Class notes
Chapter 2 - Benchmark model of the economy
- Course
- EKN 310
- Institution
- University Of Pretoria (UP)
Benchmark model of the economy
[Show more]
Content preview
Chapter 2Benchmark model of the economy:
Positive and Normative Approach
Public Economics (Calitz, et al. Chapter 1)
2.1 Basic assumptions of the benchmark model
The benchmark model – based on a host of patently unrealistic assumptions that are
set out below
- Describes a stable economy in which all resources are used optimally → can
help us understand and appreciate real world problems better as a result.
- Depicts how the economy should run in the ideal economy → does not
provide an accurate picture of the real world.
- It is a general equilibrium model (all markets are in equilibrium at the same
time) that is used to determine the “ideal situation” with relation to economic
efficiency (a country’s ability to achieve economic growth)
Model assumptions: relates to normative economics
1. 2x2x2 model
a. 2 producers of commodities, 2 consumers, 2 suppliers of factors of
production
b. Labour and capital are used to produce goods X and Y that are both
consumed by an individual.
2. No external influences
a. All parties are fully informed about the economy.
b. All parties are unaffected by the actions of other consumers and
producers.
c. Consumers have fixed tastes.
d. No external effects associated with consumption.
3. The 2 Production processes have:
a. Unlimited factor substitutability → labour and capital can be instantly
moved from one sector to another.
Gauke Buyl DO NOT DISTRIBUTE
, b. Diminishing marginal productivities
c. Constant returns to scale → rules out (dis)economies of scale, while
there are also no external costs/benefits in production
d. Isoquant – is a curve that shows combinations of inputs that yield the
same level of output
4. Consumers maximise utility and producers maximise profits.
a. Both are perfectly informed about their respective environments
5. Commodity and factor markets are perfectly competitive
a. It implies that each market behaves ‘as if’ there were a large number of
individual demanders & suppliers involved.
b. both markets clear and there is neither a surplus nor deficit.
The assumptions ensure the existence, uniqueness, and stability of the general
equilibrium.
2.2 Benchmark model and allocative efficiency: (relates to
normative economics)
Economic efficiency → consists of allocative efficiency and technical efficiency (X-
efficiency) → a country’s ability to achieve economic growth.
Achieving perfect economic efficiency ensures the ability to achieve optimal
economic growth → want to achieve economic efficiency so that we can achieve
optimal economic growth.
Government should intervene to help the economy improve its economic efficiency
and societal welfare and diminish it → government should help achieve economic
efficiency and not hamper it.
Gauke Buyl DO NOT DISTRIBUTE
The benefits of buying summaries with Stuvia:
Guaranteed quality through customer reviews
Stuvia customers have reviewed more than 700,000 summaries. This how you know that you are buying the best documents.
Quick and easy check-out
You can quickly pay through EFT, credit card or Stuvia-credit for the summaries. There is no membership needed.
Focus on what matters
Your fellow students write the study notes themselves, which is why the documents are always reliable and up-to-date. This ensures you quickly get to the core!
Frequently asked questions
What do I get when I buy this document?
You get a PDF, available immediately after your purchase. The purchased document is accessible anytime, anywhere and indefinitely through your profile.
Satisfaction guarantee: how does it work?
Our satisfaction guarantee ensures that you always find a study document that suits you well. You fill out a form, and our customer service team takes care of the rest.
Who am I buying this summary from?
Stuvia is a marketplace, so you are not buying this document from us, but from seller Gauke107. Stuvia facilitates payment to the seller.
Will I be stuck with a subscription?
No, you only buy this summary for R50,00. You're not tied to anything after your purchase.
Can Stuvia be trusted?
4.6 stars on Google & Trustpilot (+1000 reviews)
79271 documents were sold in the last 30 days
Founded in 2010, the go-to place to buy summaries for 14 years now