Profitability Mechanization And Economies Of Scale

First published in 1998, this book introduces a new concept of profitability, called the 'efficiency rate of profit', which is defined as the ratio between the unit net margin and the unit capital requirement and shows how the efficiency rate of profit may be used in the assessment of mechanization and economies of scale. The book also shows how the efficiency rate of profit relates to the financial opportunity cost of investment, thus resolving the long-standing controversy over 'interest as a cost'. Using real-world plant-level data, the book explains fully the process of mechanization, how increasing returns to scale works at the plant level through power rule relating plant or equipment cost to capacity and how and why it is more cost effective to combine mechanization with expanding the scale of production in one combined 'package' of efficiency improvement.

First published in 1998, this book introduces a new concept of profitability, called the 'efficiency rate of profit', which is defined as the ratio between the unit net margin and the unit capital requirement and shows how the efficiency rate of profit may be used in the assessment of mechanization and economies of scale. The book also shows how the efficiency rate of profit relates to the financial opportunity cost of investment, thus resolving the long-standing controversy over 'interest as a cost'. Using real-world plant-level data, the book explains fully the process of mechanization, how increasing returns to scale works at the plant level through power rule relating plant or equipment cost to capacity and how and why it is more cost effective to combine mechanization with expanding the scale of production in one combined 'package' of efficiency improvement.

From the mid-1980s, investors in the US increasingly directed capital towards the financial sector at the expense of non-financial sectors, lured by the perception of higher profits. This flow of capital inflated asset prices, creating the stock market and housing bubbles which burst when the imbalance between stagnant incomes and rising debts triggered the banking meltdown. Profitability and the Great Recession analyses these trends in profitability and capital accumulation, which the authors identify as the root cause of the financial crisis, in the context of the US and other major OECD countries. Drawing on insights from Adam Smith, David Ricardo, John Stuart Mill and Karl Marx, the authors interpret the relationship between capital accumulation and profitability trends through the conceptual lens of classical political economy. The book provides extensive empirical evidence of declining rates of US non-financial corporate accumulations from the mid-1960s and profitability trends in that sector falling from post-war highs. In contrast to this, it is shown that there was a vigorous rise of profitability in the financial sector from a 1982 trough to the early part of the twenty-first century, which led to the bloating of that sector. The authors conclude that the long-term falling accumulation trend in the non-financial corporate sector, highlighted by the bankruptcy of major automobile corporations, stands out as the underlying force that transformed the financial crisis into a fully-fledged Great Recession. This book will be of interest to students and researchers in the areas of economics, political economy, business and finance.

This encyclopedia spans the relationships among business, ethics and society, with an emphasis on business ethics and the role of business in society.

Thoroughly revised, updated, and expanded, The SAGE Encyclopedia of Business Ethics and Society, Second Edition explores current topics, such as mass social media, cookies, and cyber-attacks, as well as traditional issues including accounting, discrimination, environmental concerns, and management. The new edition also includes an in-depth examination of current and recent ethical affairs, such as the dangerous work environments of off-shore factories for Western retailers, the negligence resulting in the 2010 BP oil spill, the gender wage gap, the minimum wage debate and increasing income disparity, and the unparalleled level of debt in the U.S. and other countries with the challenges it presents to many societies and the considerable impact on the ethics of intergenerational wealth transfers. Key Features Include: Seven volumes, available in both electronic and print formats, contain more than 1,200 signed entries by significant figures in the field Cross-references and suggestions for further readings to guide students to in-depth resources Thematic Reader′s Guide groups related entries by general topics Index allows for thorough browse-and-search capabilities in the electronic edition

Principles of Economics and Management for Manufacturing Engineering combines key engineering economics principles and applications in one easy to use reference. Engineers, including design, mechanical, and manufacturing engineers are frequently involved in economics-related decisions, whether directly when selecting materials or indirectly when managers make order quantity decisions based on their work. Having a knowledge of the management and economic activities that touch on engineering work is a core part of most foundational engineering qualifications and becomes even more important in industry. Covering a wide range of management and economic topics from the point-of-view of an engineer in industry, this reference provides everything needed to understand the commercial context of engineering work. Covers the full range of basic economic concepts as well as engineering economics topics Includes end of chapter questions and chapter summaries that make this an ideal self-study resource Provides step-by-step instructions for cost accounting for engineers

Key Concepts in Management is one of a range of comprehensive glossaries with entries arranged alphabetically for easy reference. All major concepts, terms, theories and theorists are incorporated and cross-referenced. Additional reading and Internet research opportunities are identified. More complex terminology is made clearer with numerous diagrams and illustrations. With over 500 key terms defined, the book represents a comprehensive must-have reference for anyone studying a business-related course or those simply wishing to understand what management is all about. It will be especially useful as a revision aid.

Key Concepts in Strategic Management is one of a range of comprehensive glossaries with entries arranged alphabetically for easy reference. All major concepts, terms, theories and theorists are incorporated and cross-referenced. Additional reading and Internet research opportunities are identified. More complex terminology is made clearer with numerous diagrams and illustrations. With over 500 key terms defined, the book represents a comprehensive must-have reference for anyone studying a business-related course or those simply wishing to understand what strategic management is all about. It will be especially useful as a revision aid.