Business Growth Factors: Opportunities & Threats
Joint Ventures vs. Strategic Alliances
1. Distinguish between joint ventures and strategic alliances:
- Joint Venture: Occurs when two or more businesses share the costs, risks, control, and rewards of a business project. They often use this to enter foreign markets.
- Strategic Alliance: Two or more businesses cooperate in a business venture for mutual benefit, sharing the costs of product development, for example.
Franchising: Advantages and Disadvantages
2. What are the advantages and disadvantages of
Read MoreInternational Trade: Theories, Benefits, and Regulations
Introduction to International Trade
Modern economic theories about international trade started in the 16th century. We can consider two main doctrines:
- Mercantilism
- Free trade
Mercantilism
Mercantilism is the economic doctrine in which government control of foreign trade is of great importance for ensuring the prosperity and security of the state. In particular, it demands a positive balance of trade. Mercantilism dominated western countries’ economic policy and discourse from the 16th to late-18th centuries.
Read MoreUnderstanding Consumer Demand: Indifference Curve Theory
Consumer Demand Theory: Indifference Curves
1. Definition
An indifference curve illustrates various combinations of product X and product Y that provide equal utility or customer satisfaction. A higher indifference curve indicates a higher degree of satisfaction, while a lower curve represents lower satisfaction.
2. Marginal Rate of Substitution
The marginal rate of substitution of Y for X (MRSxy) refers to the amount of Y a consumer is willing to sacrifice to obtain an additional unit of X, while remaining
Read MoreDemographic Shifts, Economic Cycles, and Industrial Evolution
Demographic Shifts and Agriculture
- Declining birth rates and slowing population growth.
- Increased migration towards urban centers, creating a rural exodus.
- Intercontinental migrations did not hinder this slowing population growth.
- Agriculture suffered a crisis caused by the transportation revolution.
- Food arrived in Europe at low prices, creating competition for local agriculture.
- New, more modern agriculture emerged in Europe, contrasting with more traditional, less technologically advanced methods.
- Capitalism
Understanding State Finances and Public Debt
State Revenues and Expenditures
Other income includes:
- Current transfers: Resources from other units, such as those collected from state lotteries.
- Property income: Income from state assets, such as RENFE.
- Capital gains: Derived from investment sales of state assets, such as Iberia and Repsol.
- Capital transfers: Funds from the EU for investment projects.
PGE Expenditures
Spending indicates the objectives of government budgets and can include:
- Running costs: Aimed at providing public services to society.
Industrial Classification and Production
Industry Classification
Dimensions: Small, medium, large industry. Reference parameters: Production capability, number of employees, range of investments, and annual turnover. The parameter values can change with:
- Mechanization and/or automation degree
- Sector classification (manufacturing, chemical, etc.)
Transformations Nature: Mechanical, chemical, electric, textile, steel, food, or mixed (electromechanical, electrochemical, chemical-textile).
Level of Integration:
- Vertical Integration Industry: Upstream