Monopolies are generally considered to have several disadvantages (higher price, fewer incentives to be efficient e.t.c). However, monopolies can also give benefits, such as – economies of scale, (lower average costs) and a greater ability to fund research and development. In certain circumstances, the advantages of monopolies can outweigh their costs. Advantages of Monopoly Research …
Monopoly Graph A monopolist will seek to maximise profits by setting output where MR = MC This will be at output Qm and Price Pm. Compared to a competitive market, the monopolist increases price and reduces output Red area = Supernormal Profit (AR-AC) * Q Blue area = Deadweight welfare loss (combined loss of producer …
The government may wish to regulate monopolies to protect the interests of consumers. For example, monopolies have the market power to set prices higher than in competitive markets. The government can regulate monopolies through: Price capping – limiting price increases Regulation of mergers Breaking up monopolies Investigations into cartels and unfair practises Nationalisation – government …
Price elasticity of demand measures the responsiveness of demand to a change in price. Price inelastic – a change in price causes a smaller % change in demand. Price elastic – a change in price causes a bigger % change in demand. Price inelastic demand We say a good is price inelastic, when an increase …
Definition: Mercantilism is an economic theory where the government seeks to regulate the economy and trade in order to promote domestic industry – often at the expense of other countries. Mercantilism is associated with policies which restrict imports, increase stocks of gold and protect domestic industries. Mercantilism stands in contrast to the theory of free …
Economies of scale occur when increased output leads to lower unit costs. (lower average costs) Diagram Economies of Scale This diagram shows that as firms increase output from Q1 to Q2, average costs fall from P1 to P2. There are many different types and examples of how firms can benefit from economies of scale – …
Definition: Monopolistic competition is a market structure which combines elements of monopoly and competitive markets. Essentially a monopolistic competitive market is one with freedom of entry and exit, but firms can differentiate their products. Therefore, they have an inelastic demand curve and so they can set prices. However, because there is freedom of entry, supernormal …
The network effect occurs when a good or service becomes more valuable as more people use it. Network effect explained If you own a telephone, but no one else does, the good is of no value. As more people join the telephone network, the more valuable the telephone becomes to yourself. If you buy a …