Showing papers on "Economic problem published in 1980"

Resource Economics: An Economic Approach to Natural Resource and Environmental Policy

Abstract: NATURAL RESOURCE AND ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY: THE CHALLENGE TO ECONOMISTS. Economic Growth, Resource Scarcity, and Environmental Degradation. Cornucopia or Catastrophe. Resources and Policy. ALLOCATION, DISTRIBUTION AND ECONOMIC WELL-BEING: ECONOMIC POLICY FOR RESOURCES POLICY. Economic Coordination and the Price System. Economic Efficiency. Criteria for Economic Policy. Property Rights, Efficiency and the Distribution of Income. Sources of Inefficiency. RULES OF THE GAME: THE INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK. The Loci of Economic Decision Making. Some Important Legal Concepts. Natural Resources and the State: Legislative and Judicial Processes as They Apply to Natural and Environmental Resources. PROJECT AND PROGRAM EVALUATION. Benefit Cost Analysis. Benefit Cost Analysis in a Limited-Information Environment. APPLICATIONS. Intertemporal Allocation I: Exhaustible Resources. Demand and Supply of Fossil Fuels. Intertemporal Allocation 2: Biological Resources. Land Markets. Land Use Policy. The Control of Polluting Emissions. The Siting of Locally Obnoxious Facilities. Water Resources Projects: The Case of the Tellico Dam and Reservoir Project. Conservation and Preservation. Epilog. Index.

Aspects of Development and Underdevelopment.

Abstract: Joan Robinson shows how the economic mechanisms that produce wealth in the midst of growing misery can be understood. For this purpose she uses the classical theory of accumulation and the modern theory of international trade and finance. Her simple but penetrating analysis illuminates the problems of poverty, accumulation, industrialization and trade, while exposing misleading conceptions of the Third World. Throughout the book, general principles are demonstrated with particular examples, making those principles both clearer and more relevant. The book's conclusion is that the economic problems of the Third World remain rooted in deep-seated political conflicts of national and international interests.

The implications of contemporary redistribution trends for national urban policy

Abstract: Fueled United and social by States an forces, changed intense the demographic apace interaction during and of the industrial technological, 1970s. On landscape an interregional economic of the Fueled and social forces, the demographic and industrial landscape of the United States changed ap ce during he 1970s. On a int regi nal scale, we witnessed the continuing redistribution of population and economic activity away from the traditional northern urban-industrial heartland to the more recently developing southern and western regions. On an intraregional scale, the locus of residential, commercial and industrial growth increasingly shifted away from metropolitan central cities to their suburbs and exurbs and even on into relatively remote nonmetropolitan sectors of each region. Indeed, for the bulk of this nations metropolitan core cities, the absolute declines in middle-income population and employment opportunities have been so substantial that some scholars have begun to question whether they can, or even should, maintain the dominant residential and commercial positions they once held (Baer, 1976; Muller, 1978). In the wake of accelerating dispersion of population and jobs, a number of federal policies have been implemented to mitigate the social and economic problems that redistribution trends have engendered for many core cities and their inhabitants. These policies, which were titularly consolidated in 1978 under the rubric of the Carter Administration's National Urban Policy, appear to have been, at best, marginally successful and, in some instances, counterproductive, inadvertently generating side effects that have further weakened city economies. The reason for this lack of success, in my judgment, rests with the failure of many urban policies to give adequate recognition and weight to contemporary technological, economic and social dynamics underlying the locational decisions of people and firms, and the corresponding, changing functional roles large cities most effectively perform in our own advanced service economy. The aim of this paper is to examine contemporary interand intraregional redistribution trends with an eye toward drawing implications

The Economics of Individual and Population Aging

Abstract: This study aims to identify and describe the principle economic issues associated with individual and population ageing. In addition, the study surveys and assess the existing knowledge - including research by scholars of many countries and different fields in the social sciences - of the economic and social problems associated with ageing. Although the study covers a wide range of issues, it focuses primarily on the economic complexities of individual ageing and the macro-economic problems that arise from age-structure changes in the population. The authors, giving examples from many countries, trace the development of concern for population ageing and examine theoretical concepts and changing demographic conditions. Cross-national econometric studies are cited along with time series and cross-sectional research on individual countries. In assessing the state of the literature on the economic problems of ageing, the authors have attempted to indicate fruitful avenues for further research.

The Economics of Individual and Population Aging

Abstract: This study aims to identify and describe the principle economic issues associated with individual and population ageing. In addition, the study surveys and assess the existing knowledge - including research by scholars of many countries and different fields in the social sciences - of the economic and social problems associated with ageing. Although the study covers a wide range of issues, it focuses primarily on the economic complexities of individual ageing and the macro-economic problems that arise from age-structure changes in the population. The authors, giving examples from many countries, trace the development of concern for population ageing and examine theoretical concepts and changing demographic conditions. Cross-national econometric studies are cited along with time series and cross-sectional research on individual countries. In assessing the state of the literature on the economic problems of ageing, the authors have attempted to indicate fruitful avenues for further research.

Nation Building and the University in Developing Countries: The Case of Malaysia.

Abstract: The part played by the university in the building of a nation in the post-independence period is described and illustrated by means of a detailed study of Malaysia. The impact of economic, socio-cultural and political factors is analysed and the objectives of higher education in contemporary Malaysia are articulated. The rapid development of new universities (beginning with the author's own institution in 1969) was carried out simultaneously with an increasing demand for graduates in science and technology. Questions of access in the Malaysian multi-cultural situation and the measures taken to increase Malay participation in higher education are discussed, particularly in relation to manpower needs. Research in Malaysian universities is directed towards social and economic problems and the applied is preferred to the pure. The article ends with a call for greater coordination of the contributions made by the separate universities to the building of the nation.

Industrial R & D and the British economic problem

Abstract: Britain's poor industrial and economic performance over at least the past fifteen years is closely related to a national pattern of R & D activities that—by comparison with our main competitors—has been insufficient in volume, heavily concentrated in sectors of relatively minor industrial significance, and inadequately coupled to the problems and possibilities of production and the market. Reversing what in the 1970s was a strongly downward trend in British R & D and other innovative activities will require, amongst other things, more professionalism and skills in British engineering and management, and deliberate long-term strategies in industry and government to develop products, processes and markets that enable British industry to compete on the basis of quality and skills rather than low wages.

Industrial Structure and the Economic Problems of Industry in a Centrally Planned Economy: The Polish Case

Abstract: CURRENTLY the suggestion made in the UK that our industrial structure may be partly responsible for our economic difficulties seems to be gaining acceptance. The recent rapid growth in industrial concentration, and its counterpart, the relative decline in the economic significance of the small firm, are features not unequivocally accepted as beneficial to the more efficient functioning of industry. Prais [22, p. I60] in his recent book wonders 'whether the elimination of small firms has not gone too far here, and whether the rigidity of the economy and its undistinguished progress is not, at least partly, attributable to the lack of small entrepreneurs'. Meeks [17] has suggested that growth through merger may be only weakly correlated with improved efficiency while the link between growth through new investment and efficiency is much clearer. If we accept that there is some link between industrial structure and performance and that our problems stem, at least in part, from too much concentration and too few small firms then it becomes interesting to examine the relationship of structure to performance in those economies where structural features may be even more exaggerated-the centrally planned economies of Eastern Europe. There seems to be a growing awareness in at least one centrally planned economy that the structure of industrial organizations is, in several respects, deficient. This essay attempts to examine more closely the relationship of industrial organization to central planning in the case of the Polish economy in the 1970s. Prior to 1970 industrial output growth was the major objective of economic policy while since 1970 the consumer seems to have been given priority. It is interesting to ask whether the recent changes in economic policy have had much impact on the structure of industrial units. This seems a useful exercise because if economic policy aims to satisfy consumption as effectively as possible then enterprises should have to act quickly and responsively to

Mankind at the starting point

Abstract: In this article a modified Veblen-Ayres framework analyzes the current controversy over the limits to growth. The issue concerns how to explain the apparent paradox of an exponential advance of technology and economic growth within the confines of a finite earth and fixed resource base. While the current crisis and conflict are real enough, the hypothesis presented here is that the cause is not to be found in finite resources, but in a malfunctioning sector of social organization. We will try to show, by analyzing the dynamics and resulting structure of economic growth and development, that resources are potentially unlimited. If such is the case, then Thorstein Veblen and Clarence Ayres were correct in diverting attention from natural resources and the biosphere and focusing it on the social structure as the primary problem area in the overall economic process.

Economic Policies and Trends in Sri Lanka

Abstract: THE PRESENT United National Party (UNP) government came to power in July 1977 after an overwhelming victory in general elections in which the country's economic problems figured prominently. Soon after assuming office, the new government initiated many basic and far-reaching economic and financial policy changes. The major changes indicated new directions and new strategies, departing considerably from the policies pursued for many years in the past. The new economic and financial policies basically envisaged a considerable enlargement of the "free market" sector of the economy. The economy has subsequently been freed from many of the controls and restrictions that had been built up over the years with a view to "allowing the market forces to play a greater role in the allocation of resources."' This view provided the rationale for introducing a substantial measure of trade liberalization, relaxation of foreign exchange controls, considerable decontrol of prices, and the removal of many other restrictions on the operation of private sector and market-oriented activities. The government also decided to limit or do away with the monopoly and dominance of public sector institutions in some spheres of activity in order to permit a greater degree of competition between the public and private sectors. Another significant policy change was the definite commitment towards a substantial degree of foreign (private) capital participation in the country's development efforts, especially for export-oriented industries.

Energy and economic development

Abstract: The paper examines the impact of the energy crisis on the world economy, particularly the less-developed countries (LDCs). To clearly and fully understand the economic problems confronting LDCs in the era of energy shortages, it is necessary to formulate a general structural theory of economic development. A more-comprehensive multidimensional indicator of economic development should also be constructed to measure the industrialization of the LDCs under study. 23 refs.

The China Trade: Recent Developments and Future Prospects

Abstract: T HE SIZE AND GROWTH pattern of China's foreign trade are determined by two sets of forces, one economic and the other political. It is a well established fact that a country's foreign trade tends to be positively related to income per capita and negatively related to the size of the economy, measured either by Gross National Product or by population. Therefore it is not surprising that, given its huge population, extensive internal markets, and low per capita income, China is not a major trading nation. Currently, imports and exports together amount to only about 4-5 per cent of China's GNP, and in terms of world commerce its two-way trade is only around one per cent of the world total. China's foreign trade has also fluctuated with the changing fortune of its economy, rising in periods of steady economic expansion and falling in periods of economic setbacks. Because, in China, foreign trade is a state monopoly and ideology is important, politics-domestic and international-play a much larger role in determining foreign trade than in market economies. International politics clearly had a role in the sudden and sharp decline in Sino-Soviet trade in the early 1960s and in the fluctuation of Sino-Japanese commercial relationships before Japan's formal recognition in 1972 of the People's Republic as the sole legal government of China. China's foreign trade has also been influenced by domestic politics. Since the 1950s, internal politics in China have centered around the "two-line struggle." In brief, Chinese leaders are split between "radicals" and "moderates," having very different views of economic development. The moderates take a relatively pragmatic approach to economic problems, while the radicals take a more ideological approach, placing greater emphasis on self-reliance, non-material in-

Government regulations: two sides to the story

Abstract: Critics who blame regulatory costs for US economic problems fail to consider the benefits of the regulations and fail to distinguish the small contribution that new social regulation makes to the budget. It is important to separate the economic regulations designed to keep the economy running smoothly from the social goals of health, safety, and environment. Social regulation seeks to correct a market failure by including social costs in the price and reflecting the true cost of production. In contrast to Murray L. Weidenbaum's theory, social regulation needs to be reorganized into four categories: new social regulation, older social regulation, economic regulation, and miscellaneous regulation in assessing regulatory costs. The monetary benefit estimates that are available show positive net contributions in reduced morbidity and improved environmental quality. 5 tables. (DCK)

Incomes Policy and Industrial Relations: Britain, Sweden and Australia

Abstract: Increasingly, economic debate in Australia and other Western, developed economies is directed to the interdependence and potential conflict between the out come of labour market negotiations and government economic policy. Industrial relations becomes identified as a cause of economic problems and governments have been attracted to policies that seek to alter the outcome of labour market negotia tions, using what are often termed "incomes policies". However, because of the nature of industrial relations, incomes policies which might be established to express government demands also have an influence over the balance of powers and relations within the economy. This dynamic process presents problems for practitioners and academics assessing the full effect of incomes policies. The corporatist model developed by Leo Pantich is one useful model of the changes that can occur in trade union, employer and government relations under incomes policy conditions. Draw ing on the flexibility of such a process model, t...

Economic Analysis Procedures for ADP

Abstract: : Every manager devotes considerable time and effort to planning for the future, and every plan is concerned primarily with allocating scarce resources. This book explains a process which will aid the manager in making resource allocation decisions. This method of approaching a complex problem of choice is called Economic Analysis. Economic Analysis concerns the basic problem of economic choice (value received for value sacrificed) and as such, is applied by each of us implicitly and informally whenever we make a decision in the marketplace. For example, when we buy a car we do not take the first one we see. We look around until we find a model that suits our needs and our pocketbooks. In effect, we make an economic analysis, even if we don't call it that. This book was written in order to establish a procedural routine for personnel who have little or no experience with economic analyses. It will also be of value to those supervisors and functional managers who must initiate or review economic analyses. While the technique described throughout the book can be easily applied to all types of investment problems, the scope of this book is limited to economic problems of choice within the ADP arena.

The Hungarian Economy: Prospects for the 1980s*

Abstract: This chapter presents the Hungarian economy prospects for the 1980s. Hungarian prospects for the 1980s are related to the Hungarian economic reform of the 1960s and 1970s. The Hungarians produced the only economic reform in which economic decentralization was in operation within the Council for Mutual Economic Assistance (CMEA) for a significant amount of time. Hungary served as a test case of economic decentralization and was observed closely by the other CMEA countries, partially because of the increasingly serious economic problems they faced. Hungary decided to build its policies for the 1980s around the competitive, uncertain environment of world trade. However, three external factors severely hampered this strategy: (1) US–USSR relations deteriorated because of Afghanistan and other issues, leading to a cooling of detente ; (2) uncertainty concerning future world market prices for energy and raw materials was greater than that for other commodities, which encouraged Hungary to contribute more toward CMEA energy and raw material projects, thereby offering greater stability in terms of price and supply; and (3) the 1980s will be a decade of changing relative world market prices, probably leading to a further deterioration in Hungarian terms of trade.

Economic and Social Problems

Abstract: The most tantalising problems facing the countries of Southern Asia are the socio-economic problems of poverty, weight of tradition and inegalitarianism. It is hard to define poverty, and harder still to identify its causes. But the tradition-mindedness of the people and the inegalitarian social structure are often seen to react against radical changes. They tend to perpetuate the status quo. If it is true that greater social justice follows and does riot precede economic advance, then poor societies cannot be other than highly inegalitarian.

State initiatives in state-Federal relations

Abstract: Based upon historical analysis, this paper examines the proper role of regulation at the state, regional, and federal levels of government. Four areas of inquiry are highlighted by the so-called crises in public utility industries. The first question is whether there should be a shift from passive to active regulation. Second, is increased regulatory power needed at regional and Federal levels of government in order to achieve an appropriate balance between state, regional, and Federal government, or does overcentralization breed economic inefficiency and autocratic decisions. Third, should regulators have a higher degree of power and control over private-utility companies to accomplish objectives mandated by state legislatures and Congress, or is the real problem that private incentives have not been given enough leeway to solve the problems that confront us. And, fourth, if we are to address today's opportunities, should planning efficiency and public interest norms displace the time-honored competitive-market standards of economic efficiency and social justice as the basis for regulatory decisions. At the root of these issues, there is a clash between those arguing for the use of a planning paradigm to solve economic problems and those advocating reliance upon market forces. Economic imperatives lead us to expect amore » continuation of a trend which resolves the market/nonmarket balance in favor of more government participation. Hence, the scope of state initiatives and the range of opportunities for policy action, will in fact, be defined by economic forces larger than the current debate on the issues. 8 references.« less

Economic Problems of the Output-Capital Ratio

Abstract: The economic and scientific-technical might of the Soviet Union has grown continuously during the years of the Soviet five-year plans. Our country now has at its disposal a vast economic potential. L. I. Brezhnev noted: "Plants and mines, blast furnaces and machines, instruments and the latest automated systems — everything that we call productive capital — are the great wealth of the people. But it is essential to know how to make truly effective use of this wealth. Without the precise scientific organization of labor, without correct planning and good management, without increasing the responsibility of all personnel — from the commanders of production to its performers — this wealth will not yield the return that we are entitled to expect."

The Political and Security Factors and Motives in East-West Economic Relations

Abstract: The problems of East-West trade — like any other complex world economic problems —can be approached in a number of ways. I mention the possibility of alternatives inorder to fix my own starting-point and endeavours in the context of other possibilities.

The Implications of Economic Reforms in Eastern Europe for the Future of East–West Relations

Abstract: This chapter discusses the implications of economic reforms in Eastern Europe for the future of East–West relations. CMEA is competent to be a party to international treaties, such as cooperation agreements with other international institutions and nonmember countries. To make up for the insufficient Soviet deliveries and to fill at least a part of their growing energy gap, East European countries are being forced to participate more extensively in CMEA joint projects for the development of energy resources in the USSR to boost domestic production of coal, oil, gas, and to raise nuclear energy output to save fuel through improved efficiency and to rely more heavily on Middle Eastern oil. The problems of getting adequate supplies of energy are of the utmost importance in the Western half of Europe and can be eased to a fairly large extent through East–West and particularly intra-European cooperation. The Final Act of the Helsinki Conference calls for increasing common and effective efforts toward the solution of major world economic problems and presents the importance of projects of common interest mentioning fields such as energy, raw materials, and transport.