Abstract This paper reviews the concept and application of the consumer price index. It reviews energy price changes for 1993-2002 in relation to the CPI. It looks at how the CPI is used to measure inflation in the United States economy.
Abstract This paper reviews and discusses political corruption. The paper uses the 2005 Transparency International Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) as a guide to the world's most corrupt nations. According to the paper, the country believed to be the most corrupt nation of all, is Haiti. The paper also examines the issues surrounding political corruption in Norway and goes on to review the solvency in each nation and its relationship / linkage to political corruption.
From the Paper "NORWAY: Norway is ranked #8 on the CPI, behind Iceland, Finland, Denmark, Singapore, Sweden and Switzerland. The CIA World Factbook records that in the 1960s, Norway discovered oil and gas in its offshore waters, which was a welcome addition to its list of plentiful natural resources (iron ore, copper, lead, zinc, titanium, pyrites, nickel, fish, timber and hydropower). Whereas in Haiti natural disasters come in the form of powerful hurricanes, in Norway there are far less destructive "rockslides" and "avalanches," the CIA explains. Also, as far as trade, Norway has the advantage of being "adjacent to sea lanes and air routes" in the North Atlantic region. "
Abstract This paper discusses the role of agricultural subsidization in developed countries through the examination of the consumer price index (CPI), per capita income levels, and the per capita expenditures on food within the CPI weighted averages. The paper hypothesizes that agricultural subsidies actually inflate the price of food commodities, which has an exacerbating effect on the economy and the lower income demographic.
From the Paper "The primary issue is the supposition that government agricultural subsidies disrupt the natural market forces that dictate the free-market premise that prices seek their own level. This principle of price disruption caused by agricultural subsidies is, perforce, most apparent in the price of food and food products. The result, and the proposed hypothesis, is that consumers actually pay higher prices for food items that would otherwise be the case sans agricultural subsidization by government entities. Purpose of Study The purpose of this study is to illustrate the reality of the hypothesis in order to establish and build a case to end agricultural subsidization by developed countries around the globe."
Abstract The paper discusses the causes for the increase in the US GDP and why personal income grew. The paper looks at the federal discount rate and the primary credit rate and explains that the increase in primary credit rates indicated an increase in such banks and such credits. The paper relates that the Consumer Price Index or CPI represents the average change in prices over time of goods and services purchased by households and the paper notes an increase in the CPI. The paper examines how unemployment was higher for evacuees not living in their former homes because of Hurricane Katrina and discusses how housing permits decreased in every region. The paper reveals that consumers' opinions did not show likelihood of losing trust in the economy although total retail sales showed a decline and economists and analysts viewed the economy as slowing down.
From the Paper "Real gross domestic product or GDP represents the total output of goods and services by labor in a particular country, in this case, the United States (Bureau of Economic Analysis 2006). The US GDP increased at an annual rate of 2.9% from June 2--5 to June 2006 or 5.6% in March 2006 alone. This increase reflected positive contributions from personal consumption expenditures for services, private inventory investment, non-residential structures, exports, and state and local government spending. These were partly offset by negative contributions from residential fixed investment and federal government spending. Imports too increased and would be debited from the calculation of GDP."
Tags: consumer, investment, credit, CPI, employment, federal
Abstract This paper analyzes some of the methods taken by the main character in Goldbratt's "The Goal" and how those decisions help him turn his life around, stabilize his job, and fix his marriage. Touched-on points include how the continuous process improvement method can repair many things that seem to defy other methods of repair.
From the Paper "In Goldbratt's The Goal, plant manager Alex Rogo is faced with a staggering number of problems?his plant is not making any money, his boss wants to hang him, his job is on the line, and his wife is developing a serious case of Female Neglect Syndrome that threatens his marriage. Really about the only thing that can keep Rogo from losing his job, sanity, and wife is the institution of the Continuous Process Improvement method."
Abstract This paper examines the Federal reserve, GDP, CPI , PPI, inflation, interest rates, political changes, money supply, taxes, government spending, economic cycles and trends and international trends over the past three years. The Airline Industry is looked at in terms of competition, market share and developments. Expectations for growth and development over the next two years, based on a review of relevant expert opinion, are presented.
From the Paper "The past three years have been a roller coaster ride for the economy. The changes that have been seen are a new President, the stock market dropping, interest rates at a 30 year low and unemployment rates rising. The Airline Industry has also seen changes. There are fewer people flying, and some airlines have had to file for bankruptcy protection.
"1999 was a year that saw three interest rate increases from June to December by the Federal Reserve Board (2000). The gross domestic product (GDP) slowed to 3.2 percent after rising at least 4 percent in each of the previous three years (2000). The stock market was doing well this year."
Abstract The United States economy has experienced several changes in the past few years. This paper explains that it is important to look at five economic indicators in order to speculate the direction the current economy is moving in. The indicators examined are the CPI, housing and unemployment, producer price index, retails sales, and the movements in the dollar.
From the Paper "The United States economy has been showing signs of growing stronger in the past several months. Housing starts and retail sales are up, while unemployment is down. The consumer price index has dropped, and while the producer price index dropped slightly, this was not a major concern for economists. Reports in December showed a slight decline in consumer confidence; however all of the economic indictors strongly suggest that the economy will continue on a strong growth path over the next year."
Abstract This paper examines how monetary policy refers to the actions commenced by a central bank called the Federal Reserve (FED) that was established to influence the availability and cost of money and credit to help promote national economic goals. It also looks at how J. P. Morgan Chase is a leading global financial services firm with operations in more than 50 countries and how the firm has five business segments that include investment banking, investment managing, private banking, treasury and securities services, and Chase Financial Services. It analyzes how all five segments are affected by actions taken by the FED and how mortgage rates, the CPI, PPI, employment, finished goods index, consumer credit data, housing starts, growth and sales, and disposable personal income are all economic indicators in the industry.
From the Paper "According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Finished Goods are defined as commodities that are ready for sale to the final-demand user, either an individual consumer or a business firm. In national income accounting terminology, the Finished Goods Price Index roughly measures changes in prices received by producers for two portions of the gross national product: (1) Personal consumption expenditures on goods, and (2) capital investment expenditures on equipment. The Finished Goods Less Food and Energy Index excludes volatile food and energy prices and is sometimes referred to as the core PPI. Other stages of processing in this classification scheme include Intermediate materials, supplies and components and crude materials for further processing."
Abstract The paper discusses the yearly Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) of Transparency International that is a good benchmark of the corruption levels in countries around the world. The paper focuses on Asia's two least corrupt/high integrity countries, Singapore and Japan, and Asia's two most corrupt/low integrity countries, the Philippines and Myanmar. The paper explores the disparities in their CPI and explains that if there truly is political will, like in Japan and Singapore, corruption can be curbed. The paper then contrasts this to the Philippines and Myanmar where those in power aim just to propagate their power legacy and enrich their pockets at the expense of those they are supposed to govern.
From the Paper "Globalization is not a truly new phenomenon in this day and age but rather has been with us since time immemorial. In fact, globalization is part and parcel of mankind's history since traders and merchants roam the land or sail the Seven Seas in search of unique goods or to trade/barter with others in far off lands. The difference with globalization then and now is the time and speed factors. Whereas before it could take months or years to travel and perform commercial activities with other nations; nowadays, it could be done in a matter of days, hours, minutes or even seconds. Thus, globalization changes the playing filed and the rules but throughout history, one constant has remained the same - corruption!"
Abstract This paper defines economic indicators, which determine whether the economy is in an inflationary or a deflationary cycle. These factors assist economists in make their predictions and government officials in determining economic policy. The uses of various models also are discussed.
From the Paper "Economic indicators are used to measure the financial health of the economy. There are many methods and tools for measuring the economy and every economist has his favorite method. The health of the economy is measured by tracking certain indicators. Different economists use these indicators in various combinations. Some economists place more or less weight on different ones in making their predictions about which direction the economy will go. It is important to note the differences in measurement when assessing the opinions of popular economists of today."
Abstract The principles of microeconomics are not just important to economists and scholars, the principles apply to many aspects of society that impact everyone. Microeconomics considers how goods are produced, how people create their income and how people make decisions to spend that income. In short, microeconomics refers to aspects of life that people encounter every day. With this relevance of microeconomics to everyday life, it is not surprising that principles of economics can be found in many places, including in the lyrics of songs. To illustrate how the principles of microeconomics are referred to in a song, Garth Brooks? "We Shall Be Free" is used as an example. Considering the lyrics of this song, it is seen that various items are mentioned that relate to microeconomics. As well as describing these items, the analysis also extends to a brief discussion of why they are important to people.
From the Paper "The lyrics of We Shall Be Free includes the following lines, ?And when money talks for the very last time / And nobody walks a step behind / ? / Then we shall be free.? This statement from the lyrics goes against the principles of the market economy and the concept of fairness in the market economy. "When money talks for the very last time" refers to money not having power. The market economy of current society is based on money as power, since money is the means to obtaining necessary and desired goods and services. If money did not "talk" in modern society, why would people work? It is fair to suggest that most people would not work if what they obtained from that work was worthless to them. If people did not work, companies would not be producing the goods that people buy with the money they work for. This illustrates that the lyrics suggest a different view of economics than what society is currently based on. The line "And nobody walks a step behind" also suggests that everyone is equal. "
Abstract This paper examines the American economy over the last ten years in terms of GDP, CPI, unemployment, and interest rates; identifies the present stage of the business cycle, and compares the performance of the economy over the years since 1992.
Abstract This paper is based on the airline industry and discusses a brief history of this industry, an industry overview, and a SWOTT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats, and Trends) analysis of the industry. It also addresses the impact of real Gross Domestic Product (GDP), the unemployment rate, and the inflation rate as measured by the consumer price index (CPI). The paper includes three economic indicators.
History of the Industry
Industry Overview
SWOTT
Gross Domestic Product
Unemployment Rate
Inflation Rate
Economic Indicators
In-depth Analysis
Final Recommendations
From the Paper "Business travel still plays a significant role in the airline industry. Although many advents in business communications technology have evolved, something remains to be said about the quality and quantity of business conducted in face-to-face meetings. Competition for business travelers is intense with legacy carriers and low-cost carriers vying for revenue. Today, the financial benefit is in the business community's favor although it is expected that in late 2005 excess capacity consumption will allow the airlines to begin charging higher fares (National Business Travel Association)."
Abstract This paper discusses the home building industry, including a brief history of this industry, an industry overview, and a SWOTT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats, and Trends) analysis of the industry. It also addresses the impact of real Gross Domestic Product (GDP), the unemployment rate, and the inflation rate as measured by the consumer price index (CPI). The paper details three economic indicators.
Home Building History
Home Building Overview
Strengths and Weaknesses
Unemployment Rate
Gross Domestic Product
Recommendations
Housing Starts
Personal Income
Recommendations
Interest Rates
Inflation
Interest Rates versus Inflation
Recommendations
Conclusion
From the Paper "The home building industry has been around for many years. The design, shape, and style of homes have changed over time. The industry is quite different than it was many years ago. When people first began to build they did not layout and draw plans and specs for their home. The first homes were built with one or two rooms in the entire house. Today, they average home has over 6 rooms, When home building first started there was no set rules and regulations that builders had to follow, now we have organizations such as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration who helps set construction regulations for the home building industry. We also have NAHB (National Association Home Builders), which was started in 1942. The NAHB works with the state and local agencies to help establish government and legislature for home builders as well as establish affordable housing for everyone."
Abstract This paper hypothesizes that education levels, GDP in purchasing power parity terms, healthy life expectancy (HALE), rate of unemployment, the total fertility rate (TFR) and openness of a country to foreign trade affect the corruption index of a country. The paper then makes an effort to analyze the effects of these variables on CPI quantitatively and to draw the appropriate inferences.
Table of Contents
Overview of the Linkages
Summary and Policy Implications
Annexure
From the Paper "Corruption has been defined in many ways. However, an often quoted definition of corruption is one by Nye, which considers corruption "...a behavior which deviates from the normal duties of a public role because of private-regarding pecuniary or status gains; or violates rules against the exercise of certain types of private-regarding influence"(Nye,1967). However, this paper uses the definition of the Transparency International (TI) who has defined corruption as the abuse of public office for private gain. The surveys used in compiling the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) tend to ask questions in line with the misuse of public power for private benefit, with a focus for example, on bribe-taking by public officials in public procurement. The sources do not distinguish between administrative and political corruption. The CPI used in this paper is the latest available CPI, 2003 published by the Transparency International. Using formal and empirical approaches several authors show that corruption detracts investors, reduces the productivity of public expenditures, distorts the allocation of resources and thus lowers economic growth. These findings are reflected in the strategies of most of the international organizations like World Bank, IMF, United Nations Anticorruption Treaty (2003) etc. Corruption is not restricted to developing countries only. However, a number of studies have revealed that rich countries generally have lesser degree of corruption in public life than the poorer nations. Corruption is not a new phenomenon. However, with the evolution, rising independence & increased public access of different forms of media, especially in the last three decades, the cases of corruptions are reported more. This has increased awareness among the citizens about corruption. In many societies, corruption exacts heavy economic costs, distorts the operation of free markets, slows down economic development and destroys the ability of institutions and bureaucracies to deliver the services that society may expect. Corruption also has an adverse influence in reducing poverty because it diverts resources from the poor to the rich. A study has found that a one standard deviation (2.38 point) improvement in the corruption index is associated with over a 4% increase in a country's investment rate and over a half percentage point increase in the per capita growth rate. The study by Gopal J. Yadav (2005) hypothesized that the level of corruption would be lower in a country with higher per capita income, higher level of education and greater exposure to other nations. This paper hypothesizes that Education levels, GDP in Purchasing Power Parity terms, healthy life expectancy (HALE), rate of unemployment, the Total Fertility Rate (TFR) and openness of a country to foreign trade affect the corruption index of a country. However, interdependence of some of these variables cannot be ruled out. Data relating to 77 countries across the globe were available for analysis. This paper makes an effort to analyze the effects of these variables on CPI quantitatively and draws inferences."
