Infinite needs and wants but only limited resources available to
meet the needs
Economy require the best way to allocate the
resources to maximise the benefit to the society
as a whole
Maximising objective of each agents combined with signals of
price(rewards of factor of production) helps to allocate resources
where consumers want them most
Adam Smith
Invisible hand moving resources to
their best use
Opportunity Cost
The next best alternative forgone when
an economic decision is made
Economic Goods
Scare and opportunity cost involved
Free Goods
No opportunity cost involved
E.g. Air
Economic Resources
Factors of Production
Land
Reward:Rent
Labour
Reward:Wages
Capital
Reward:Interest
Enterprise
Reward:Profit
Factor Market
Markets where factors of
production are bought and
sold
Objectives of individuals, firms and
government
Individuals
Rational consumers
Decisions based on maximising our
own welfare
Workers
Higher wages
Better working conditions
Job security
Firms
Maximise profits
Government
Political Objective
Chances of re-elected
Free market economy
Limited intervention of the government
High prices
Indicates profits
Signals higher output or new firms
entering the market
E.g. Rise in oil prices
Consumers tend to ration more
Development of new oilfields in tougher environments
Supply increased due to higher profit incentive
Incentive Function
Rationing function
Signalling function
Assumption
Assume consumers wants to maximise their
own satisfaction