Lesson 1

1.1 The basic economic problem

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Resources are scarce

Natural Resources

Machinery

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Resources are scarce

Land

People

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Family A

Family B

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The creation of wants

Why do we want what we want?

Think of five things you want Discuss with your partner the most popular reasons for wanting goods and services.
WANT BICYCLE
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REASON MY FRIEND HAS ONE

Production
Using inputs (resources) to make outputs (goods and services) to satisfy the needs and wants of consumers

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Factors of production
Natural resources = land Man-made resources = capital Human skills and effort = labour Business know-how = enterprise

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Consumption
Using up goods and services (products) to satisfy consumers needs and wants

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So, we all have to make choices

There is a limited amount of resources such as raw materials, machines, factories and skilled workers. But there are a number of different ways in which they can be used.

Resource allocation therefore involves deciding how best to use scarce resources to satisfy as many needs and wants as possible
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Lesson 2

1.2 The basic economic problem continued

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Choice
Similarly, people and governments only have a limited amount of money but have many needs and wants to satisfy

$100bn

$100
Defence? Roads? Health care?

Food? Clothing?

Entertainment?

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Opportunity cost
Opportunity cost is the cost of choice
What would you buy with 100RMB? How should the government spend US$250 million? What occupation will you choose when you finish your studies? How should a new business invest US$20 million? Should we conserve more natural resources?

and what are the next best alternatives foregone?

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The basic economic problem

Human wants are unlimited but resources are scarce

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