Abstract The paper argues that the Federal government's policy towards deregulation had a dramatic impact on various industries. The paper primarily focuses on the airline, petroleum, trucking and banking industries. The paper continues, showing that deregulation was a big part of President Reagan's economic policy. He saw over regulation as a contributing factor to the economic problems that the country was facing when he took office in 1981. The paper also examines how the deregulation policy has allowed industries to respond better to the market needs and operate more cost effectively.
From the Paper "Labor unions have been opposed to deregulation because competition has forced down wage demands. Previously labor disputes were accepted and the airlines would use this to justify the CAB ordered fare increases. Labor costs have gone from 42 percent of operation costs to 34 percent and the revenue per employee ratio has increased."
Abstract This paper discusses the effect the industrial policy in the US has on its economy. The writer debates whether governmental involvement in the industrial policy is necessary and beneficial to the economy. The writer recognizes government's need to redirect resources to research and development of new technologies and regulate industries such as telecommunications and aviation.
From the Paper "Industry in United States has always had a funny feeling about industrial policy, yet it has been in some of the most comprehensive growth industries in the market. The US is currently in the process of rolling back this policy, whose main target was specific sectors with regard to infrastructure, whether they are telecommunications or utilities. However, due to the explosion of the information age, the United States Government felt the need to redirect these resources, and the result, so far, has been Advanced Technology Program (ATP) under the direction and control of Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). And even though the program has had a great deal of success and has been most instrumental in the research and development of promising new technologies like fiber optics and fuel cell development, it is simply just another form of "corporate welfare" as described by Stephen Moore, Director of fiscal policy studies for the Cato institute.[i] However, there is good justification to still experiment with this kind of industrial policy because of the degree of success that they have had in the US as well as its limited success in Japan and Germany during the1980s and 90s.[ii] Even though the ATP is a good compromise between regulating the industry and letting the market be the complete master of macroeconomic policy, there has got to be better ways of achieving the same results without the degree of corporate welfare."
Abstract This paper analyzes the most basic concept of economics - supply and demand. It examines which factors effect supply and demand; gives definitions of these concepts and explains how the human psyche works in relation to these. Topics discussed are price elasticity, timing, technological innovations and consumerism.
From the paper:
"The study of economics could be in many ways defined as a study of the nature of supply and demand and how the two of them are interrelated in a market situation, depending upon the desires, needs, and whims of consumers. According to the World Book Encyclopedia Online, the definition of economics is that it is the study of goods and services and how they are distributed by an interaction of market forces. These market forces include the demands of consumers and the desire of suppliers to satiate those desires at certain, specified prices. "
Abstract This paper explores the concept of globalization, and its affect on international world order. The author suggests that globalization is now having a negative effect upon the United States by its blurring of international borders, and as a result is placing Americans all over the world at risk for attack by people and countries who do not like western values.
From the paper:
"Globalization today has become a threat to identity, culture, values, norms and traditions that set one nation apart from the other. While the supporters of Globalization are of the view that it is extremely important for the world to unite as one nation with a global economy, they have failed to understand that basic human psyche is such that man wants to have an identity of his own. This is the primary reason why people are raising voice against this phenomenon, which has been the product of capitalism. We need to understand here that globalization has been criticized and condemned not only because of the economic problems it creates, but also because of the fact that it is due to the presence of similar commodities in every part of the world that local values of each nation are being threatened."
Abstract This paper discusses the different types of deforestation and their causes, and suggests various areas in which possible solutions may be found. Both tropical deforestation and dry forest clearing are addressed. Increased population growth, agribusiness, cattle ranching, and small-scale farming and wood collecting are among the reasons given for destruction of forests. Proposed solutions include a discussion of preservation policies, greater economic use of forests currently destroyed, and 'tolerant forest management'.
From the Paper "The deforestation of vegetation has been carried out for millennia, in all parts of the world inhabited by man. But in recent decades, with the growth of "green" issues in general, great concern has been raised about deforestation and it's causes, especially in developing countries, which do not safeguard their forests in the way the west usually does. The term deforestation is vague, which makes it difficult to define, record and make comparisons. But deforestation can generally be divided into two broad categories. These are tropical deforestation (the clearing of dense rainforests, usually for agricultural purposes) and dry forest clearing (where trees are generally cut for firewood (Todaro: 1997). We shall look here at the causes of deforestation in developing countries in all it's forms, and then hopefully outline possible solutions to the apparent destruction caused to the bio-diversity of plants and animals, and environmental stability. "
This paper examines the real reasons behind the debt crisis faced by developing countries, focusing on the structural reasons for their continuing debt before turning to possible solutions.
Abstract Reasons for international debt are discussed with examples brought from Mexico and Brazil, oil exporters and oil importers; debt rescheduling; debt relief and first-world aid; the International Monetary Fund and the affect the IMF has had on poor countries. The two major methods of international reserve creation: the mining of gold and the acquisition of reserves in the form of key currencies are discussed along with their problems. Recent structural adjustment and debt relief are also examined, as well as the inability of poorer countries to pay their scheduled debt service and the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries Initiative and its problems. This leads to a discussion of macro-economic adjustment.
From the Paper "The current climate of recession has highlighted the reasons for raising the calls for poor country debt relief. It is difficult to believe claims made by creditors that they cannot afford further debt relief. Canceling effectively unpayable debts owed by the poorest countries may turn out to be a sensible policy for all creditors. As well as the strong moral argument for debt relief, there could be sound financial grounds for doing so to stimulate the global economy and promote growth."
Abstract This paper looks at the effect of NAFTA on the United States in the decade since NAFTA became law and the eight years since it actually went into effect, an effect that cannot be understood in isolation but that must be understood within the context of globalization and transnationalism, looking at some of the most serious consequences of a world with borders made so permeable by alliances and corporations especially in terms of human rights and the environment.
From the Paper "Transnationalism has changed the shape of our world. This is true even though most of us have only a vague idea about what transnationalism is, and even those who believe that they know what the word means in fact disagree over the definition of the term that is more or less a synonym for "globalization". Globalization, or transnationalism, in general refers to the current flows of capital, people, information and images and culture across national borders. Such flows of money, products and ideas across the previously far more impermeable national borders of the world has been brought about in large measure through two important and related processes: The first of these is the establishment of such international trading agreements as NAFTA, or the North American Free Trade Agreement (a pact that was in many political and economic ways prompted by the founding of the larger and more economically powerful European Union). The second major reason for the increase of economic globalization has been the substantial increase in companies that do business on a global scale. These companies have been substantially helped by such agreements as NAFTA, which is hardly surprising since large corporations provided significant pressure to have such alliances brought about (www.latimes.com)"
Abstract This paper is a discussion, and analysis of the fiscal crisis currently facing Argentina. The author details some of the causes of the current crisis, including defaulting on the debt, the devaluation of the country's peso and political corruption. The affects of the crisis on the region's stability, Argentina's trade relationships with Europe and the United States are also discussed. The turmoil within the country itself is discussed in detail, and the author also offers some creative solutions to the crisis.
From the Paper "Despite criticism from some nations like Spain, who is heavily affected by Argentina's crisis, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has so far refused to give any more aid to the country. However, many people blame the IMF for loaning "massive" amounts to Argentina earlier in their crisis, along with conditions requiring the country to tighten its fiscal policies. Now, Argentina is unable to repay these outstanding loans. Some of the over 130 million in debt was defaulted on in December, and "Critics say the IMF-imposed reforms have failed to work because they don't take into account the local situation. They argue that the insistence on debt repayment is what's brought Argentina to the brink of collapse" (Editors)"
Abstract The paper discusses current events in the light of microeconomic principles. United States is facing a slow down in the economy which is leading to reduction in consumer spending and is also negatively affecting borrowing and investment in the country. Applying microeconomics concepts, we notice that demand for money is quite inelastic these days, as reduction in fund rates is not producing desirable results.
From the Paper "To understand what is happening to our economy from a microeconomics perspective, we must first take into account some of the current events in order to get a clearer picture of the economic situation. The economy was already facing a recession-like situation when it was given the rudest shock of the century on September 11th. The country's economy since then has been sliding downwards because the government has been unable to generate enough consumer spending despite several announcements of tax cuts which are aimed at giving people more purchasing power and several reductions in the federal fund rates. We need to analyze the current events from microeconomics perspective as this would give us clear understanding of the compelling issues our economy is encountering today. "
Abstract This paper examines how economic development of any country promotes the trade and business and how free trade and liberalization in trade policies, on behalf of the governments, help the businesses to flourish and effectively compete in the world market. The writer covers the issues related to the economic development of the developing nations and discusses the aspects that have caused hindrance in the economic development of these countries. Finally the paper cites the example of a developing country (India) and discusses how liberalization in trade has helped it in making remarkable achievements with respect to economic growth and to bring improvements in its industry and trade.
From the Paper "In an era of increased globalization and advancements in technology, it has become increasingly important for all of the nations of the world to keep bringing improvements in their economic infrastructure and to expand their businesses on the global scale. It has been observed that without a reasonable level of economic development any country cannot gain a competitive position in the world market. This is the dilemma faced by most of the developed nations of the world."
Abstract Globalization in general refers to the ways in which capital, people, information and images and culture now flow back and forth across national borders with a greater ease and greater rapidity than they had before. This paper examines what the implications of such exchanges are and what are some of the most serious consequences of a world with such permeable borders, especially in terms of human rights and the environment.
From the Paper "NAFTA has helped to produce a world in which workers are now linked across national borders through the globalization of production. In other words, NAFTA has allowed jobs that once belonged Americans to be sent to other countries ? which has detrimental short-term effects on Americans as well as detrimental long-term effects on the workers of all the countries involved. And to short-term and long-term harm to the environment that we all share. All people find themselves increasing connected in this world. The clothes someone wears might well have been sewn in a country thousands of miles away of fiber grown in a third country."
Abstract This paper deals with examination of the four types of unemployment - frictional, structural, cyclical, and seasonal. It also examines the issues of full employment and natural rate of employment. This is then followed by an explanation of the causes and effects of demand-pull inflation.
From the Paper "Unemployment rate is one of the indicators of the labour market and economic condition of a country. According to McTaggart et al, one is considered unemployed if they are job losers, job leavers, or labour force entrants and re-entrants (1999: 31.7). There are four types of unemployment, including frictional, structural, cyclical, as well as seasonal. Two of the many factors that lead to unemployment include the processes of job matching (a two-sided process of linking the right worker with the right job) and job rationing (the practice of paying employed people a wage that creates an excess supply of labour and a shortage of jobs ) (McTaggart et al, 1999: 31.10). Employers take time for their search process because this process is influenced by employment protection laws, which induce employers to more carefully consider any hire."
Abstract This paper explains the U.S. Steel tariffs and when and why they were put in place. It presents an argument defending the tariffs, and discusses how these tariffs impact international business and world wide relations for the United States.
From the Paper "On March 5, 2002, the Bush administration imposed a 30 percent tariff on steel imports over the next three years. The tariffs exclude members of the North American Free Trade Agreement, including Canada and Mexico. Imports from developing nations that account for less than 3 percent of the total for individual steel product lines are also excluded. Duties ranging from 8 percent to 30 percent took effect on March 20, 2002. The tariffs cover flat-rolled steel and other steel product imports from countries including Brazil, South Korea, Japan, Russia, Germany, Turkey, France, China, Australia, and the Netherlands and will remain in place for three years (Bush 2002).
President Bush faced few alternatives to save the nation's beleaguered steel industry. United States trade representative, Robert Zoellick, expressed that the American steel industry was basically up against the wall and that Bush's actions would restore the strength and profitability of the industry. Approximately thirty-one steel companies have filed for bankruptcy since 1998, the year of the Asian financial crisis that prompted a flood of cheap steel into the United States, causing steel prices to tumble to 20 year lows. The Bush administration defended import restrictions as an effort to eliminate some of the 200 million tons of global excess steel-making capacity (Bush 2002). Originally demanding 40 percent tariffs over four years, the U.S. steel makers seem content with the imposed 30 percent over three years. The Bush administration faced strong political pressure to protect the industry from the crushing effects of imports from the political battleground states such as Pennsylvania, Ohio and Illinois (Bush 2002)."
Abstract The paper details the advantages and disadvantages of globalization on world economies. It looks at the globalization of the media and its effect on consumers. The paper describes the cultural impact of globalization especially on developing countries. The paper also analyzes cyber-culture.
From the Paper "The creation of a worldwide free market is grounded in a sequence of decisions taken by the US over the last 30 years which dismantled the post-war international monetary system, liberalized world markets and granted the financial sector an autonomy and unparalleled power. The new system also allowed the US to keep up a high standard of living at home by dipping into the planet's savings."
An examination of the causes of changes in U.S. crude oil prices. Includes competition, supply and demand, imported oil, statistical analysis and forecast. Tables.
2,250 words (approx. 9 pages), 2 sources, 2000, $ 79.95
From the Paper "An Analysis of Changes in United States Crude Oil Prices Over Time: 1972-1996
Introduction
This research analyzed the price of crude oil in the United States over time. The findings of this analysis are presented as follows: (1) definition of the product; (2) nature of the product; (3) major competitors; (4) other factors relevant to the price of the product; (5) specification of variables for the analysis; (6) results of the statistical analysis; (7) forecasts based on the statistical model; and (8) limitations of the forecast.
Definition of the Product
The product for which prices are analyzed in this study is crude oil sold in the United States. Crude oil is unrefined..."
