Economics and Economic Change

Description

Features

–        Simple language and little maths used to clearly explain the concepts that some students can struggle with.

–        Unique chapters on Information Technology (Ch. 2) and Health Care (Ch.10) within an economy bring topical debates, motivating learners.

–        Each chapter starts with key objectives and concepts – giving students a clear focus.

–        Questions woven throughout each chapter to encourage students to make the connection between theory and the real world.

New to this Edition

–        A variety of end of chapter discussion questions to promote further debate.

–        Mini-cases with questions in each chapter to emphasise the importance of real world issues.

–        Updated and improved web resources including:

o       For students – virtual tutorials and quizzes to test understanding

o       For lecturers -  An instructor’s manual with answers to questions and teaching notes; extra essay questions and answers; multiple-choice quizzes; PPTs

Table of Contents

MICROECONOMICS

PART I ARE WE LIVING THROUGH A NEW INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION?

1. Living and Working in the 'New Economy'

2. Information Technology: A New Era?

3. Innovation, Markets and Industrial Change

PART II HOW DO FIRMS COMPETE? MARKETS AND POLICY

4. Monopoly Power and Innovation

5. Competitive Markets

6. Strategic Competition: Conflict and Co-operation

PART III WHAT MAKES AN ECONOMY SUCCESSFUL? WORK, WELL-BEING AND THE STATE

7. The Labour Market

8. Welfare: From Income to Well-Being

9. The Economics of Governance

10. Health and Health Care: Markets, Ethics and Inequality

MACROECONOMICS

PART IV NATIONAL ECONOMIES

11. Economics and Economic Policy

12. The Circular Flow of Income, National Income and Money

13. Aggregate Demand

14. Investment and Capital Accumulation

PART V WINNERS AND LOSERS FROM GLOBALIZATION: THE INTERNATIONAL ECONOMY

15. International Trade and Production

16. Globalization, Inequality and Economic Growth

17. National Currencies and International Money Markets

PART VI LOOKING INTO THE LONG TERM: INVESTMENT, GROWTH AND SUSTAINABILITY

18. Unemployment and Inflation

19. Macroeconomic Performance and Stabilization

20. Environmental Sustainability

Back Cover

What are the implications of economic change for people’s lives? What makes economies grow, and is such growth sustainable?  Do poor nations gain from globalization?

Economics and Economic Changeexplores these and related questions in a highly accessible and innovative fashion.  The book introduces theoretical perspectives in economics by focusing on contemporary economic issues, blending critical debate and ethical reflection.  It also offers an excellent foundation to the contemporary research agenda.  The book was originally designed as part of the Open University course of the same name, benefiting from The Open University’s long experience of open support distance education.  It is therefore extremely student-centred, ideal for self-study.

Key Features:

• Questions and exercises throughout the text, as well as end-of-chapter questions for discussion and review, help you to assess your own understanding of concepts, to practise techniques, and to prepare for exams.

• A real world case study in each chapter, plus frequent references to real examples throughout the text, demonstrate why economics is important.

• A CD-ROM is packaged with every new copy of the book, containing tutorials and check-your-understanding quizzes to enhance your understanding of economics.

Economics and Economic Changeis suitable for those following a course on introductory economics, as a part of a degree in business studies, social sciences, or related areas.

Graham Dawson is Senior Lecturer in Economics, Paul Anand is Reader in Economics, Susan Himmelweit is Professor of Economics, Maureen Mackintosh is Professor of Economics at The Open University.  Suma Athreye is Reader in International Business and Strategy at Brunel Business School, Uxbridge.  Malcolm Sawyer is Professor of Economics at the University of Leeds.  Terry O’Shaughnessy is Tutor and Fellow in Economics at St Anne’s College, Oxford.