Changes to the Factors of Production (Cambridge (CIE) O Level Economics)
Revision Note
The Mobility of the Factors of Production
The mobility of the factors of production refers to how easily firms can switch between different factors of production during the production process
The more mobile the factors, the more flexibility there will be in production
E.g. If a firm can produce both cars and trucks on its production line and switching from one to the other only requires a few simple changes to some robotic arm extensions, then its capital is very mobile
This means that the firm can be very responsive to changes in demand for cars and trucks and is likely to make more profit
Labour is often one of the most expensive costs of production
If firms can substitute capital (machinery) for labour, productivity often increases and costs decrease
Many firms rely heavily on labour and ensuring labour mobility helps to lower unemployment and reduce worker shortages in an economy
Two Factors That Cause Labour To Be Less Mobile
Geographical Immobility of Labour | Occupational Immobility of Labour |
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Changes in the Quantity and Quality of the Various Factors
If the quantity or quality of a country's factors of production change, then the productive potential of the country also changes
If the quantity or quality increases, this corresponds to an outward shift of the potential output of an economy, as shown on a production possibilities curve model (see Subtopic 1.4.1). The country is able to produce more
If the quantity or quality decreases, this corresponds to an inward shift of the potential output of an economy, as shown on a production possibilities curve model. The country now cannot produce as much as it used to
Influences on the Quality or Quantity of Factors of Production Available to an Economy
Influence | Explanation |
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Technological advances |
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Changes in the costs of production |
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Changes in relative productivity |
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Changes in education and skills |
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Changes in government regulations |
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Demographic changes and migration |
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Competition policy |
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