Today, business is acknowledged to be international and there is a general expectation that this will continue for the foreseeable future. International business may be defined simply as business transactions that take place across national borders. This broad definition includes the very small firm that exports (or imports) a small quantity to only one country, as well as the very large global firm with integrated operations and strategic alliances around the world. Within this broad array, distinctions are often made among different types of international firms, and these distinctions are helpful in understanding a firm’s strategy, organization, and functional decisions (for example, its financial, administrative, marketing, human resource, or operations decisions). One distinction that can be helpful is the distinction between multi-domestic operations, with independent subsidiaries which act essentially as domestic firms, and global operations, with integrated subsidiaries which are closely related and interconnected. These may be thought of as Continue reading
International Economics
The Principle of Equity in Taxation
Taxation traces its origin to the ancient times as a major source of revenue needed for governance. Kingdoms, monarchies and even dynasties had an elaborate form of taxation imposed on their subjects to source funds that were used to run affairs of the government. These taxes were subjective and biased depending on those in power. Advancement in education led to important studies on the possible forms of taxation that reflected the aspirations and welfare of the people. Owing to this therefore, Adam Smith, accredited as the “Father of modern political Economy” carried out an extensive study in Public Finance seeking to give an in-depth analysis of taxation. Smith documented the findings in his book known as “Wealth of Nations” in 1776. It is in this book that Smith scripted the four maxims of taxation which were later globally adopted as the Canons of Taxation which are summarized as Equity, Certainty, Continue reading
Global Strategic Rivalry Theory of International Trade
The Global Strategic Rivalry Theory of international trade was developed in the 1980s by such economists as Paul Krugman and Kevin Lancaster as a means to ‘examine the impact on trade flows arising from global strategic rivalry between Multi-National Corporations.’ It explores the notion that in order to stay viable, firms should exploit their competitive advantage globally and try to keep it sustainable. According to this view, firms struggle to develop some sustainable competitive advantage, which they can then exploit to dominate the global marketplace. Like Linder’s approach, global strategic rivalry theory predicts that intraindustry trade will be commonplace. It focuses, however, on strategic decisions that firms adopt as they compete internationally. These decisions affect both international trade and international investment. Companies such as Caterpillar and Komatsu, Unilever and Protect & Gamble, and Toyota and Ford continually play cat-mouse games with one another on a global basis as they Continue reading
Single Global Currency – Concept, Advantages and Disadvantages
At the beginning of World War I, this standard ceased to exist and in 1920 countries permitted greater exchange rate flexibility, which however did not last long and after the end of the World War II the Bretton Woods system has been implemented. This standard has been created as a result of numerous meetings between the World War II winning states with the final conference taking place at the Hotel in Bretton Woods, New Hampshire. The standard took the name of this last conference’s venue. In August 15, 1971 Richard Nixon in his speech announced that the price of dollar will be no longer fixed against gold. This has put an end to the Bretton Woods system and has set-off a new era in international monetary system. The main feature of this new system is that it is neither a pure gold standard nor a pure exchange rate float, but Continue reading
Effects of Black Money on Economy
Black money is generated due to the following reasons: The people do not pay their taxes. Even if they pay taxes, they are not in correct proportions to their incomes. The tax evasions by corporate and industrial houses are to the tune of billions of rupees. These firms are able to make clever usage of the income tax rules and hence, they save taxes. This tax evasion leads to the generation of black money. The black money is earned by gifts, hawala transactions and illegal foreign exchange deals. These deals are not scrutinized by the government simply because these are without any documentary evidences. The procedures of over billing or under billing and exaggeration of expenses lead to the generation of black money. The sale and purchase of assets also lead to the generation of black money. The value of the property is shown to be very low in the Continue reading
Trade Cycle or Business Cycle Concept in Managerial Economics
Definition of Trade Cycle or Business Cycle According to Keynes, “A trade cycle is composed of periods of good trade characterized by rising prices and low unemployment percentage, alternating with periods of bad trade characterized by falling prices and high unemployment percentage. “ Characteristics of Trade Cycles From the above definition, it should be clear that trade cycle is the rhythmic fluctuations of the economy, that is, periods of prosperity followed by periods of depression. However, the waves of prosperity and depression need not always be of the same length and amplitude. Further, trade cycles varied tremendously in magnitude. While some have smaller cyclical fluctuations in economic activity, others have great intensity of fluctuations. Expansion in some cycles reaches the full employment level and stays there. However, in some cycles, the peak is reached even before full employment. Sometimes, the cyclical fluctuations may be prolonged for one reason or the Continue reading