of variable cost of output.

AVC =

 

Average Fixed Cost (AFC): This is the fixed cost per unit of output.

AFC =

 

Marginal Cost (MC): It is referred to as incremental cost.  Marginal cost is the addition to total cost needed to produce a unit increase in output.

Marginal cost does not depend on fixed cost but on variable cost, because fixed cost do not vary with the level of output.

 

Cost Schedule Of A Firm

Unit of Output (TQ)           Total Fixed Cost (TFC)        Total Variable Cost (TVC)  Total Cost (TC)            Average Total Cost (ATC)  Average Variable Cost (AVC)       Average Fixed Cost (AFC)            Marginal Cost (Mc)

1          20       12       32       32       12       20       –

2          20       14       34       17       7          10       2

3          20       16       36       12       5.3      6.6      2

4          20       18       38       9.5      4.5      5          2

5          20       20       40       8          4          4          2

6          20       22       42       7          3.6      3.3      2

7          20       24       44       6.3      3.4      2.8      2

 

 

 

Revenue Concept

Revenue refers to the income derived by a producer or firm from business activities or from the sale of his or its products.

 

                                          Types Of Revenue

Tota Revenue (TR): This refers to the total income which a firm derives from the sale of its products.

Total Revenue = Price x Quantity (TR = PxQ)

 

Average Revenue (A.R): The average revenue is the same as the price per unit of the commodity.  It is derived by dividing the total revenue by the total unit of the commodity sold.

=   = P

 

Marginal revenue: This is the additional income earned by selling an extra unit of a commodity.

Revenue Schedule Of A Firm

Quantity sold (Output)     Total revenue (N)   Average Revenue (Unit Price) N Napinal Revenue (N)

0          0          0          –

1          400     400     400

2          700     350     300

3          900     300     200

4          1040  260     140

5          1150  230     110

6          1200  200     50

The most profitable output is the point where marginal cost is equal to marginal revenue.

 

 

 

Economic Systems

An economic system can be characterized as the organized means by which a state’s production resources are employed to fulfill human needs.

 

The primary economic systems include capitalism, socialism, and mixed economies.

 

Capitalism or Free Market Economy:

Capitalism, also known as a free-market economy, is described as an economic system where private individuals own and control the means of production. A country practicing capitalism is often referred to as having a market economy, laissez-faire economy, uncontrolled economy, free enterprise, or a capitalist economy. Examples of capitalist countries include the USA, Japan, Australia, France, and Italy.

Features of Capitalism:

  1. Private ownership of properties: The means of production are predominantly privately owned and controlled.
  2. Existence of competition: Competition among individuals and firms drives efforts to acquire wealth or control means of production.
  3. Profit maximization motive: Capitalism is characterized by a high level of profit maximization by private investors.
  4. Freedom of choice: Consumers in a market economy have the freedom to choose from a wide range of goods and services.
  5. Production and consumption regulated by the price system: Prices determine what producers produce based on consumer demand and offered prices.
  6. Development of individual initiatives: Individual initiatives thrive in a market economy.
  7. Wealth accumulation: Capitalists accumulate wealth in a free-market system.

 

Advantages of Capitalism:

  1. Competition leads to efficiency and full utilization of resources.
  2. Freedom to own properties and factors of production.
  3. Increased standard of living.
  4. Facilitates rapid economic growth and development.
  5. Increased efficiency in production.
  6. Prevents the growth of dictatorship.
  7. Fully utilizes talent.
  8. Enhances technological development.
  9. Provides alternative choices.
  10. Promotes a high standard of living.

 

Disadvantages of Capitalism:

  1. Waste and inefficiency due to unhealthy competition.
  2. Exploitation of consumers.
  3. Disparity of income and wealth, leading to inequality.
  4. Creation of monopolies by a few individuals.
  5. Profit maximization at all costs.

 

Socialism:

Socialism, also known as a centrally planned or controlled economic system, is defined as a type of economic system where the means of production and distribution are collectively owned and controlled by the state (government).

 

Features of Socialism:

  1. State ownership of means of production.
  2. Collective decision-making.
  3. Promotion of social welfare.
  4. Absence of competition.
  5. Absence of profit motive.
  6. Allocation of goods and services carried out by a central planning committee.
  7. Various committees set up by the government to estimate people’s wants and regulate production and consumption.

 

Advantages of Socialism:

  1. Equitable distribution of income.
  2. Job security and minimal unemployment.
  3. Checks the growth of private monopoly.
  4. No overproduction of goods.
  5. Absence of exploitation.
  6. Absence of economic rivalry.

 

Disadvantages of Socialism:

  1. Absence of consumer choice and satisfaction.
  2. Suppresses individual initiatives.
  3. Slows economic development.
  4. Complete absence of competition.
  5. Leads to state monopoly.
  6. Lack of creativity and innovation.
  7. May give rise to dictatorship.

 

Mixed Economy:

A mixed economy is defined as an economic system in which both private and public ownership of means of production and distribution coexist in a country.

 

Features of Mixed Economy:

  1. Joint ownership of means of production.
  2. Joint decision-making by the government and the private sector.
  3. Freedom of choice for consumers.
  4. Presence of competition due to both private and state ownership.
  5. Freedom of production, distribution, and consumption.
  6. Government intervention to regulate prices.

 

Advantages of Mixed Economy:

  1. Equitable distribution of income.
  2. Freedom of choice for consumers and producers.
  3. Combines elements of capitalism and socialism.
  4. Encourages the growth of private initiative.
  5. Prevents monopoly.
  6. Encourages economic growth and development.

 

Disadvantages of Mixed Economy:

  1. Inequality of wealth.
  2. Emphasis on profit maximization over citizen welfare.
  3. Encourages corruption and mismanagement, especially in the public sector.
  4. Leads to the waste of resources.
  5. Exploitation of labour.
  6. Lack of efficiency in productive activities leading to low productivity.

 

 

 

Labour Market

The labor market can be defined as the arena where workers and employers interact to determine working conditions. It comprises individuals seeking employment, employers, and governmental entities.

 

The Concept Of Labor Force

The labor force encompasses the total number of working-age individuals in a country who are either employed or capable and willing to work but currently unemployed. This group falls within the legally defined working age and represents both those with jobs and those actively seeking employment. The working-age population varies between countries.

 

Factors Influencing The Supply Of Labor Or Size Of Labor Force (Working Population)

 

Population Size: A larger population generally results in a higher working population, and vice versa.

 

Official School Leaving Age: A lower school leaving age correlates with a higher proportion of the labor force, and vice versa.

 

Official Age Of Retirement: Raising the retirement age tends to increase the labor force as more individuals remain available for work.

 

Remuneration Or Wage Rate: The level of salaries and wages directly influences the number of people willing to work.

 

Migration: Immigration increases, while emigration decreases the supply of labor.

 

Mobility Of Labor

Labor mobility pertains to the ease with which workers can transition between occupations or geographic locations.

 

Types Of Labor Mobility

Occupational Mobility: This involves workers moving easily from one job to another. For example, a messenger can switch to roles like cleaning or farming.

 

Geographical Mobility: This refers to the ease with which workers can relocate from one geographic area to another, such as from Port Harcourt to Jos.

 

Industrial Mobility: This involves movement within or between industries. Vertical mobility involves promotion within the same industry, while horizontal mobility involves moving between industries while performing the same role.

 

Causes Of Labor Mobility

Factors influencing labor mobility include unfavorable working conditions, marriage, irregular salary payments, promotion opportunities, poor management, climate, lack of job security, absence of social amenities, accommodation issues, political instability, and personal reasons.

 

The Efficiency Of Labor

Labor efficiency is the degree to which labor can be combined with other production factors to achieve maximum output without compromising quality.

 

Factors Determining Labor Efficiency

Factors influencing labor efficiency include education and training, general working conditions, worker health and access to healthcare facilities, incentive and remuneration levels, efficiency of other production factors, degree of specialization and division of labor, welfare services, and the worker’s state of mind, as well as weather conditions.

 

 

 

Supply Of Labour

  1. Labor supply can be defined as the overall count of individuals of working age available for employment The size and growth rate of the population
  2. The age distribution within the population
  3. Official school leaving age
  4. Official age limits for entry and retirement
  5. The number of individuals pursuing full-time education beyond the typical school leaving age
  6. The employment participation of married women
  7. The number of working-age individuals with disabilities
  8. The number of able-bodied individuals unwilling to work
  9. The weekly working hours

at a specific time and a given wage rate. This supply is also linked to the quantity of available labor.

 

                             Factors Impacting Labor Supply

 

Demand For Labor

Demand for labor is defined as the total number of workers that employers are willing and prepared to hire at a specific time and wage rate. It pertains to the quantity of human effort needed by entrepreneurs for production. The demand for labor is considered a derived demand.

 

                Factors Influencing Labor Demand

  1. The number and nature of industries in a country
  2. The availability of other factors of production
  3. The wage rate or price of labor
  4. The employment state in the economy
  5. The demand for labor output and the overall price level in the economy.

 

 

Wages

Wages denote payment to labor on a daily or weekly basis, while salaries represent monthly payments.

 

Types Of Wages

Nominal Wages: The actual money paid for labor within a specific time frame.

Real Wages: The purchasing power of labor, indicating wages in terms of goods and services they can buy.

 

Determination Of Wages

Wage rates in a competitive labor market are determined by the interplay of demand and supply forces. In a competitive labor market:

 

  1. If the supply of labor exceeds demand, wage rates will decline.
  2. If demand for labor surpasses supply, wage rates will rise.
  3. When demand equals supply, a favorable wage rate is established for both employers and employees.

 

Government activities and policies, including wages commissions, play a role in wage determination, especially in public services. Considerations include the cost of living, productivity levels, and the type of occupation.

 

Factors Contributing To Wage Variation

  1. Disparities in training costs and durations
  2. Required skill levels
  3. Bargaining power of trade unions
  4. Risk levels associated with an occupation
  5. Prestige attached to an occupation.

 

Unemployment

Unemployment is the state where individuals of working age, willing and able to work, are unable to find paid employment. It occurs when qualified individuals cannot secure jobs due to various factors.

 

Types Of Unemployment

  1. Structural Unemployment
  2. Seasonal Unemployment
  3. Voluntary Unemployment
  4. Technological Unemployment
  5. Frictional Unemployment
  6. Casual Unemployment
  7. Residual Unemployment
  8. Cyclical Unemployment
  9. Disguised Unemployment

 

Causes Of Unemployment

  1. Economic recession
  2. Changes in demand patterns
  3. Seasonal variations in production
  4. Economic reform policies
  5. Inadequate education and poor planning
  6. Capital-intensive production methods
  7. Population growth outpacing economic growth
  8. Physical and mental disabilities.

 

Consequences Of Unemployment

  1. Increased crime rates
  2. Threats to peace and stability
  3. Wastage of human resources
  4. High dependency rates
  5. Migration

 

Solutions To Unemployment Problems

  1. Industrialization
  2. Population control
  3. Educational system redesign
  4. Effective development plans
  5. Provision of social amenities

 

 

Trade Union

A trade union is an organization of workers formed to collectively address issues related to their welfare and working conditions. Examples include the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG).

 

Trade Union Objectives

  1. Securing competitive wages
  2. Safeguarding members’ interests
  3. Participating in policy formulation
  4. Regulating entry qualifications into professions
  5. Ensuring job security
  6. Securing better working conditions

 

Instruments Of Trade Unions

  1. Negotiation or collective bargaining
  2. Threat of strike
  3. Work-to-rule strategies
  4. Picket lines
  5. Strikes

 

 

 

Industries In Nigeria

Definition of Industry

An industry comprises a cluster of companies involved in the production of similar commodities, such as the shoe, transport, or cement industry. The term “industry” refers to the productive aspect of business activities, encompassing processes like cultivation, production, processing, or manufacturing of goods.

 

These goods are classified into consumer goods and producer goods. Consumer goods, like food grains, textiles, and cosmetics, are directly used by end consumers. Producer goods, such as machinery and equipment, are utilized by manufacturers in the production of other goods, representing the supply side of the market and influencing the expansion of trade and commerce.

 

Business Entity

A firm is an independently managed business entity engaged in production, construction, or distribution activities. Examples of firms in Nigeria include Dangote Cement and Cadbury Nigeria Plc.

 

Plant

Synonymous with a factory, a plant consists of the tools, equipment, machines, and buildings associated with a business. It serves as the physical location where production is organized, as seen in establishments like the Aladja Steel Plant.

 

Types of Industries

  1. Primary Industry

Primary industries involve the production of goods with minimal human effort, relying on natural resources. Examples include agriculture, farming, forestry, fishing, and horticulture.

 

  1. Genetic Industry

Genetic industries focus on the reproduction and multiplication of plant and animal species for profit, encompassing activities like plant nurseries, cattle rearing, poultry, and cattle breeding.

 

  1. Extractive Industry

Extractive industries involve the extraction of goods from soil, air, or water in raw form, supplying materials for manufacturing and construction industries. Examples include the mining industry, coal and oil extraction, iron ore extraction, and timber and rubber extraction from forests.

 

  1. Manufacturing Industry

Manufacturing industries transform raw materials into finished products using machinery and manpower. Finished goods can be either consumer goods or producer goods, as seen in textiles, chemicals, sugar, and paper industries.

 

  1. Construction Industry

Construction industries focus on building structures like buildings, bridges, roads, dams, and canals. Unlike other industries, the goods produced and sold by the construction industry are erected at the same location.

 

  1. Service Industry

The service sector, crucial for national development, includes industries like hotels, tourism, and entertainment. In modern times, service industries play a vital role in the economic landscape.

 

 

 

Location Of Industry

The location of an industry refers to the placement of the industry in a specific area.

Factors Affecting Industrial Location:

In general, economic considerations primarily influence the location of industries, although certain non-economic factors can also play a role in influencing specific industries’ locations. The paramount objective is to maximize profit, which implies minimizing costs, leading to a careful selection of specific locations for industries. Various factors contribute to pulling industries toward particular places, and some of the major influencers are discussed below:

 

  1. Availability of Raw Materials:

   The proximity to sources of raw materials is crucial in determining an industry’s location. Being close to raw material sources reduces production costs, which is particularly significant for industries heavily reliant on raw materials, such as agro-based and forest-based industries.

 

  1. Availability of Labour:

   Industries require an adequate supply of affordable and skilled labour. The attraction of industries to labour centres depends on the labour cost index, with skilled workers’ availability influencing the initial concentration of certain industries in specific regions.

 

  1. Proximity to Markets:

   Access to markets is crucial for industries, especially those producing perishable or bulky goods. Industries located near markets can reduce transportation costs for distributing finished products, especially in the case of consumer goods.

 

  1. Transport Facilities:

   Transport infrastructure, including waterways, roadways, and railways, significantly influences industrial location. Junction points of these transportation modes become centers of industrial activity, and transportation policies can impact the location of industrial units.

 

  1. Power:

   The availability of cheap power sources, such as water, wind, coal, gas, oil, and electricity, influences industrial location. The flexibility introduced by alternative power sources has led to the dispersal and decentralization of industries.

 

  1. Site and Services:

   The existence of public utilities, site affordability, and amenities like ground level, vegetation, and related activities can influence industrial location. Government incentives in designated backward areas may attract entrepreneurs to establish units there.

 

  1. Finance:

   Availability of capital at favorable interest rates is a dominant factor in industrial location. Historical reviews indicate that concentrations of industries were influenced by the presence of wealthy and enterprising individuals providing financial resources.

 

  1. Natural and Climatic Considerations:

   Factors like ground level, topography, water facilities, drainage, and climate can influence industrial location. For instance, humid climates may provide advantages in certain industries like cotton textile manufacturing.

 

  1. Personal Factors:

   Occasionally, personal preferences and prejudices of entrepreneurs may influence industrial location, although this is rare.

 

  1. Strategic Considerations:

    In modern times, strategic considerations, especially safety during wartime, play a vital role in industrial location. Safe locations become crucial during war, considering potential air attacks on crucial industrial targets.

 

  1. External Economies:

    The growth of specialized subsidiary activities and the concentration of industries in specific centers with port and shipping facilities can lead to external economies influencing industrial location.

 

  1. Miscellaneous Factors:

    Historical incidents and the size of industrial units can also impact industrial location. The development of the cotton-textile industry in Lancashire and the size of industrial units based on profitable distribution areas and population density are examples of such influences.

 

 

 

Localisation Of Industries

Localization of industries refers to the clustering of numerous firms from a specific sector in a particular geographical area.

 

Advantages and Disadvantages of Localization

Advantages

  1. Reputation: The region where an industry is localized gains recognition, and the products manufactured there also acquire a reputable status. Consequently, items associated with that location, such as Sheffield cutlery, Swiss watches, Ludhiana Hosiery, find broad markets.

 

  1. Skilled Labor: Localization leads to specialization in specific trades, attracting skilled labor to that area. This consistent supply of skilled labor not only sustains the localized industry but also attracts new firms. The growth of industries like the watch industry in Switzerland and the shawl industry in Kashmir is primarily attributed to this factor.

 

  1. Facilities Development: Industry concentration in a specific region promotes the development of dedicated facilities. Banks, financial institutions, railways, and transport companies establish branches and services, providing timely credit, transportation, and insurance facilities to the firms.

 

  1. Subsidiary Industries: The concentration of industries gives rise to subsidiary enterprises that supply machinery, tools, and materials. These subsidiaries also utilize by-products, contributing to the overall growth of the industrial ecosystem.

 

  1. Employment Opportunities: Localization, coupled with the establishment of subsidiary industries, significantly increases employment opportunities in the region.

 

  1. Common Problem Solving: Businesses form associations to address common difficulties, securing various facilities from the government and other agencies, such as research labs, technical and trade journals, and training centers.

 

  1. Economic Gains: Localization lowers production costs, enhances product quality, and benefits the economy through increased tax revenue, larger employment opportunities, and improved overall economic performance.

 

Disadvantages

 

  1. Dependence: The economy becomes dependent on the products manufactured in the localized industry, posing risks during times of war, disasters, or economic crises.

 

  1. Social Problems: Localization can lead to social issues such as congestion, slum formation, accidents, and strikes, negatively affecting labor efficiency and industrial productivity.

 

  1. Limited Employment: Employment opportunities become limited to a specific type of labor, and during a slump in the industry, specialized labor may struggle to find alternative employment.

 

  1. Diseconomies: Over time, the concentration of industries may lead to diseconomies, with issues like restricted transport access, power breakdowns, and increased production costs.

 

  1. Regional Imbalance: The focus of industries in one region can result in imbalanced regional development, with certain areas experiencing more growth while others lag behind in terms of employment opportunities, earnings, and living standards.

 

 

 

 

Money

Money Demand

Demand for money represents the total amount of money an individual wishes to hold for various reasons. It reflects the inclination to keep resources in a liquid form rather than spending them and is termed Liquidity Preference in economics.

 

Motives For Holding Money

Lord Menard Keynes proposed three main motives for holding money:

 

  1. Transactional Motives: Individuals hold money for day-to-day transactions and to cover the gap between income receipt and expenditures.

 

  1. Precautionary Motives: Holding money in liquid form to address unforeseen contingencies or unexpected expenditures, such as sickness, unexpected visitors, or accidents.

 

  1. Speculative Motives: Holding money specifically for business transactions to engage in speculative dealings in the bond (security) market.

 

Money Supply

Money supply refers to the total amount of money available for use in the economy at a given time. It encompasses currency in the form of banknotes and coins circulating outside the banking system, as well as bank deposits in current accounts that can be withdrawn by cheque (i.e., bank money).

 

Factors Affecting Money Supply

Several factors influence the supply of money:

 

  1. Bank Rate: The interest rate charged by the Central Bank to commercial banks for lending or borrowing money, affecting the money supply.

 

  1. Cash Reserve Ratio: The percentage of deposits that commercial banks are expected to keep, where a higher ratio leads to lower money supply and vice versa.

 

  1. Economic Situation: The Central Bank adjusts the money supply based on inflation and deflationary periods.

 

  1. Demand for Excess Reserves: Increased demand for excess reserves by commercial banks results in an augmented money supply.

 

  1. Total Reserves of Central Bank: The money supply is influenced by the total reserves supplied by the Central Bank, with higher reserves leading to a higher money supply and vice versa.

 

Quantity Theory Of Money

Sir Irving Fisher’s quantity theory of money posits that the value of money depends on its circulation quantity. The theory, expressed as MV=PT (where M is the stock of money, V is the velocity of money, P is the average price level, and T is the total volume of transactions), establishes a connection between money, output, and prices.

 

EXAMPLE:

Using MV=PT with P=20, M=200,000, and T=20,000, the velocity of money (V) is calculated as V=20 x 20,000/200,000, resulting in V=2.

 

Criticisms Of The Quantity Theory Of Money

 

Critics argue that the quantity theory of money:

  1. Appears more as truism than a theory.
  2. Rests on the assumption of constant variables.
  3. Fails to consider factors outside the theory that may lead to changes in prices.
  4. Neglects the discussion of the effect of the interest rate.
  5. Emphasizes changes in the value of money while overlooking the determinants of its original value.
  6. Lacks acknowledgment of the demand for money, focusing solely on the supply side.

 

 

 

Financial Institutions

Money Market

The money market is a trading platform for short-term securities, involving institutions or individuals with funds to lend or a need for short-term borrowing.

 

Instruments Utilized In The Money Market

  1. Treasury Bills

Issued by the Central Bank, these instruments enable the government to raise capital for a ninety-day period.

 

  1. Treasury Certificate

Similar to a Treasury Bill but with a longer maturation period (twelve to twenty-four months), earning a higher discount rate.

 

  1. Bill of Exchange

A promissory note where the debtor acknowledges the debt and commits to repayment within ninety days.

 

  1. Call Money Funds

Surplus funds are invested overnight through a special arrangement, enhancing liquidity in the money market.

 

Institutions Involved In The Money Market

  1. Central Bank
  2. Commercial Banks
  3. Acceptance House
  4. Finance House
  5. Discount House
  6. Insurance Companies

 

Functions Of The Money Market

  1. Provides working capital for day-to-day business operations.
  2. Generates extra income through investments in call money.
  3. Mobilizes savings.
  4. Promotes economic growth and development.
  5. Encourages good saving habits among those with surplus funds.
  6. Offers easily recallable investments.

 

Capital Market

Addressing the long-term funding needs of entrepreneurs, governments, and businesses, the capital market is where long-term securities are traded.

 

Instruments Utilized In The Capital Market

  1. Shares: Units of capital representing an individual portion of a company’s capital owned by a shareholder.
  2. Stock: Bundles of shares, fully paid and transferable in fractional amounts.
  3. Development Stock: Debt instruments enabling governments to secure long-term loans for periods exceeding five years.
  4. Bond: Interest-bearing or discounted government or corporate security obliging issuers to make periodic payments to bondholders.
  5. Debenture: Loan certificates for raising long-term loans, making debenture holders creditors rather than co-owners.

 

Institutions Involved In The Capital Market

  1. Issuing Houses
  2. Insurance Companies
  3. Development Banks
  4. Building Societies
  5. National Provident Fund (NPF)
  6. Stock Exchange

 

Functions Of The Capital Market

  1. Provides long-term loans for investment purposes.
  2. Facilitates public sector participation in the economy.
  3. Mobilizes savings for investment.
  4. Supports the growth and development of merchant banks.
  5. Enables the general public to participate in the country’s economic activities.

 

 

 

Inflation

Inflation:

Inflation is the sustained increase in the overall price level of goods and services, resulting from a rise in the money supply without a corresponding increase in production volume.

 

Types of Inflation:

  1. Demand-Pull Inflation
  2. Cost-Push Inflation
  3. Hyper-Inflation
  4. Creeping Inflation

 

Demand-Pull Inflation occurs when there is an excess demand for goods and services compared to the available supply, often driven by factors such as population growth and increases in workers’ salaries.

 

Cost-Push Inflation happens when the cost of production factors rises, causing an automatic increase in the prices of goods and services. For example, an increase in the cost of raw materials can lead to higher prices for finished products.

 

Hyper-Inflation is characterized by a rapid and substantial rise in the prices of goods and services, leading to a loss of value in currency. War, budget deficits, and other factors contribute to hyperinflation.

 

Creeping Inflation is a slow but steady increase in the general prices of goods and services, also known as persistent inflation.

 

Causes of Inflation:

Inflation is triggered by various factors such as excess demand, low productivity in sectors like agriculture, salary and wage increases, high production costs, budget deficits, population growth, excessive bank lending, high import costs, hoarding, industrial strikes, poor storage facilities, and money laundering.

 

Effects of Inflation:

Positive Effects:

  1. Debtors benefit at the expense of creditors.
  2. Businesses can make profits during inflation.
  3. Inflation stimulates investment.
  4. Employment rates tend to be high during inflation, contributing to overall economic growth.

 

Negative Effects:

  1. Creditors incur losses as money loses its value.
  2. Economic distortion due to demands for increased wages.
  3. Fixed income earners, like salaried workers, suffer during inflation.
  4. Erosion of the value of money.
  5. Balance of payment problems.
  6. Discouragement of savings.
  7. Lowering of living standards.

 

How to Control Inflation:

  1. Encourage industrialization to increase the availability of goods and services.
  2. Adjust interest rates to discourage excessive borrowing.
  3. Implement effective fiscal policies, such as taxation, to reduce disposable income.
  4. Remove distribution system bottlenecks to facilitate the free flow of goods.
  5. Enact legislation to counter hoarding activities.
  6. Apply contractionary monetary policies to address inflation caused by increased money supply.
  7. Provide subsidies to farmers and businesses to control input prices.
  8. Consider wage freezing by the government.

 

Terminologies Associated with Inflation:

  1. Inflation Gap: Situation where total demand exceeds total supply.
  2. Inflation Spiral: Rise in prices leading to increased demands for higher incomes.
  3. Disinflation: Control of consumer expenditure to check inflation.
  4. Reflation: Economic revival through conscious government policies.
  5. Stagflation: Simultaneous existence of high inflation and slowing industrial production.
  6. Slumpflation: Reduced economic activity combined with inflation.

 

Deflation:

Deflation is a persistent decrease in the general price level, resulting from insufficient money circulation and is the opposite of inflation.

 

Causes of Deflation:

  1. Government budget surplus.
  2. Increased bank interest rates.
  3. Productivity surpassing demand with reduced money supply.
  4. Excessive taxation reducing disposable income and consumption.

 

 

 

 

Public Finance

Public finance is the branch of economics concerned with the financial activities related to income, expenditure, and national debt operations, and their overall impact on the economy. In essence, it involves the management and control of government income and expenditure to achieve policy objectives. This field requires a thorough analysis of the sources of government revenue, government spending priorities, and the repercussions of such expenditures on various facets of the economy.

 

Objectives of Public Finance:

  1. Facilitating equitable distribution of resources among individuals, government tiers, and different sectors of the economy.
  2. Utilizing financial tools to attain and sustain a favorable balance of payments and foster economic development.
  3. Providing a comprehensive framework for monitoring economic growth and stability.
  4. Serving as a means to achieve the economic goals set by the government.
  5. Ensuring effective fiscal policies for economic regulation.
  6. Generating employment opportunities for the populace.
  7. Meeting the needs of the people through the provision of funds for transfer payments, such as pension funds, unemployment benefits, and subsidies.

 

Fiscal Policy:

Fiscal policy is the government’s plan of action regarding revenue generation through taxation and other means, coupled with decisions on expenditure patterns. It entails using government income and expenditure instruments to regulate the economy and achieve specific economic objectives.

 

Economic Objectives of Government Fiscal Policy:

  1. Maintaining stable prices and controlling inflation and deflation.
  2. Promoting equitable distribution of wealth.
  3. Efficient allocation of resources.
  4. Ensuring full employment.
  5. Stability in the exchange rate of the national currency.
  6. Maintaining a favorable balance of payments.

 

Government Revenue:

Government revenue encompasses the total income accrued to all levels of administration from various sources.

 

Classification of Public Revenue:

  1. Recurrent Revenue: Collected regularly, including taxation, fees, licenses, fines, etc.
  2. Capital Revenue: Derived from irregular or extraordinary sources, used for major capital projects.

 

Sources of Government Revenue:

  1. Taxes (direct or indirect)
  2. Royalties from mining activities
  3. Earnings from government investments
  4. Grants and aids from individuals, foreign governments, and international organizations
  5. Borrowing (internal or external)
  6. Fees, licenses, charges, fines, etc.

 

Government Expenditure:

Government expenditure is the total expenses incurred by public authorities at all levels, covering infrastructure projects, social amenities, and other permanent investments.

 

Classification of Public Expenditure:

  1. Recurrent Expenditure: Day-to-day expenses within a fiscal year.
  2. Capital Expenditure: Investments in projects lasting more than one year.

 

Objectives of Government Expenditure:

  1. National security and defense.
  2. General administration.
  3. Providing social amenities like education, water supply, roads, etc.
  4. Servicing national debt.
  5. Directly participating in productive services to promote economic activities.

 

Reasons for Increase in Government Expenditure:

  1. Population explosion.
  2. Inflation affecting project costs.
  3. Devaluation of currency in import-dependent economies.
  4. Administrative costs associated with democratic institutions.
  5. Growing demand for social and economic infrastructures.
  6. Economic development programs requiring substantial capital.
  7. Rise in national debts due to interest capitalization.
  8. Bribery, corruption, and over-invoicing by government officials.
  9. Increased defense and security expenses.
  10. Government initiatives to combat unemployment and poverty.

 

Effects of Public Expenditure:

  1. Redistributing income.
  2. Generating employment through industrial investments.
  3. Allocating resources to enhance even distribution.
  4. Stabilizing prices of goods and services.
  5. Increasing productivity and individual income, thereby boosting purchasing power.

 

 

Taxation

Taxation is the act of imposing a mandatory levy by the government on the income of individuals, businesses, and goods and services. It entails a compulsory payment made by eligible citizens toward the country’s expenditures, irrespective of the specific benefits received. This contribution is imposed by the government on goods, individuals, and corporate entities without consideration for the individual benefits received by the taxpayer.

 

Features of Taxation:

  1. Compulsory levy for individuals or corporate bodies.
  2. Levied exclusively by the government or its agencies.
  3. Payment made as a sacrifice.
  4. Intended for the general welfare of the population.
  5. Tax payment may have age limits.

 

Reasons for Government Taxation:

  1. Generate revenue for the government.
  2. Redistribute income to reduce the wealth gap.
  3. Protect infant industries from established competition.
  4. Discourage the importation of harmful goods.
  5. Use as a fiscal tool to control the economy.
  6. Encourage industrialization through incentives like tax rebates.
  7. Support social services such as social insurance and health care.

 

Principles of Taxation (Adam Smith’s Canons):

  1. Principle of Equity: Tax should be proportional to the taxpayer’s ability to pay.
  2. Principle of Certainty: Taxpayers should know the amount, medium, and timing of payment.
  3. Principle of Convenience: Collection methods and timing should suit taxpayers.
  4. Principle of Economy: Collection costs should be minimal relative to the amount collected.
  5. Principle of Flexibility: The tax system should adapt to changing conditions.
  6. Principle of Neutrality: Taxation should not hinder enterprise or productivity.
  7. Principle of Simplicity: The tax system should be easily understandable.
  8. Principle of Impartiality: No discrimination in tax collection.
  9. Difficult to Evade: Minimize tax evasion and avoidance.

 

Systems of Taxation/Forms of Income Tax:

  1. Proportional Tax: Same tax rate applied to all taxpayers.
  2. Progressive Tax: Tax rate increases with income.
  3. Regressive Tax: Tax rate decreases as income increases.

 

Types of Taxation:

  1. Direct Tax: Imposed directly on individuals’ or organizations’ income.
  2. Advantages: Progressive, easy to ascertain, easy to calculate.
  3. Disadvantages: Discourages savings and investments, difficult to assess.

 

  1. Indirect Tax: Levied on goods and services, initially paid by manufacturers or importers.
  2. Advantages: Collection is less difficult, yields more revenue.
  3. Disadvantages: Causes inflation, unreliable revenue source, regressive.

 

Economic Effects of Taxes:

  1. Direct taxes lead to reduced disposable income and consumption.
  2. Indirect taxes may lead to inflation, smuggling, reduced production, and changes in consumption patterns.

 

Tax Collection Problems in Nigeria:

  1. Corruption and indifference of revenue officers.
  2. Tax evasion and avoidance.
  3. Lack of proper accounting records.
  4. Ignorance, illiteracy, and mass poverty.
  5. Apathy of taxpayers due to corruption.
  6. Government’s inability to provide essential infrastructure.

 

Tax Evasion and Tax Avoidance:

  1. Tax Evasion: Illegal attempt to avoid or pay less tax.
  2. Tax Avoidance: Legal efforts to reduce tax payments.

 

Concept of Tax Base and Tax Rate:

  1. Tax Base: Object or item taxed (e.g., salary, income).
  2. Tax Rate: Percentage applied to the tax base to calculate payable tax.

 

Incidence of Taxation:

  1. Incidence of Tax: Where the tax burden finally rests.
  2. Tax Burden: Financial pain of parting with income as tax.

 

Incidence of Taxation and Elasticity of Demand:

  1. Depends on the elasticity of demand for taxed commodities.
  2. Perfectly inelastic demand shifts entire tax burden to consumers.
  3. Perfectly elastic demand shifts burden to producers.
  4. Unitary elasticity results in shared burden.
  5. Moderately elastic or inelastic demand leads to a shared burden between producers and consumers.

 

 

 

Budget

A budget is a financial statement outlining the estimated total revenue and proposed expenditures of a government within a specified period, typically a year.

 

Functions/Uses/Importance of Budgets:

The national budget serves several purposes:

  1. Acts as a means of revenue generation.
  2. Controls inflation.
  3. Functions as a remedy for economic downturns or deflation.
  4. Addresses balance of payments deficits.
  5. Serves as a tool for economic planning.
  6. Enhances public welfare and reduces income inequality.
  7. Allocates resources among different economic sectors.
  8. Controls the economy to foster growth and development.

 

Types of Budgets:

  1. Balance Budget: Total estimated revenue equals proposed government expenditure, leaving no reserve.
  2. Surplus Budget: Total estimated revenue exceeds proposed expenditure, creating a reserve.
  3. Deficit Budget: Proposed government expenditure surpasses total estimated revenue, requiring sources like borrowings or grants to cover the shortfall.

 

Economic Conditions Warranting Budget Types:

  1. Surplus Budget: Preferred during inflation to reduce aggregate demand and alleviate inflationary pressure.
  2. Deficit Budget: Used to:
  3. Increase aggregate demand to reduce unemployment.
  4. Finance national emergencies like war.
  5. Address deflationary trends.

 

National Debt:

National debt encompasses all debts owed by a government, both internally and externally, with or without interest.

 

Reasons for Government Borrowing:

  1. Finance deficit budgets.
  2. Fund large capital projects.
  3. Prosecute wars.
  4. Service existing loans.
  5. Manage emergency situations.
  6. Correct an unfavorable balance of payments.

 

Instruments of Government Borrowing in Nigeria:

  1. Treasury Bills (short-term).
  2. Treasury Certificates (medium-term).
  3. Development Stocks (long-term).
  4. Stabilization Securities.
  5. National Saving Scheme.
  6. Negotiation with External Financial Institutions.
  7. Municipal Revenue Bond.

 

Effects of Huge National Debt on the Economy:

  1. Reduces foreign exchange availability.
  2. Subjects the country to external creditors’ influence.
  3. Lowers the country’s credit ratings, hindering access to fresh loans.
  4. Influences income distribution.
  5. Limits government’s ability to provide welfare and social services.

 

Revenue Allocation:

Revenue allocation involves sharing a nation’s wealth among different tiers of government, namely Federal, State, and local governments.

 

Parts of Revenue Allocation:

  1. Vertical Revenue Allocation: Shares federal account revenue among Federal, State, and Local governments.
  2. Horizontal Revenue Allocation: Shares federation account revenue among units within a given government level based on principles such as population size, landmass, derivation (e.g., oil-producing areas), and ecological problems.

 

Revenue Allocation Formula:

The formula assigns weights to various principles (e.g., Federal government – 48.5%, State – 24%, Local government – 20%, special fund – 7.5%). The Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMFC) continually works on proposals for new revenue sharing formulas.

 

 

 

Capital Market

Capital Market- is a market for medium and long-term loans. The capital market serves the needs of industries and the commercial sectors. It comprises all institutions which are concerned with either the supply of or demand for long-term loans. The capital market provides a system by which money for investment is distributed to institutions which require funds for their further growth.

 

Functions Of Capital Market

It helps to provide long-term loans to investors

It helps to mobilize savings for investment purposes

It helps to enhance the growth and development of merchant banks

It gives opportunity to the general public to participate in the running of the economy.

 

Primary Or First-Tier Securities Market

Primary Market– is a market where new securities (shares, stock, bonds, etc) are either bought or sold. That is a market where securities are traded for the first time. The operators in this market are the issuing houses such as stockbrokers, merchant banks, commercial banks, mortgage banks, insurance companies, the Central Bank of Nigeria and government. Investors pass on their resources to some of these institutions for investment purposes. Thus, these financial institutions effectively play the role of financial intermediation by mobilizing the savings of investors and investing them. The Securities and Exchange Commission sits at the apex of the primary market, regulating the issues of public companies and all private companies with foreign participation.

 

Secondary Or Second-Tier Securities Market

Secondary Market- is a market in which buying and selling of existing securities of companies take place. It came into existence to complement the efforts of the Stock Exchange Market towards funds mobilization for investment. Second tier securities market is an appendage of the Stock Exchange and therefore serves to assist. The major participants in this market are stockbrokers and banks such as acceptance houses, investment banks, issuing houses, etc. The mode of operation in this market is similar to that of the first-tier securities market but less restricted. The centre of activities for the secondary market is the Stock Exchange which provides a market in which holders of existing ‘quoted’ shares wishing to sell such shares can make contact with individuals and institutions who are interested in buying them. Hence the secondary market is dominated by the Stock Exchange, which provides a forum for trading in securities. Such a forum is absolutely necessary since many of the buyers of new securities will eventually resell them.

 

Stock Exchange

Capital serves as the nucleus of any functional business unit.  The need to source for this factor becomes a major focus of the finance manager.  Registered companies or Limited Liabilities companies need fund in large volume. Hence there’s need to source for fund.  A market which provides an answer to this is the stock exchange market.

 

Stock Exchange– is a highly organized market where investors can buy and sell existing securities such as shares, debenture, stock. The stock Exchange serves as medium through which companies raise capital for growth and development.  The stock exchange market ensures that every transaction must follow prescribed set or rules and regulations, which are complex in nature.  The Lagos Stock Exchange which is an essential part of the capital market was established in 1960 through the Act of parliament with its branches in Abuja and Port Harcourt.  All public Limited Liability companies are quoted in stock exchange.

 

How Stock Exchange Operates

A transaction at the stock exchange is facilitated by the brokers and jobbers. Not everybody is permitted to trade directly at exchange except the members. The actual dealers (participants) in securities are the jobbers who tend to specialize in particular types of stocks while the brokers act as agent for potential buyers. A broker working on behalf of a client will approach the Jobber with the intension of knowing the price. The Jobber will then quote for him two prices; higher price as the selling price and lower price as the buying price. The difference is the ‘Jobbers turn’.  When the broker signifies his intention to buy, the necessary documents will be prepared.

The shares of well known companies are known as blue chips, while gilt-edged refers to government stocks. Prices of shares are quoted “cum-div” or “ex-div”. “cum-div” denotes price at which the holders of such shares has the right to receive the next dividend payable, while “ex-div” denotes price at which the holder of such share has no right to receive the next dividend.

Two documents are prepared to speed up transactions: contract not and transfer form note

Contract Note– is a document sent by a stockbroker to his client to confirm a purchase or sale made on his behalf, while Transfer Note– is used to transfer ownership of shares.

 

Functions Of Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange market serves as avenue of raising capital for business growth.

It provides employment opportunities for vast number of people e.g. brokers, jobbers, clerks and others

Information which informs business decision are made available to foreign and local investors through stock exchange.

Stock Exchange provides yardstick for measuring performance of quoted companies.

Stock Exchange provides avenue for the public to invest their idle fund in form of subscribing shares.

Dividends that accrued to shareholders serves as revenue in turn improve their living standard.

 

Participants Of Stock Exchange

The following are the participants in the stock exchange.

 

Public Limited Liability Companies e.g. Dunlop Nig. Plc, Access Bank Plc, First Bank of Nigeria Plc, Zenith Bank, Guinness Nigeria Plc, UTC Nigeria Plc, Longman Nigeria Plc etc.

Brokers

Jobbers

Speculators (Bull, Bear and Stag)

Government

Issuing houses

 

 

Instruments Traded In The Stock Exchange Market

The instruments used in stock exchange market are shares, stock and debenture

 

Shares and Stock – Stocks and shares are securities purchased by individuals, which is evidence of contributing part of the total capital used in running an existing industry. Share and stockholders are entitled to dividend

Debenture – In financing business, the owner’s fund (equity) can be used or debt. A debenture is a debt instrument which entitles the owner to a series of cash flow known as interest.  A debenture holder is a creditor to a business unlike the shareholders.

 

Development Bank

A development bank is a financial institution setup purposely to offer medium and long term loans meant for development. It provides loans for projects in the area of agriculture, commerce and industry.

 

Examples Of Development Banks In Nigeria

(1)        BO1-   Bank of Industry

(2)        NARDB- Nigerian Agricultural and Rural Development Bank

(3)        FMBN- Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria

(4)        UDB – Urban Development Bank

(5)        NEB – Nigerian Education Bank

(6)        NEXIM – Nigerian Export and Import Bank

(7)         NACB – Nigeria Agricultural and Co-operative Bank

 

Functions Of Development Banks

Provision of long-term loans for capital projects

Implementation of government’s industrial development policies

Supervision of projects

They give advice to both the government and industrialists

They underwrite securities issue

They contribute to manpower development and provision of technical support

They conduct extensive study on the industrial sector e.g. feasibility studies

They monitor and enhance general economic development activities

They undertake research on industrial development

 

 

 

 

National Income

As individuals and firms keep account of their economic activities such as their annual report which shows all their activities during the past year, countries too like individuals and firms do record and keep their economic activities.

National Income– is defined as the monetary value of the total volume of goods and services produced by a country in a year. It is the money value of the total income earned by all the factors of production in a given country over a period of time usually a year.  On the other hand, it is the sum total of money value of all individual expenditure on goods and services at the market price.

 

 The National Income is different from the income of the government which refers to the revenue the government raises through taxation and borrowing.

 

Definition Of Concepts

  1. Gross Domestic Product (GDP)

This is defined as the total monetary value of all the goods and services produced in a country in a year by all the residents of the country regardless of whether they are citizens or foreigners. It relates to a closed economy, that is, it excludes the earnings or investment of citizens abroad but includes the earnings of foreigners or earnings from foreign investment in the country.

It can be measured at factor cost (adding together of production) or at the market prices.

In its calculation, no allowance is made for depreciation. So, it is best expressed as the addition of these three aggregates.

GDP = C + I + G

where C = Consumption

I = Investment

G = Government expenditure

The GDP is used as an economic indicator in determining whether the country is growing, declining or stagnant.

 

  1. Gross National Product (GNP)

This is the monetary value of goods and services produced by the citizens of a country (including income from their investments both at home and abroad).

It is the total value of goods and services plus Net income from abroad which can be represented as ( x – m ) where x = export and m = import

That is to say, it includes the earnings of the citizens or their investment in other countries but excludes the earnings of foreigners or their investment in the country. In this case, no allowance is also made for depreciation.

 

Mathematically, it is expressed as: GNP = GDP + Net Income from abroad; or

= GDP + x – m; or

= C + I + G + x – m

  1. Net Domestic Product (NDP)

It is defined as the total monetary value of goods and services produced by all the residents of a country and earnings from their investment (whether citizens or foreigners) after allowance have been made for depreciation.

 

Mathematically, it is represented as:

 

NDP = GDP – Depreciation; or

 

= C + I + G – Depreciation

 

  1. Net National Product (NNP)

This is the difference between GNP and estimated Depreciation or capital consumed during the year; this is the GNP less depreciation. This is the monetary value of goods and services produced by all the citizens of a country and income from their investments (whether at home or abroad) after allowance has been made for depreciation.

 

NNP = GNP – Depreciation; or

= C + I + G + (x – m) – Depreciation

  1. Personal Income: This is the earnings of an individual in monetary terms for taking part in the production of goods and services either by him or his property. It includes wages to labour for its` services, interest received by the capital owner, rent paid to the owner of the land, and profit received by an entrepreneur.
  2. Disposable Income: This is the income from all sources that accrue to household and private non-profit institutions after deducting personal income tax and other transfers to them. It is the income available for spending and saving.

It can therefore be summarized as: Disposable Income = Personal Income – Personal Tax.

 

Per Capita Income (PCI): It is the national Income head of the population. It is the National Income divided by the total population of a country. It is an economic indication of a country’s level of standard of living. Whether the PCI of a country is high or low depends majorly on the available resources and the size of the population of the country.

 

However, an increase in GNP of a country does not mean an increase in PCI.

By formula, it is expressed as PCI = GNP / Total population

 

Measurement Of National Income Of A Country

Income Approach: In this method, the total monetary values of income received by individuals, business organizations, government agencies within a year for their participation in production. The income received by factors of production in the form of wages or salaries, rent, interest and profits is added together. To avoid double-counting, transfer incomes or payments are not included. By using this approach, we arrive at either the G.N.P or G.D.P at factor cost.

Output or Net product Approach: – This is based on the census of production. It measures the value of all goods and services produced in a country during the year. To avoid double-country, income is measured on a value- added basis. (Value-added is the value of output, less cost of input). Natural income derived in this way gives the G.D.P at market prices. To get the G.D.P at factor cost, we subtract taxes and add subsidies.

Expenditure Approach: – This is the calculation of the total monetary value of expenditure on goods and services by government individual organization etc. within a country in a given period. In this calculation expenditure on inter mediate goods and services bought and used for further production must be excluded. This is done in order to avoid double counting and therefore, the calculation should particularize only on expenditure on the monetary value of final goods and services.

 

Reasons Why A Country Measures Her National Income

It gives an indication of the standard of living of the country through the measure of per capita income.

It helps the country to determine the growth rate of the economy

The national income estimate is vital for economic policy and planning.

Measured through the output approach enables the country to know the performance of the various sectors of the economy.

The national income data gives an idea of the pattern of expenditure of households.

It influences foreign investments. Foreign investors usually seek countries with rich or fast growing markets.

It forms the basis for contribution to international organizations.

 

Problems Associated With National Income Measurement

They do not reveal the income distribution in a country. National income estimate does not indicate whether income is widely spread or concentrated in a few hands.

There is a difference in the internal value of money. The standard of living to a large extent depends on the value of money.

Double counting: At times it is problematic differentiating capital goods from consumer ones, they are therefore counted twice which give false national income.

Determining what income is: Determining what is income to a person, what constitutes economic activities the rewards for some services like that of full-time house wives subsistence farmers, self-employed etc. constituting problems to national income measurement.

The problems created by the self employed. Many self-employed in our society do not keep proper book of account and therefore, it is very difficult to ascertain what their incomes, expenditures and outputs are.

Inflation and deflation: Inflation raises national income figure, while deflation reduces it. Problems here is how to arrive at accurate national income figure that is not affected by either inflation, or deflation

Determining Depreciation Value: – The inability of many business units and individuals ventures to calculate the depreciation of their machinery makes it difficult to ascertain the true position of a country’s national income.

Insufficient Statistical data: It is extremely difficult to collect and assemble the required information for national income computation. In most cases, the information is just not available.

Ignorance and Illiteracy:- These factors make majority of the people in west Africa not willing to supply basis information that will be used for computation of national income

There are differences in the structure of production.

 

Definition Of Some Concepts

The standard of Living and Cost of Living

Standard of living

This is the level of welfare attain by individuals in a country at a particular time . This level of welfare is measured in terms of the quantity and quality of goods and services consumed within a period of time. The average standard of living in the country is partly determined by the income per head  via distribution of income.

 

Cost of Living

An individual cost of living refers to the total amount of money spent to obtain the goods and services which will enable him exist at a particular time. The cost of living depends on the prices of gods and services which an individual consumes.

 

Price Index

The price index is a number are figures used to show the average rises and fall of price in percentage terms with reference to a base period.

 

Index Number = Current year price X 100

 

Base year price

 

 

 

Theory Of Income Determination

Circular Flow Of Income

Circular flow of income shows the independence or relationship between households and business enterprise. Commodity and money flows between households and firms. It shows the flow of payments from business sector to households in exchange for labour and other productive services and the return flow of payments from households to business sector  in exchange for goods and services.

The household or the personal sector offers its labour services to the business sector or firms in the production of goods and services. The household is rewarded in form of wages, interest and rent which it spends on the consumption of goods and services produced in the economy.

 

Factors That Brings About Changes In The Circular Flow Of Income

Withdrawal: This part of all the income that is not all owed to pass through the normal channel of circular flow of income.

Injection: This forms an increase in the income of households, producers outside their normal processes of selling productive resources and manufactured goods.

Savings: These are part of income which are not consumed immediately and they reduce households and producers expenditures.

Investment: This reduces and creates additional income either immediately or in future.

Gifts and grants: They may come from governments to households and firms and help increasing their incomes

Taxes: They reduce the expenditures of households and firms on goods and factor services.

Imports: They involve expenditure on foreign made goods and services and constitute withdrawals from the circular flow of income.

Export: They Provide money from other countries and act as injection into the domestic circular flow of income.

 

Concepts Of Savings, Investment And Consumption

Savings

Savings are made up of disposable income which is not spent on consumer goods and services. Saving involves forgoing some present consumption.

 

Individuals save for the following reasons

To raise capital

For unforeseen contingencies

For speculation

To acquire assets

For future purposes

To raise social status

Factors that affect savings

The size of income

The rate of interest

Cultural attitude

Government polices

Availability of financial institutions.

 

Investments

Investment may be defined as expenditure on physical assets which are not for immediate consumption but for production of consumer and capital goods and services.

 

Types of Investment

Individual investment: This may be on building, motor vehicles and other assets the individual hopes may increase his income and standard of living.

Investment by firms: This can be on buildings machines, furniture, raw materials, semi finished and finished goods.

Government investment in social capital; These are in the areas of roads, electricity, pipe borne water, hospitals schools.

Purpose:  to improve the living condition of the citizen.

 

Government investment in public corporations: To render essential services create more employment opportunities among others, are sure of the reasons why government invest.

Factors that determine investment

The amount of income earned.

Savings

Profit

The amount paid as tax

The rate of interest

Expectation

Business atmosphere

Political factor

 

Consumption

Consumption is the sum of current expenditure on goods and services by individuals, firms and government. It is also mean part of income not saved or invested. The level of consumption of an individual depends largely on his level of current income.

 

Factors that determine the level of consumption

The level of income

Savings

Expectation of price changes

The rate of taxes paid

The influence of other households

Assets owned

The rate of interest received

Business profit

 

The Relationship Between Income, Consumption, Savings And Investment

Income, consumption and savings are related. The amount of income earned (household) determines to a large extent the level of consumption of an individual as well as the amount which can be saved. This is represented by the formula. Y = C+S, where Y = Income, C = Consumption expenditure and S = Savings

 

Also, income, consumption and investment are related. The amount of income earned (business sector) determines to a large extent the level of spending on the running overhead  cost (consumption) as well as the amount spent on further investment. This is represented by the formula: Y = C + I , where  Y = Income , C = Consumption expenditure , I = Investment Expenditures

 

In forming an equation with household income and the business sector’s income, we have:

C  +  S  =  C  +   I

S  =   I

Consumption influences the level of national income. If people consume more, it encourages further production. Economy is at equilibrium when aggregate saving equals aggregate investment and full employment is achieved at this level. We save in order to accumulate capital for investment and for many other personal reasons. There will be no investment without saving. Investment, in turn, creates employment and income for people. Without income, we shall have nothing to save and nothing to spend on consumption of goods and services.

 

 

Theory Of Multiplier

The theory of the multiplier– states that an increase in consumer or business investment spending in a country would produce a multiplier effect by raising the level of national income.  The multiplier effect can be a result of changes in consumption expenditure, which is known as consumption multiplier or investment changes, which is known as investment multiplier.

The concept of multiplier shows that a small change in investment can have a magnified effect on income. Multiplier = 1 / (1-MPC) where MPC equals marginal propensity to consume.

The total increase in income depends on the marginal propensity to consume. If MPC is high, the

multiplier will be high and rise in income will be high when people spend on consumption, the level of national income rises.

 

Example:

Considering #100 million increase in investment, suppose 4/5 of the investment was consumed 1/5 would have been saved.

Increases in Income = Investment / 1- MPC

= 100m/ (1- 4/5 ) = 100m / (1/5)

= 100m x 5/1

= 500 million

 

The total increase in income is five times the initial increase in investment. Therefore, Multiplier is 5.

The multiplier denoted by K is usually calculated with the aid of formula

K =          1          =        1

1 – mpc           mps

K = ∆Y

∆C

Where K = multiplier

Mpc = marginal propensity to consume

Mps  =  marginal propensity to save.

Y = change in national income

C = Consumption expenditure

I  =  Investment

 

Example 1

 

If the marginal propersity to consume is 0.8, calculate the multiplier.

By how much must consumption expenditure be increased to increase income by N10,000.

 

Solution

(a).                   K =          1       =         1      =    1          =    5

1 – mpc         1 – 0.8       0.2

 

The multiplier K has a value of 5

 

(b)  K = ∆Y

∆C

5   = N10,000

C

 

Cross multiply

5 x C = 10,000  x  1

C = 10,000   =   N2,000

5

 

Equilibrium Level Of Income

Equilibrium Level of Income– is a situation where the total amount people wish to save equals total investment of business units. It refers to a point at which the aggregate saving equals aggregate investments. At equilibrium level of income, there is a balance between or equality of saving and investment as illustrated in the diagram below:

 

Again, at equilibrium level of income, there is a balance between the aggregate demand and aggregate supply, and there will be no tendency to increase or decrease output. The business sector is satisfied that the right volume of output has been achieved and there will be no tendency to alter it.

 

For equilibrium national income to be maintained, the volume of total withdrawals from the circular flow of income must be equal to the volume of total injections. That is, total amount of saving must be equal to total value of investment, and aggregate expenditure must be equal to total output.

 

Income earners (household) can spend their income on consumption of goods and services or save it, hence, Y = C + S. On the other hand, the firms can spend its income on the running overhead expenses or invest it, hence, Y = C + I. Probing this equation further, we will arrive at a situation of, S = I, where the aggregate saving equals aggregate investment that indicates the general equilibrium level of income.

 

NOTE: For Y to be constant, the level of savings (S) must be equal to investment (I). By implication, the amount of consumption goods and services produced by firms will be equal to the aggregate demand of the people (household).

 

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