Premium Essay

Ricardian Model

In:

Submitted By salut505
Words 6181
Pages 25
L Karp International Trade October 20, 2005

1 Ricardian model
The Ricardian model provides the simplest setting to illustrate comparative advantage and the gains from trade in a general equilibrium setting. I will use a simple example to discuss the Ricardian model. Two countries, Canada and the US produce two commodities, corn and umbrellas. (The obvious alliteration is used as a mnemonic device.) Definition of comparative advantage: A country (e.g. Canada) has a comparative advantage in the production of a commodity (e.g. corn) if the ratio between it’s pre-trade marginal costs of that commodity (corn), and its pre-trade marginal cost of producing “the other” commodity (umbrellas) is lower than that of its trading partner.

1.1 Technology and markets
The Ricardian model assumes that production uses only 1 input (labor), with constant returns to scale. This assumption means that the technology in each country and each sector is entirely determined by the labor requirement per unit of output. The other assumptions are that (a) labor moves freely between sectors within a country, but (b) labor cannot move between countries. Assumption (a) implies that in a particular country, the wage must be the same in both sectors; assumption (b) means that the wage need not be the same (and typically is not the same) in the two countries. In addition, all agents are price takers, i.e. there is perfect competition. In my example, the unit labor requirements are unit labor requirement Corn (good 1) US Canada au = 1 1 Umbrellas (good 2) au = 1 2

ac = 3 ac = 6 1 2 Table 1, Labor requirements 1

(Corn is good 1, umbrellas are good 2. Subscripts indicate commodity, superscripts indicate country.) I assume that both goods require one unit of labor to produce one unit of output in the US. This assumption is without loss of generality; it merely amounts to a choice of units.

Similar Documents

Premium Essay

Ricardian Model

...The Ricardian model is a simple picture of international trade between nations, which was created to show comparative advantage in producing goods and the gain from trade. The concept of comparative advantage was introduced by David Ricardo in 19th century. The country has comparative advantage in producing certain product if it can produce it at a lower cost than any other country. The Ricardian model has been developed on following assumptions: * Only two countries are involved in activities; * Only two goods can be produced; * Labor is the only factor of production. The Ricardian model is a useful key for economy, because it explains why trade between countries can happen and how it will effect national welfare (Krugman, 2012). Countries should export a product in which they are most productive to fulfill the prediction of the Ricardian model. The principal of the model is defined by specialization, meaning countries specialize in goods they export. This will not hold in the data. However, the prediction that countries tend to export those goods they have high labor productivity is confirmed in data. Since 1950s, there has been a few attempts to empirically test the validity of the comparative advantage theory. McDougall, Stern, and Balassa have claimed that they found confirmation for the model by using the data from World War II. However, later researches have criticized this model, and fallacies have been found (“International Trade Relations”, 2014). ...

Words: 711 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

The Ricardian Model - International Trade

...The Ricardian model provides an introduction to international trade theory. This most basic model of trade involves two countries, two goods, and one factor of production, labor. Differences in relative labor productivity across countries give rise to international trade. This Ricardian model, simple as it is, generates important insights concerning comparative advantage and the gains from trade. These insights are necessary foundations for the more complex models presented in later chapters. The text exposition begins with the examination of the production possibility frontier and the relative prices of goods for one country. The production possibility frontier is linear because of the assumption of constant returns to scale for labor, the sole factor of production. The opportunity cost of one good in terms of the other equals the price ratio since prices equal costs, costs equal unit labor requirements times wages, and wages are equal in each industry. After defining these concepts for a single country, a second country is introduced which has different relative unit labor requirements. General equilibrium relative supply and demand curves are developed. This analysis demonstrates that at least one country will specialize in production. The gains from trade are then demonstrated with a graph and a numerical example. The intuition of indirect production, that is "producing" a good by producing the good for which a country enjoys a comparative advantage and then trading for...

Words: 373 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Uncertainty, Trade Integration and the Optimal Level of Protection in a Ricardian Model with a Continuum of Goods

...journal homepage: www.elsevier.com/locate/sced Uncertainty, trade integration and the optimal level of protection in a Ricardian model with a continuum of goods Michele Di Maio ∗ Department of Economic Studies, University of Naples “Parthenope”, via Medina 40, Naples, Italy a r t i c l e i n f o Article history: Received 13 November 2006 Received in revised form 1 April 2008 Accepted 15 July 2008 Available online 3 August 2008 JEL Classification: F01 Keywords: Uncertainty Trade integration Optimal protection Specialization Continuum of goods a b s t r a c t This paper analyzes the effects of increasing trade integration on individual utility when the international specialization pattern is stochastic, i.e. when the range of goods each country produces depends on the realization of a random variable. Using a Ricardian continuum of goods model it is shown that under uncertainty a trade-off emerges. As in the standard deterministic model, higher trade integration reduces prices and increases expected real income. However, higher trade integration, reducing the number of active sectors in the economy, also increases the displacement cost the worker suffers when the sector she is employed into has to close down because, ex-post, the foreign country’s competing sector results to be more efficient. Two are the main results of the model. First, it is shown that, under uncertainty and job specificity, increasing trade integration is not always welfare enhancing...

Words: 7282 - Pages: 30

Free Essay

Case Analysis Form for Research in Motion.Doc

...NAME: _______________________________________ CASE 8: Research In Motion: Managing Explosive Growth 1. BACKGROUND INFORMATION |Timeframe |Country(s) Involved |Key Individuals & Titles |Company Type & Size | | | | | | 2. BRIEF SUMMARY OF CASE SITUATION |Business or Industry Description |Particular Company Situation | 3. INDUSTRY AND COMPETITIVE ANALYSIS |Dominant Economic Characteristics |Strategic Group MAP | | | | | | | | | | | | | | ...

Words: 277 - Pages: 2

Free Essay

Advertuisement

...the right hair, and covering nothing up but your crotch area. This interprets sexuality. The same goes for women. typical images for women are a big chest, a big behind, slim waist, long legs, skinny, oh and flawless. The stereotypes these advertisements perpetuate are that men are supposed to be taller, bigger, heartless, and tough. As for women, they have to be smaller, looked down upon, and even always being innocent. When it comes to race, a white boy has control over the white girl. But when it's a black boy and a white girl, the girl has the control. Go figure that race would have a part in advertisement. Another way race is involved in this is when it comes to colored women, they're seen as animals. They would dress up the colored models into an animal such as a tiger and have her pose as...

Words: 528 - Pages: 3

Free Essay

The Power of Models and Modeling

...comparison between model in the past and the present, and how models become more restraints than before. Also we will talk about the advantage of using models and how they can make our life much easy. Models have evolved since the beginning of the century. There are many kinds of models for almost any system or item that exist. Each model uses short, long, simple or complex mathematics formula it depends of which case the models solve. However the models that are used in these recent years are very complex and have many numerous computations which make the only one that can handle it is the computer. These kinds of models are usually use in a wide variety of tasks, such as prevision of the decision made, and an effective answer to everyday problems. During time, models start to be more restraints than before. These kinds of restraints should have value or weight to make a model compatible with the case that model solve. There are several constraints or restraints in each models, one of the most important one is budget of the project. In other words the more wherewithal, the more model accuracy. Mark P. McDonald  (  December 8, 2010). To use complex mathematical formula in the models it requires an educated staffs with a good knowledge of model branch, which make the model more expensive and take more time to solve it, comparing with computer time and cost. However the need of special educated persons is strictly required to conclude if the models created by computer...

Words: 824 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Bsc, Business Score Model

...superior performance in a given job, role, or situation.Competency modeling is the activity of determining the specific competencies that are characteristic of high performance and success in a given job. Competency modeling can be applied to a variety of human resource activities. This research paper will describe how organizations identify their core competencies and how they are applying this competency data to improve performance. It will also explain some emerging trends in competency modeling. Developing Competency Models Competencies enable employees to achieve results, thereby creating value. It follows that competencies aligned with business objectives help foster an organization's success. Organizations must understand their core competency needs - the skills, knowledge, behaviors, and abilities that are necessary for people in key roles to deliver business results.According to Boulter, et al (1998), there are six stages involved in defining a competency model for a given job role. These stages are: 1. Performance criteria - Defining the criteria for superior performance in the role. 2. Criterion sample - Choosing a sample of people performing the role for data collection. 3. Data collection - Collecting sample data about behaviors that lead to success. 4. Data analysis - Developing hypotheses about the competencies of outstanding performers and how these competencies work together to produce desired...

Words: 1154 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Clases

...discovering similarity, maturity, and capability to measure, model asses and evolves the alignment level existing among business and technological assets of an enterprise. The top research issue for currently is the alignment between business processes and supporting software system. For the first time the issue was mention in the 1970 and then several studies and researches were conducted focused the alignment concerns. Actually this paper is aiming to review a proper analysis which considering the alignment topics. From the view of the business and technological alignment, it focuses on the degree of the information technology mission, objectives and plans, support and is supported by the business mission, objective and plans. To looking how the organization can achieve alignment, the traditional approaches have been used, however only a little contribution about how to identify and correct misalignment. To complete the alignment strategies, the modeling and measurement is a must. The phase of modeling is about the various entitled the alignment concept and the links between business and IT entities. Measurement of the alignment degree existing between the chosen assets for establishing if there is any improvement. The alignment is supported by an automatic support where it’s all the processes. There is several approaches was proposed to address issue from modeling to measurement. The approaches are Strategic Alignment Model (SAM) which used for financial service firms for determining...

Words: 714 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Porter's Five Forces

...Problems: 1. Essay: from either 2.2.3, 2.4 or 5.2 2. Setting up a model. (like one of the modules) (Review modules and cases-Try setting them up) 1. Given a problem statement and a set-up module, give an Analysis- (will be given a spreadsheet) QBA Sample Quiz click on files Log into Blackboard: QBA- Content Open file and save to desktop as “ lastname-id#(without @ sign)-9:40 ” When done, load files back into blackboard. Have until 11:00. MENTAL MODELS AND FORMAL MODELS Informal Modeling- Informal modeling= mental modeling * Continues on through the problem solving stage * Problem solvers conduct quick informal mental models @ various stages in the process. * Ask a series of mental questions * Helps relate cause and effect – in a simplified , incomplete way * Helps determine what might be feasible in a given situation * Always influenced by our implicit preferences for certain outcomes over others. * Useful but extremely limiting * Sometimes don’t provide sufficient insight. Formal models- * Provide same information as mental models * Links causes to effects and help evaluate potential solutions * Used to measure how well each solution...

Words: 618 - Pages: 3

Free Essay

Anita Norris Model Management

...1. MACRO ENVIRONMENT Social Forces Two publicly controversial issues in the modelling industry are slenderness and racial exclusion. Models do much more than promote the sale of fashion. The model look promotes and distributes ideas about how women and men should look. Models “do gender” professionally in ways that connect with social positions such as race, ethnicity and class, and there are many critiques of fashion models and their gendered and racial meanings. Modelling succeeds on the criticism of the female body and the gap between promoted beauty ideals and reality. As women gain political and social ground, beauty ideals are held to higher extremes of slenderness and perfection. Another social force for clients is they face uncertainty of changing consumer desires as they are highlighting the importance of healthy lifestyles and body types. Demographics For fashion models age is a very strong factor in the selection process. Models are usually discovered between the ages of 12 to 20 by agents or scouts. High fashion modeling agencies often demand height and body shape requirements and have strong preferences for standards. With cultural diversification of the Western world, ethnic diversity is becoming an important factor for all people in the modeling industry. Moreover, various races and backgrounds are becoming progressively noticeable. Anita Norris needs to be aware of the changing demographic trends in the modeling industry Technological Factors...

Words: 2018 - Pages: 9

Free Essay

Beauty

...beauty whether it is appearance, their personality or the work they have done. Looking into celebrity culture, people follow it to help them feel beautiful or use celebrities as motivation. Celebrities are our role models and we try to follow them in the latest fashion like clothing, hair, make-up and acting. Teens especially want an iconic person to look up to and follow them for their selflessness deeds and actions. Celebrities like Tyra Banks, Oprah Winfrey, and Queen Latifah are example of iconic celebrities that many people look up to and try to mimic in order to feel self-fulfilled. Celebrity culture does help define our view of beauty for men and women worldwide. The celebrity culture is in our lives every day, people try to copy them in any way possible because they are they’re our role models. Tyra Banks is an exceptional model that has been through many difficulties as an African American model. She faced racism as a child when she first began her modeling career. As she was getting older she began to put aside all the harsh comments and continued her passion for modeling. Tyra Banks was the first black young woman in the modeling business. As she was growing up, she became very famous because of her age, origin, and difficulties she faced as a young model. Many teens started to look up to her and wanted to be just like her. Tyra was tall, skinny, and smart, she was the perfect package. Many people liked her because of her beauty; boys would love her, while many girls...

Words: 943 - Pages: 4

Free Essay

Media

...body image, which can lead to unhealthy behaviors as women and girls strive for the ultra-thin body idealized by the media. This essay will attempt to prove that the media has a brutal effect on a women’s confidence. First, the media portrays that beauty is a necessity for all women. Unfortunately, the media pushes an unnatural body type, making natural beauty impossible to accept. The average American woman is 5\'4\" tall and weighs 140 pounds. Where as, the average American model is 5\'11\" tall and weighs 117 pounds ( Nikki Katz). Society is being brainwashed by the media. In fact, studies show that more than sixty percent of women do not like what they see in the mirror (Rutherford). Also, at young ages girls are impacted by the physical appearance of Barbie. Many people do not understand that looking like Barbie is physically impossible. Moreover, the models women see in magazines are completely flawless, and have incredible bodies. The majority of society could never look as good as the models they see. To summarize, women are discouraged with their bodies because the media only show beautiful...

Words: 262 - Pages: 2

Free Essay

Case1

...Computer Simulation: The process of computer simulation is mainly used for the purpose of generating an abstract model of a specific system. The way how system behaves can be shown by this along with few other activities involving constructing, designing and defining a model of a system. Simulation can be defined as mimicking or imitating through experimentation with a model of some real system Importance of Simulation: To lead a day-to-day life, many industries such as Healthcare, Military, Retail, Logistics etc. also makes use of these simulation models for their routine work to be done in an effective way. When these industries face problems they can be solved by acquiring the knowledge of simulation software which can be obtained by the use of analysis and modeling Simulation & Modeling can be used in various areas such as: In call centers- Simulation used in call centers is mainly to assure customer satisfaction. Simulation helps in predicting various calls and analyzing the agents to work on each type of call. Agents are trained in such a way that the waiting time for the incoming call should not be increased and one should respond to it immediately to answer customers queries managing their own time. This way customer satisfaction can be obtained handling numerous calls per day. Therefore simulation helps in call centers to plan and manage the workforce accordingly. In Healthcare- To investigate various diseases and to design new pharmaceutical agents modeling...

Words: 332 - Pages: 2

Free Essay

E-Business and E-Commerce

...TOYBOX WORDS:-2292 SUBMISSION:26TH NOVEMBER 2015 Contents 2 INTRODUCTION 3 2.1 Company 3 2.2 Purpose of Report and What it will Cover 3 3 E-BUSINESS 3 3.1 What is E-Business 3 3.2 Definition 4 3.3 Why is it Relevant to Toybox – Discussion of Concept 4 4 STRATEGIES 4 4.1 Definition of a Strategy 4 4.2 Strategy Definition Stage 5 4.3 Decisions That Toybox Should Take At This Point 5 4.3.1 Decision 1: Strategy To Assist with Market and Product Development 5 4.3.2 Decision 2 – Look at the Capabilities of Having a Supply Chain 6 4.3.3 Decision 3:- Looking at Business, Service and Revenue Models 6 5 E-BUSINESS REVENUE MODELS 7 5.1 Definition of a Revenue Model and Why is It Relevant to Toybox 7 5.1.1 Recommendation 1 – Cost Per Click Model - Advertising 7 5.1.2 Recommendation 2 – Auction Models 7 6 CONCLUSIONS 8 7 REFERENCES 9 INTRODUCTION Company Toybox is a toy manufacturer that is continually growing, providing traditional, wooden and educational toys aimed at a specific age group i.e. from birth to eight years old. The toys that they sell are sold in various price brackets ranging from pocket money toys through to toys that are retro inspired. Within the organisation, they have fifteen members of staff who are allocated duties which include designing the toys, purchasing the materials in which to build and manufacture the toys and then through their two outlets in Glasgow and Edinburgh, sell the goods...

Words: 2742 - Pages: 11

Premium Essay

Jayson Tatum: A Role Model

...Jayson Tatum is a influential advocate of being a role model to younger people. Through his actions including the help out a mom program, leadership, and great teammate. “Growing up wasn’t the greatest with my mother that was single. So he told people that when he made it to the nba he would make a single mothers program.” He’s going to help help out families that only have a mom because he grew up that way and wants to give back. Giving back to him is like how he grew up with his single mother and now he wants other mothers to feel appreciated for all the work they do.The importance of Jayson Tatum's social movement is that he has with the single mothers and how he has impacted them. He has helped them buy giving them money and supplies...

Words: 372 - Pages: 2