Unit 1: Actions around the world to curb smoking

Thanks to tutor2u for pointing out this BBC article

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-11845158

a) Identify the legislative approaches and taxation approaches used by different countries
b) Why do you think the actions vary so much between countries?

New York intends to go even further!

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-12352935

c) Comment on the likely success of this policy

Unit 2: EU, USA and Japan unemployment data

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-12333421

Unit 1: How much of the price of petrol goes in tax?

More than you might think! This BBC clip explains all

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-12250225

a) What effect does the high tax on fuel have on demand for petrol and diesel? Why is this the case?

Unit 2: The UK recovery stalls

Two nice clips from the BBC

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-12275611
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-12288179

and Ch4

http://www.channel4.com/news/uk-economy-shrinks-by-an-unexpected-0-5-per-cent

and anforme commentary

http://www.anforme.co.uk/blog/?p=1856

a) Why has the recovery faltered?
b) Using the AD formula, explain how the government expects the UK economy to grow
c) Why are 20% of last summer's graduates still without work?

Unit 2: Relative price changes

Thanks to tutor2u for this graph showing relative price changes

http://www.tutor2u.net/blog/index.php/economics/comments/changes-in-real-prices/

a) Describe the relative price changes over the time period
b) Sugggest reasons for the relative price changes

Unit 1: Price elasticity of demand in action: Car park pricing

The BBC reports a nasty shock for some consumers

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-12258329

a) Why are rail car parks able to increase prices so significantly for commuters?
b) Would they be able to do the same thing next year? Explain your reasoning

Unit 2: Who really suffers when the inflation rate rises?

Paul Lewis on the BBC explains

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-12239663

A nice clip of the latest state of the Chinese economy

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-12238997

a) Using the AD formula, explain why the Chinese economy is growing
b) Using an AD/AS diagram, explain why China may be experiencing their rising inflation rate

Unit 2: Why is UK inflation so high?

A fascinating clip from the BBC Daily politics programme about why UK infaltion is comparatively high and whether interst rates should rise

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-12217592

and Ch4

http://www.channel4.com/news/inflation-rises-to-3-7

a) Why is the UK inflation rate so high?
b) What sort of inflation is the UK therfore experiecing?
c) Draw an AS/AD diagram to show how this inflation occurs
d) Comment on the extent to which increasing interest rates would decrease the UK inflation rate

Unit 1: Should I take a statin?

In my mid-50's, so should I take a statin? I'm no medical expert and it appears I'm suffering from information failure!

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-12225318

Unit 1: Minimum alcohol pricing

The BBC reports a plan for minimum alcohol pricing

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-12218188

a) Comment on the likely success of such a policy

Unit 2: Rising costs of production in the uK economy

Sky have this video/article on rising costs

http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/UK-News/Fuel-Price-Rises-Will-Lead-To-Job-Cuts-Small-Businesses-Say/Article/201101415905024?f=rss

a) Using an AD/AS diagram, explain the effect of these rising costs on the UK economy

Unit 2: Latest dire unemployment figures

From Sky comes these clips with the latest unemployment figures, including the dire youth unemployment numbers

http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/Business/Unemployment-Number-of-Jobless-Rose-To-25-Million-In-The-Three-Months-To-November/Article/201101315898749?f=rss

http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/Politics/Youth-Unemployment-A-Ticking-Timebomb-Chris-Grayling-Says-As-He-Unveils-Work-Experience-Scheme/Article/201101415909448?lpos=Politics_First_UK_News_Article_Teaser_Region_1&lid=ARTICLE_15909448_Youth_Unemployment_A_Ticking_Timebomb,_Chris_Grayling_Says_As_He_Unveils_Work_Experience_Scheme

From the BBC

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-12232973

Some personal stories

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-12226193

A good analysis from anforme

http://www.anforme.co.uk/blog/?p=1837



and a good graphic showing the rising proportion of long term unemployed





a) To what extent is unemployment a problem for the UK economy?

Unit 1: Allocative efficiency in action: The changing face of the highstreet

http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/Business/The-Changing-Face-Of-The-High-Street-Less-Banks-More-Betting-Shops/Article/201101315901136?f=rss

a) Using the definition of allocative efficiency, explain how the concept can be applied to the changing face of the high street

Unit 2: macroeconomic data

The BBC economy tracker for up to date macro data

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/10613201

Unit 2: Inflation data and analysis for Dec 2010

Up to date inflation data from the BBC and an analysis of the Dec 2010 figures

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-12214546
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-12214003 video

Unit 2: What should the BoE do with interest rates?

Economics help looks at both sides of the argument

http://econ.economicshelp.org/2011/01/difficult-choices-for-monetary-policy.html

Unit 2: The costs of unemployment

If you want some figures as to hoe rising unemployment effect government finances, this BBC article is useful

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-12174193

Unit 2: The impact of spending cuts and tax rises on Hastings

An interesting clip from the BBC

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-12160901

a) Discuss the likely effect on the economy of Hastings of the changes it will face in 2011

Unit 1: Information failure leading to too much smoking

It can't be the case, can it? surely everybody knows smoking long term is bad for your health.........but did you know this?

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-12193602

Unit 2: Which measure of inflation should be used?

A great post from economicshelp

http://econ.economicshelp.org/2011/01/which-inflation-measure-should-we-use.html

Unit 2: Unemployment at Burton's biscuits

The Guardian reports the closure of the Jammie dodgers/Waggon Wheels factory

http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2011/jan/12/burtons-biscuit-factory-close-jammie-dodgers

a) What type of unemployment will this represent?

Unit 2: Macroeconomic data for the whole world

....in graphical and map form for all coutries of the world! Thanks to tutor2u for this awesome interactive resource

http://www.sacmeq.org/statplanet/StatPlanet.html

Unit 1: The demand for new cars

A nice summary with great data graphs from tutor2u

http://www.tutor2u.net/blog/index.php/economics/comments/economics-qa-what-economic-factors-affect-the-demand-for-new-cars/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+economics_news+%28tutor2u+Economics+Blog%29#When:08:31:00Z

Unit 1: The effect of rising fuel costs on a haulage firm

This BBC report makes it clear

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-12135523

a) Using a S&D diagram, show the effect of rising fuel costs on the haulage market
b) if the firm is "no longer able to pass on the increased costs" how does the firm survive? How would this change your diagram?

Unit 1: Why world food prices are rising

From the BBC and Ch4 video explanations

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-12124632 BBC
http://www.channel4.com/news/world-food-prices-hit-all-time-high Ch4

Anforme has a blog post on the topic including a nice graphic

http://www.anforme.co.uk/blog/?p=1783

a) Using a S&D diagram, explain why world food prices are rising. (Hint: If you can't do this, then the answer is on this economicshelp post http://www.economicshelp.org/blog/economics/food-inflation/ )

b) Using a S&D diagram, explain why the price of cotton clothes are likely to rise

Unit 1: Repairing potholes: An activity with positive externalities?

Thanks to econoimicshelp for this

http://www.economicshelp.org/blog/economics/no-money-for-potholes/

a) Define positive externalities
b) What are the positive externalities associated with pot hole repair?
c) Comment on the suggestion that repairing potholes is a merit good

Unit ": Which products does the UK have a trade suplus in

Thanks to tutor2u for these interesting stats

http://www.tutor2u.net/blog/index.php/economics/comments/economics-qa-does-the-uk-economy-achieve-a-trade-surplus-in-anything/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+economics_news+%28tutor2u+Economics+Blog%29#When:11:10:01Z

Unit 2: Jan 2011 macro data

Thanks to economicshelp for this data

http://www.economicshelp.org/blog/economics/uk-economy-2011/

Unit 2: The rising cost of unemployment to the government

Sky news reports the rising cost of unemployment to the UK

http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/Politics/Rising-Unemployment-Will-Cost-An-Extra-14bn-According-To-The-Office-For-Budget-Responsibility/Article/201101115878715?f=rss

Unit 1: Organ donation; a merit good?

Do people fail to donate organs when they die due to information failure? There are certainly positive externalities from organ donation and so governments encourage people to sign up to the organ donation register, but few countries say you have to opt out of donating rather than opting in

These articles raise the issues concerned with organ donation and the latest government nudge for people to sign up

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-12097225 article on new "nudge"
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-12098396 video on new "nudge"
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-12097992 the debate
http://www.uktransplant.org.uk/ukt/newsroom/statements_and_stances/statements/opt_in_or_out.jsp the debate in detail
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-11717150 the impact
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-11688102 the need
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-10786211 an alternative approach


a) To what extent do you believe organ donation to be a merit good?
b) Discuss the likely impact of the new measure on increasing donation levels
c) Discuss whether alternative strategies might be more successful in increasing donation levels

Unit 1: More restrictions on smoking in Spain......and a great article on restrictions around the world

Articles from the BBC on tougher regulations on smoking in Spain

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-12056524
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-12104056

and a great interactive summary of actions around the world

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-11845158

a) Discuss whether the regulatory actions taken in Spain and around the world are likely to reduce the consumption of cigarettes

Unit 1: How to reduce consumption of "unhealthy" food?

The BBC and Sky report a new initiaive from the government

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-12104278 BBC video
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-12099867 BBC article

http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/Politics/Food-Vouchers-From-Mars-Nestle-Asda-Weight-Watchers-And-More-To-Encourage-Healthier-Eating/Article/201101115877805?f=rss

a) To what extent do you think this initiative will reduce the negative externalities associated with the excessive consumption of high fat/sugar/salt foods?

Unit 1: The social cost of alcohol

An interesting post from the BBC

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-12094800

Unit 2: The personal costs of unemployment

A sobering report from the BBC

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-12087916 video
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-12086055 article

Rising fuel taxes and increasing crude oil prices reported by the BBC

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-12102329

a) Using a S&D diagram, explain the effect on the petrol market of these 2 events

Unit 1: Italy introduces a plastic bag ban

The BBC reports the introduction of a ban

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-12097493

a) How if the free market failing?
b) What sort of action is the government introducing?
c) Comment on the likely success of such a ban in reducing the market failure

Unit 2: The costs of unemployment

A good summary from tutor2u, including data

http://www.tutor2u.net/blog/index.php/economics/comments/revision-consequences-of-unemployment/

Unit 1: The rise in demand for Harris tweed

Sky reports the resurgence in demand for Harris tweed

http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/Business/Harris-Tweed-Sales-Soar-Despite-Downturn-And-Pressure-On-Consumer-Spending/Article/201012315863849?f=rss

a) Using economic theory, explain why demand for harris tweed has risen

Unit 1: How do you increase demand for onions in Japan?

....well this is how they do it

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-12037155

Unit 2: Latest UK macroeconomic data

Thanks to tutor2u for this

http://www.tutor2u.net/economics/presentations/ukecondec10/player.html

Unit 1: Tradable permit carbon trading scheme set up in California

From the BBC

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-12016137

a) Discuss how successful you think this scheme will be in educing CO2 emissions in California

Unit 2: Inflation: EU resource

Thanks to turo2u for pointing out this great resource on most aspects of inflation

http://ec.europa.eu/economy_finance/focuson/inflation/index_en.htm

Unit 1: The sharp rise in the price of heating oil

A really good clip from the BBC

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-12009112

a) Using a S&D diagram, explain why the price of heating oil has risen so rapidly
b) What do you think will happen to the price in 3 months time? Explain your answer

Unit 2: USA unemployment data

Latest figures

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-11996435

a) Comment on the UK's unemployment problem in the light of these figures

Unit 2: December 2010: Rising unemployment hits 2.5 million

Latest unemployment data and commentary

http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/Business/The-Number-Of-People-Out-Of-Work-Rises-Above-25-Million-In-The-Three-Months-To-October/Article/201012315855647?f=rss Sky
http://www.channel4.com/news/unemployment-rises-to-2-5-million Ch4
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-11998364 BBC

a) How equal are the effects of unemployment in the UK economy?

Unit 2: Inflation at 3.3%

A nice clip from the BBC showing why inflation has risen.....again

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-11993210

a) Why is inflation only 3.3% if food prices are rising by 5% and alcohol by 10%?

Unit 1: Subsidies for electric cars

The BBC reports subsidies to buyers of electric cars

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-11993882

a) Analyse the likely effect of the subsidy on the market
b) Comment on the assertion that this subsidy is likely to kick start the market for electric cars in the UK

Unit 1: BA increases long haul fares

.....reports sky

http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/Business/British-Airways-Blames-Higher-Oil-Price-For-10-Increase-In-Long-Haul-Fuel-Surcharge/Article/201012215854078?f=rss

a) Using a S&D diagram, why they have increased the price
b) Comment on the extent to which this will decrease demand for these flights

Unit 2: Rising inflation rate in China

As reported by the BBC

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-11975628

a) What does the inflation rate measure?
b) What is the most likely cause of the rising Chinese inflation rate?
c) Why is it suggested that interest rates will rise?

Unit 1: Externalities associated with a new dam in Laos

An interesting clip from the BBC

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-11960537

a) What are the positive and negative externalities associted with the dam?

Unit 1: The rising price of petrol

Petrol hits an all time high claims the BBC and Sky

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-11968437
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-11957664
http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/Business/Fuel-Costs-In-Britain-Hit-Record-Levels-With-Unleaded-Costing-An-Average-Of-12176p-A-Litre/Article/201012215851065?f=rss Sky

a) Using a S&D diagram, explain the cause of this price rise

Unit 1: Falling demand at HMV

HMV looks to be in long term decline

http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/Business/HMV-Confirms-Plunging-Sales-And-Wider-Pre-Tax-Losses-As-Christmas-Trading-Hit-By-Snow/Article/201012215850428?f=rss

a) Using demand theory, explain the reason for the short term fall in demand at HMV and the reasons for the longer term decline

Unit 1: Asprin; a merit good?

The latest news on the potential power of asprin from the BBC

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-11933781 video
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-11930988 article

a) To what extent does this this extract suggest asprin is a merit good?
b) If it is a merit good, how does the market fail?
c) What actions could the government take to reduce this market failure?
To what extent do you believe the government can reduce the market failure?

Unit 1: Allocative efficiency: The changing highstreet

A nice BBC clip

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-11924207

and this data

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-11915437

a) Explain how the clip and article shows the concept of allocative efficiency in action

Unit 1: Rising demand for heroin in the Punjab and the resulting negative externalities

A disturbing clip from the BBC

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-south-asia-11920796

a) Using economics, explain the reason for the rising demand for heroin in the pujab
b) What negative externalities arise from this drug use?

Unit 2: Economic growth to slow in 2011?

An interesting clip from the BBC

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-11920882

a) Using the AD formula, explain why growth is expected to slow next year

Unit 2: Comparative unemployment figures

Latest comparative figures from the EU

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-11872469

and the USA

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-11913196

a) Given the figures, how much of a problem is the UK unemployment rate for the government?

Unit 1: Reducing negative externalities from ill health

Here's the new coalition plan

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-11878873

a) Th what extent do you think the "nudge" strategy will reduce the cost to the NHS for alcohol and obesity (just under £7bn a year, he said)?

Unit 1: Increased excise duty on super strenght lager

The BBC reports that higher alcohol taxes are on the way on super strenght lager

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-11879061

a) To what extent is this likely to reduce the negative externalities asociated with their consumption (Use a diagram in your answer)

Unit 2: The costs and benefits of economic growth

This link will take you to a page where there are 6 videos all following the transformation (or obliteration) of a Chinese village into a city....a huge, growing city. The pros and cons of economic growth are clear to see

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/programmes/world_news_america/9248873.stm

Unit 2: Economic growth in India

A good BBC clip

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-11873344

a) Using the AD formula, explain the recent growth in India
b) To what extent do you believe such growth is likely to continue in the future

Unit 1: Recycling and associated positive and negative externalities

An interesting story form BBC Wales about a proposed waste recycling plant

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-11906046

a) Explain the positive and negative externalities that could result from this recycling plant

Unit 1: AS microeconomics and macroeconomics key terms tests

Useful self-test tools from tutor2u

http://www.tutor2u.net/economics/quiz/asmicrorevbank/quiz.html micro
http://www.tutor2u.net/economics/quiz/asmacrorevbank/quiz.html macro

Unit 2: What is a recession?

Thanks to tutor2u for this witty Australian explanation of what a recession is

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_I4yBNkap78&feature=player_embedded

Unit 2: The unequal effect of unemployment: Rising long term youth unemployment

Sky news and the BBC report rising long term youth unemployment

http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/Business/Unemployed-16-To-24-Year-Old-Numbers-Up-Fourfold-Since-Recession-Long-Term-Dole-Claimants-Surge/Article/201012115845007?f=rss

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-11893117

The bBC reports how much harder the diabled are hit by unemployment

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-11879198

a) To what extent should the government be worried by these figures?

Unit 1: The falling demand for Christas cards

Thanks to tuor2u for this article

http://www.tutor2u.net/blog/index.php/gcse-economics/comments/demand-and-supply-in-action-sales-of-christmas-cards-plummet/

a) I don't think the price of Xmas cards has fallen despite the fall in demand. Use a S&D diagram to explain why this might be the case

Unit 1: More controls on cigarettes?

A first! An article from the Cambridge News! This is about proposed changes to selling cigarettes

http://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/Home/Hiding-cigarettes-would-do-no-good-and-hit-small-shops.htm

a) What is the market failure associated with cigarettes
b) What sort of government action is being proposed?
c) To what extent do you think the market failure would be reduced if the proposals were implemented

Unit 1: Sewer buiding and negative externalities

An interesting video from the BBC

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-11806512

a) In what way does the video show the problems of negative externalities in the free market?

Unit 2: GDP and GDP growth data

From CNN comes this intersting graphic showing GDP size and GDP growth for the G20 countries

http://money.cnn.com/news/economy/g20/interactive/index.html

Unit 1: Food as a demerit good?

Thanks to tutor2u for this link to some really calorific foods

http://him.uk.msn.com/in-the-know/photos.aspx?cp-documentid=155233809

a) Why might these foods be thought of as being examples of demerit goods?

Unit 2: Latest Unemployment and inflation figures: Nov 2010

Thanks to anforme for their analysis

http://www.anforme.co.uk/blog/?p=1703 unemployment
http://www.anforme.co.uk/blog/?p=1695 inflation

Unit 2:" Inlation is higher for the elderly" claim

The BBC reports the story

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-11733748

a) Comment on the significance of this story on the impact of inflation on the UK economy

Unit 2: The causes of current (Nov 2010) and future inflation in the uk

This BBC video lets you hear the reasons from the horses mouth as Mervyn King explains

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-11726275

a) What type of inflation is the UK currently experiencing? Explain your answer
b) Explain why inflation in the future
i) might rise
ii) might fall
c) To what extent is an inflation rate 1% above target a problem for the UK economy

Unit 2: Supply side policies to help the unemployed

This video clip shows what happens in Brixton once you have been unemployed for 12 months

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-11719668

and in Wolverhampton

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-11731634

and the new government policy is explained here

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-11732186

a) Discuss the likely success of such schemes in reducing unemployment in the UK

Unit 1: Pricing Wales rugby tickets

Despite being the world's top rugby nation (don't go by rankings and results) Wales failed to sell out the millenium stadium last Saturday

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-11707900

a) Using a S&D diagram, explain why there were so many empty seats
b) Explain a policy the Welsh Rugby Union should follow to ensure a full stadium for every fixture and comment on the likely success of the policy

Unit 2: Compulsory work placement; a supply side policy?

This BBC clip shows the latest coalition proposal to get people off benefits and back in to work

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-11705086

a) How is this an example of a supply side policy?
b) To what extent do you think such a policy would succeed in reducing unemployment?

Unit 2: GDP and the quality of life

I always like to highlight the limitations of GDP as an indicator of the quality of life. This economicshelp post highlights the major issues in the discussion

http://www.economicshelp.org/blog/economics/quality-of-life-indicators/

Unit 1: Increasing airport tax

Look at the table in this Ch4 article

http://www.channel4.com/news/ba-boss-airport-tax-will-damage-uk-economy

a) Suggest 2 reasons why the government has inreased these taxes
b) Using the concept of PED, explain why there is such a difference in the increases

Unit 2: Graduate unemployment rising...again

A deeply depressing article and video from the BBC showing the burden of unemployment being borne unequally in the economy

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-11652845 article
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-11667290 video

Unit 1: Elasticity in the tablet computer market

An interesting clip from the BBC on competition in the tablet computer market

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-11665362

a) Explain why all of these products would not have the same PED value
b) Which would have the most inelasic demand? Why?
c) Would the income elasticity of demand for these products be positive or negative? Why?
d) How could you use the concept of cross ED in this market?

Unit 2: tutor2u presentation on unemployment

http://www.tutor2u.net/economics/presentations/a2economics/macro/UnemploymentUK/default.html unemployment

Unit 2: tutor2u presentation on measuring inflation

http://www.tutor2u.net/economics/presentations/a2economics/macro/InflationMeasurement/default.html inflation

Unit 2: How inflation is measured in the USA

Thanks to tutor2u for pointing out this graphic showing the weights of the different sections of the US CPI index

http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2008/05/03/business/20080403_SPENDING_GRAPHIC.html

Unit 2: Supply side policies announced by government

Sky news reports (with video) the launch of centres to link universities to industry

http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/Technology/David-Cameron-Announces-200m-Hi-Tech-Hub-Network-Advanced-Manufacturing-Research-Centre-Rotherham/Article/201010415772325?f=rss

This BBC clip shows the announcement of a national infrastructure plan

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-11619093

a) In what way are these supply side policies?
b) Using an AD/AS diagram, discuss the likely effect of these policies on the UK economy

Unit 1: Negative externalities from youth alcohol consumption

A nice clip from the BBC

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-11611522 video
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-11605549 article

a) Discuss how successful restrictions on the consumption of alcohol are in reducing the negative externalities associated with its consumption

Unit 1: How changes in fashion can effect demand and price

Thanks to tutor2u for posting this clip from the Hudsucker proxy showing how changes in taste and fashion can effect demand
http://www.tutor2u.net/blog/index.php/economics/comments/economics-at-the-movies-hudsucker-proxy-and-consumer-demand/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+economics_news+%28tutor2u+Economics+Blog%29#When:19:33:00Z

Unit 1: Spains tough anti-tobacco laws

This BBC clip reports that Spain is set to restrict smoking

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-11593698

a) Explain, using economic terms, why Spain is enforcing these restrictions
b) Explain using a diagram, how the restrictions should reduce the market failure
c) Discuss the extent to which the policy is likely to succeed

Thanks to tutor2u for this brilliant clip showing division of labour/specialisatioin and a whole lot more!

http://www.tutor2u.net/blog/index.php/economics/comments/economics-at-the-movies-manufactured-landscapes/

Thanks to tutor2u for this

http://www.tutor2u.net/blog/index.php/economics/comments/picturenomics-1-congestion-and-externalities/

a) Look at the picture and list all the negative externalities you can see

Unit 1: Government spending and alternative cuts

A great graphic from the Guardian allowing you to select what spending you would cut

http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/interactive/2010/oct/19/comprehensive-spending-review-cuts

Unit 1: Increasing demand for Harris Tweed

Strange as it may seeem, Sky reports increasing demand for Harris Tweed

http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/Business/Doctor-Whos-Matt-Smith-Credited-With-Making-Tweed-Cool-As-Harris-Tweed-Collaborates-With-Topman/Article/201010315760483?f=rss

a) Using a diagram, explain the causes and consequences of this increased demand for Harris Tweed

Unit 1: The impact of subsidies on the quantity demanded

A post from the BBC which clearly shows the impact of subsidies on the quantity demanded

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-11549448

a) Using a S&D diagram, explain how the withdrawl of the subsidy (ie the scrappage scheme) has effected the market

Unit 2: The output gap

Thanks to tutor2u for posting this link to the Washington post; a great graphic to explain the output gap

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/business/the-output-gap/index.html

Unit 1: £100,000 for a bottle of whisky!!!!!!!

From the Guardian comes this tale of an astranomical price for a bottle ow whisky

http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2010/oct/14/whyte-mackay-malt-record-price

a) Usins a S&D diagram, explain why the price of this whisky is so high

Unit 2: Unemployment: September 2010

A nice summary from Anforme

http://www.anforme.co.uk/blog/?p=1584

a) In what way are these figures (i) good and (ii) bad news for the British economy?

Unit 1: Snowfall and the economic problem

Thanks to tutor2u for this post illustrating the economic problem

http://www.tutor2u.net/blog/index.php/economics/comments/bad-snow-fall-in-london/

Unit 1: The elasticity of demand for a University education

Thanks to tutor2u for this post

http://www.tutor2u.net/blog/index.php/economics/comments/lifting-the-cap-on-tuition-fees-a-question-of-price-elasticity/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+economics_news+%28tutor2u+Economics+Blog%29#When:04:56:01Z

a) Discuss whether the demand for a University education is likely to be elastic or inelastic

Unit 1: Negative externalities: Hungary's toxic mud

These BBC clips shows the effect ot the breaching of a toxic sludge resevoir

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-11482313
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-11472785

a) Explain the negative externalities associated with this story

Unit 2: Consumption and savings

Thanks to tutor2u for this resource on what determines the level of consumption and savings

http://www.tutor2u.net/blog/index.php/economics/comments/video-resources-on-consumption-and-saving/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+economics_news+%28tutor2u+Economics+Blog%29#When:07:00:00Z