Demand

Demand is a widely used term, and in common is considered synonymous with terms like want or ‘desire’. In economics, demand has a definite meaning which is different from ordinary use. In this chapter, we will explain what demand from the consumers point of view is and analyze demand from the firm perspective.

Demand for a commodity in a market depends on the size of the market. Demand for a commodity entails the desire to acquire the product, willingness to pay for it along with the ability to pay for the same.

Law of Demand

The law of demand is one of the vital laws of economic theory. According to the law of demand, other things being equal, if the price of a commodity falls, the quantity demanded will rise and if the price of a commodity rises, its quantity demanded declines. Thus other things being constant, there is an inverse relationship between the price and demand of commodities.

Things which are assumed to be constant are income of consumers, taste and preference, price of related commodities, etc., which may influence the demand. If these factors undergo change, then this law of demand may not hold good.

Definition of Law of Demand

According to Prof. Alfred Marshall The greater the amount to be sold, the smaller must be the price at which it is offered in order that it may find purchase. Lets have a look at an illustration to further understand the price and demand relationship assuming all other factors being constant −

Item	Price (Rs.)	Quantity Demanded (Units)
A	10	15
B	9	20
C	8	40
D	7	60
E	6	80

In the above demand schedule, we can see when the price of commodity X is 10 per unit, the consumer purchases 15 units of the commodity. Similarly, when the price falls to 9 per unit, the quantity demanded increases to 20 units. Thus quantity demanded by the consumer goes on increasing until the price is lowest i.e. 6 per unit where the demand is 80 units.

The above demand schedule helps in depicting the inverse relationship between the price and quantity demanded. We can also refer the graph below to have more clear understanding of the same −

We can see from the above graph, the demand curve is sloping downwards. It can be clearly seen that when the price of the commodity rises from P3 to P2, the quantity demanded comes down Q3 to Q2.

Theory of Consumer Behavior

The demand for a commodity depends on the utility of the consumer. If a consumer gets more satisfaction or utility from a particular commodity, he would pay a higher price too for the same and vice – versa.

In economics, all human motives, desires, and wishes are called wants. Wants may arise due to any cause. Since the resources are limited, we have to choose between urgent wants and not so urgent wants. In economics wants could be classified into following three categories −

• Necessities − Necessities are those wants which are essential for living. The wants without which humans cannot do anything are necessities. For example, food, clothing and shelter.
• Comforts − Comforts are the commodities which are not essential for our living but are required for a happy living. For example, buying a car, air travel.
• Luxuries − Luxuries are those wants which are surplus and costly. They are not essential for our living but add efficiency to our lifestyle. For example, spending on designer clothes, fine wines, antique furniture, luxury chocolates, business air travel.

Marginal Utility Analysis

Utility is a term referring to the total satisfaction received from consuming a good or service. It differs from each individual and helps to show the satisfaction of the consumer after consumption of a commodity. In economics, utility is a measure of preferences over some set of goods and services.

Marginal Utility is formulated by Alfred Marshall, a British economist. It is the additional benefit / utility derived from the consumption of an extra unit of a commodity.

Following are the assumptions of Marginal utility analysis −

Cardinal Measurability Concept

This theory assumes that utility is a cardinal concept which means it is a measurable or quantifiable concept. This theory is quite helpful as it helps an individual to express his satisfaction in numbers by comparing different commodities.

For example − If an individual derives utility equals to 5 units from the consumption of 1 unit of commodity X and 15 units from the consumption of 1 unit of commodity Y, he can conveniently explain which commodity satisfies him more.

Consistency

This assumption is a bit unreal which says the marginal utility of money remains constant throughout when the individual spending on a particular commodity. Marginal utility is measured with the following formula −

MU_nth = TU_n − TU_{n − 1}

Where, MU_nth − Marginal utility of Nth unit.

TU_n − Total analysis of n units

TU_{n − 1} − Total utility of n − 1 units.

Indifference Curve Analysis

A very well accepted approach of explaining consumers demand is indifference curve analysis. As we all know that satisfaction of a human being cannot be measured in terms of money, so an approach which could be based on consumer preferences was found out as Indifference curve analysis.

Indifference curve analysis is based on the following few assumptions −

• It is assumed that the consumer is consistent in his consumption pattern. That means if he prefers a combination A to B and then B to C then he must prefer A to C for results.
• Another assumption is that the consumer is capable enough of ranking the preferences according to his satisfaction level.
• It is also assumed that the consumer is rational and has full knowledge about the economic environment.

An indifference curve represents all those combinations of goods and services which provide same level of satisfaction to all the consumers. It means thus all the combinations provide same level of satisfaction, the consumers can prefe them equally.

A higher indifference curve signifies a higher level of satisfaction, so a consumer tries to consume as much as possible to achieve the desired level of indifference curve. The consumer to achieve it has to work under two constraints namely − he has to pay the required price for the goods and also has to face the problem of limited money income.

The above graph highlights that the shape of the indifference curve is not a straight line. This is due to the concept of the diminishing marginal rate of substitution between the two goods.

Consumer Equilibrium

A consumer achieves the state of equilibrium when he gets maximum satisfaction from the goods and does not have to position the goods according to their satisfaction level. Consumer equilibrium is based on the following assumptions −

• Prices of the goods are fixed
• Another assumption is that the consumer has fixed income which he has to spend on all the goods.
• The consumer takes rational decisions to maximize his satisfaction.

Consumer equilibrium is quite superior to utility analysis as consumer equilibrium takes into consideration more than one product at a time and it also does not assume constancy of money.

A consumer achieves equilibrium when as per his income and prices of the goods he consumes, he gets maximum satisfaction. That is, when he reaches highest indifference curve possible with his budget line.

In the figure below, the consumer is in equilibrium at point H when he consumes 100 units of food and purchases 5 units of clothing. The budget line AB is tangent to the highest possible indifference curve at point H.

The consumer is in equilibrium at point H. He is on the highest possible indifference curve given budgetary constraint and prices of two goods.

The ‘Law Of Demand’ states that, all other factors being equal, as the price of a good or service increases, consumer demand for the good or service will decrease, and vice versa.

Demand elasticity is a measure of how much the quantity demanded will change if another factor changes.

Changes in Demand

Change in demand is a term used in economics to describe that there has been a change, or shift in, a market’s total demand. This is represented graphically in a price vs. quantity plane, and is a result of more/less entrants into the market, and the changing of consumer preferences. The shift can either be parallel or nonparallel.

Extension of Demand

Other things remaining constant, when more quantity is demanded at a lower price, it is called extension of demand.

Px	Dx
15	100	Original
8	150	Extension

Contraction of Demand

Other things remaining constant, when less quantity is demanded at a higher price, it is called contraction of demand.

Px	Dx
10	100	Original
12	50	Contraction

Concept of Elasticity

Law of demand explains the inverse relationship between price and demand of a commodity but it does not explain to the extent to which demand of a commodity changes due to change in price.

A measure of a variable’s sensitivity to a change in another variable is elasticity. In economics, elasticity refers the degree to which individuals change their demand in response to price or income changes.

It is calculated as −

Elasticity =

% Change in quantity / % Change in price

Elasticity of Demand

Elasticity of Demand is the degree of responsiveness of change in demand of a commodity due to change in its prices.

Importance of Elasticity of Demand

• Importance to producer − A producer has to consider elasticity of demand before fixing the price of a commodity.
• Importance to government − If elasticity of demand of a product is low then government will impose heavy taxes on the production of that commodity and vice versa.
• Importance in foreign market − If elasticity of demand of a produce is low in the international market then exporter can charge higher price and earn more profit.

Methods to Calculate Elasticity of Demand

Price Elasticity of demand

The price elasticity of demand is the percentage change in the quantity demanded of a good or a service, given a percentage change in its price.

Total Expenditure Method

In this, the elasticity of demand is measured with the help of total expenditure incurred by customer on purchase of a commodity.

Total Expenditure = Price per unit × Quantity Demanded

Proportionate Method or % Method

This method is an improvement over the total expenditure method in which simply the directions of elasticity could be known, i.e. more than 1, less than 1 and equal to 1. The two formulas used are −

iEd =

Proportionate change in ed / Proportionate change in price

×

Original price / Original quantity

Ed =

% Change in quantity demanded / % Change in price

Geometric Method

In this method, elasticity of demand can be calculated with the help of straight line curve joining both axis – x & y.

Ed =

Lower segment of demand curve / Upper segment of demand curve

Factors Affecting Price Elasticity of Demand

The key factors which determine the price elasticity of demand are discussed below −

Substitutability

Number of substitutes available for a product or service to a consumer is an important factor in determining the price elasticity of demand. The larger the numbers of substitutes available, the greater is the price elasticity of demand at any given price.

Proportion of Income

Another important factor effecting price elasticity is the proportion of income of consumers. It is argued that larger the proportion of an individuals income, the greater is the elasticity of demand for that good at a given price.

Time

Time is also a significant factor affecting the price elasticity of demand. Generally consumers take time to adjust to the changed circumstances. The longer it takes them to adjust to a change in the price of a commodity, the lesser price elastic would be to the demand for a good or service.

Income Elasticity

Income elasticity is a measure of the relationship between a change in the quantity demanded for a commodity and a change in real income. Formula for calculating income elasticity is as follows −

Ei =

% Change in quantity demanded / % Change in income

Following are the Features of Income Elasticity −

• If the proportion of income spent on goods remains the same as income increases, then income elasticity for the goods is equal to one.
• If the proportion of income spent on goods increases as income increases, then income elasticity for the goods is greater than one.
• If the proportion of income spent on goods decreases as income increases, then income elasticity for the goods is less by one.

Cross Elasticity of Demand

An economic concept that measures the responsiveness in the quantity demanded of one commodity when a change in price takes place in another good. The measure is calculated by taking the percentage change in the quantity demanded of one good, divided by the percentage change in price of the substitute good −

Ec =

Δqx / Δpy

×

py / qy

• If two goods are perfect substitutes for each other, cross elasticity is infinite.
• If two goods are totally unrelated, cross elasticity between them is zero.
• If two goods are substitutes like tea and coffee, the cross elasticity is positive.
• When two goods are complementary like tea and sugar to each other, the cross elasticity between them is negative.

Total Revenue (TR) and Marginal Revenue

Total revenue is the total amount of money that a firm receives from the sale of its goods. If the firm practices single pricing rather than price discrimination, then TR = total expenditure of the consumer = P × Q

Marginal revenue is the revenue generated from selling one extra unit of a good or service. It can be determined by finding the change in TR following an increase in output of one unit. MR can be both positive and negative. A revenue schedule shows the amount of revenue generated by a firm at different prices −

Price	Quantity Demanded	Total Revenue	Marginal Revenue
10	1	10
9	2	18	8
8	3	24	6
7	4	28	4
6	5	30	2
5	6	30	0
4	7	28	-2
3	8	24	-4
2	9	18	-6
1	10	10	-8

Initially, as output increases total revenue also increases, but at a decreasing rate. It eventually reaches a maximum and then decreases with further output. Whereas when marginal revenue is 0, total revenue is the maximum. Increase in output beyond the point where MR = 0 will lead to a negative MR.

Price Ceiling and Price Flooring

Price ceilings and price flooring are basically price controls.

Price Ceilings

Price ceilings are set by the regulatory authorities when they believe certain commodities are sold too high of a price. Price ceilings become a problem when they are set below the market equilibrium price.

There is excess demand or a supply shortage, when the price ceilings are set below the market price. Producers dont produce as much at the lower price, while consumers demand more because the goods are cheaper. Demand outstrips supply, so there is a lot of people who want to buy at this lower price but can’t.

Price Flooring

Price flooring are the prices set by the regulatory bodies for certain commodities when they believe that they are sold in an unfair market with too low prices.

Price floors are only an issue when they are set above the equilibrium price, since they have no effect if they are set below the market clearing price.

When they are set above the market price, then there is a possibility that there will be an excess supply or a surplus. If this happens, producers who can’t foresee trouble ahead will produce larger quantities.

In economics, a market refers to the collective activity of buyers and sellers for a particular product or service.

The Economic Systems

Economic market system is a set of institutions for allocating resources and making choices to satisfy human wants. In a market system, the forces and interaction of supply and demand for each commodity determines what and how much to produce.

In price system, the combination is based on least combination method. This method maximizes the profit and reduces the cost. Thus firms using least combination method can lower the cost and make profit. Resources are allocated by planning. In a market economy, goods are allocated according to the decisions of producers and consumers.

• Pure Capitalism − Pure capitalism market economic system is a system in which individuals own productive resources and as it is the private ownership; they can be used in any manner subject to the productive legal restrictions.
• Communism − Communism is an economy in which workers are motivated to contribute to the economy. Government has most of the control in this system. The government decides what to produce, how much, and how to produce. This is an economic decision making through planned economy.
• Mixed Economy − Mixed economy is a system where most of the wealth is generated by businesses and the government also plays an important role.

Demand and Supply Curves

The market demand curve indicates the maximum price that buyers will pay to purchase a given quantity of the market product.

The market supply curve indicates the minimum price that suppliers would accept to be willing to provide a given supply of the market product.

In order to have buyers and sellers agree on the quantity that would be provided and purchased, the price needs to be a right level. The market equilibrium is the quantity and associated price at which there is concurrence between sellers and buyers.

Now lets have a look at the typical supply and demand curve presentation.

From the above graphical presentation, we can clearly see the point at which the supply and demand curves intersect with each other which we call as Equilibrium point.

Market Equilibrium

Market equilibrium is determined at the intersection of the market demand and market supply. The price that equates the quantity demanded with the quantity supplied is the equilibrium price and amount that people are willing to buy and sellers are willing to offer at the equilibrium price level is the equilibrium quantity.

A market situation in which the quantity demanded exceeds the quantity supplied shows the shortage of the market. A shortage occurs at a price below the equilibrium level. A market situation in which the quantity supplied exceeds the quantity demanded, there exists the surplus of the market. A surplus occurs at a price above the equilibrium level.

If a market is not at equilibrium, market forces try to move it equilibrium. Lets have a look − If the market price is above the equilibrium value, there is an excess of supply in the market, which means there is more supply than demand. In this situation, sellers try to reduce the price of their good to clear their inventories. They also slow down their production. The lower price helps more people to buy, which reduces the supply further. This process further results in increase in demand and decrease in supply until the market price equals the equilibrium price.

If the market price is below the equilibrium value, then there is excess in demand. In this case, buyers bid up the price of the goods. As the price goes up, some buyers tend to quit trying because they don’t want to, or can’t pay the higher price. Eventually, the upward pressure on price and supply will stabilize at market equilibrium.

Regression is a statistical technique that helps in qualifying the relationship between the interrelated economic variables. The first step involves estimating the coefficient of the independent variable and then measuring the reliability of the estimated coefficient. This requires formulating a hypothesis, and based on the hypothesis, we can create a function.

If a manager wants to determine the relationship between the firms advertisement expenditures and its sales revenue, he will undergo the test of hypothesis. Assuming that higher advertising expenditures lead to higher sale for a firm. The manager collects data on advertising expenditure and on sales revenue in a specific period of time. This hypothesis can be translated into the mathematical function, where it leads to −

Y = A + Bx

Where Y is sales, x is the advertisement expenditure, A and B are constant.

After translating the hypothesis into the function, the basis for this is to find the relationship between the dependent and independent variables. The value of dependent variable is of most importance to researchers and depends on the value of other variables. Independent variable is used to explain the variation in the dependent variable. It can be classified into two types −

• Simple regression − One independent variable
• Multiple regression − Several independent variables

Simple Regression

Following are the steps to build up regression analysis −

• Specify the regression model
• Obtain data on variables
• Estimate the quantitative relationships
• Test the statistical significance of the results
• Usage of results in decision-making

Formula for simple regression is −

Y = a + bX + u

Y= dependent variable

X= independent variable

a= intercept

b= slope

u= random factor

Cross sectional data provides information on a group of entities at a given time, whereas time series data provides information on one entity over time. When we estimate regression equation it involves the process of finding out the best linear relationship between the dependent and the independent variables.

Method of Ordinary Least Squares (OLS)

Ordinary least square method is designed to fit a line through a scatter of points is such a way that the sum of the squared deviations of the points from the line is minimized. It is a statistical method. Usually Software packages perform OLS estimation.

Y = a + bX

Co-efficient of Determination (R²)

Co-efficient of determination is a measure which indicates the percentage of the variation in the dependent variable is due to the variations in the independent variables. R² is a measure of the goodness of fit model. Following are the methods −

Total Sum of Squares (TSS)

Sum of the squared deviations of the sample values of Y from the mean of Y.

TSS = SUM ( Y_i − Y)²

Y_i = dependent variables

Y = mean of dependent variables

i = number of observations

Regression Sum of Squares (RSS)

Sum of the squared deviations of the estimated values of Y from the mean of Y.

RSS = SUM ( _i − uY)²

_i = estimated value of Y

Y = mean of dependent variables

i = number of variations

Error Sum of Squares (ESS)

Sum of the squared deviations of the sample values of Y from the estimated values of Y.

ESS = SUM ( Y_i − _i)²

_i = estimated value of Y

Y_i = dependent variables

i = number of observations

R2 =

RSS / TSS

= 1 –

ESS / TSS

R² measures the proportion of the total deviation of Y from its mean which is explained by the regression model. The closer the R² is to unity, the greater the explanatory power of the regression equation. An R² close to 0 indicates that the regression equation will have very little explanatory power.

For evaluating the regression coefficients, a sample from the population is used rather than the entire population. It is important to make assumptions about the population based on the sample and to make a judgment about how good these assumptions are.

Evaluating the Regression Coefficients

Each sample from the population generates its own intercept. To calculate the statistical difference following methods can be used −

Two tailed test −

Null Hypothesis: H₀: b = 0

Alternative Hypothesis: H_a: b ≠ 0

One tailed test −

Null Hypothesis: H₀: b > 0 (or b < 0)

Alternative Hypothesis: H_a: b < 0 (or b > 0)

Statistic Test −

t =

(b – E(b)) / SE_b

b = estimated coefficient

E (b) = b = 0 (Null hypothesis)

SE_b = Standard error of the coefficient.

Value of t depends on the degree of freedom, one or two failed test, and level of significance. To determine the critical value of t, t-table can be used. Then comes the comparison of the t-value with the critical value. One needs to reject the null hypothesis if the absolute value of the statistic test is greater than or equal to the critical t-value. Do not reject the null hypothesis, I the absolute value of the statistic test is less than the critical tvalue.

Multiple Regression Analysis

Unlike simple regression in multiple regression analysis, the coefficients indicate the change in dependent variables assuming the values of the other variables are constant.

The test of statistical significance is called F-test. The F-test is useful as it measures the statistical significance of the entire regression equation rather than just for an individual. Here In null hypothesis, there is no relationship between the dependent variable and the independent variables of the population.

The formula is − H₀: b1 = b2 = b3 = . = bk = 0

No relationship exists between the dependent variable and the k independent variables for the population.

F-test static −

$$F \: =\: \frac{ \left ( \frac{R^2}{K} \right )}{\frac{(1-R^2)}{(n-k-1)}}$$

Critical value of F depends on the numerator and denominator degree of freedom and level of significance. F-table can be used to determine the critical Fvalue. In comparison to Fvalue with the critical value (F*) −

If F > F*, we need to reject the null hypothesis.

If F < F*, do not reject the null hypothesis as there is no significant relationship between the dependent variable and all independent variables.

Economic analysis is the most crucial phase in managerial economics. A manager has to collect and study the economic data of the environment in which a firm operates. He has to conduct a detailed statistical analysis in order to do research on industrial markets. The research may comprise of information regarding tax rates, products, competitors pricing strategies, etc., which may be useful for managerial decision-making.

Optimization techniques are very crucial activities in managerial decision-making process. According to the objective of the firm, the manager tries to make the most effective decision out of all the alternatives available. Though the optimal decisions differ from company to company, the objective of optimization technique is to obtain a condition under which the marginal revenue is equal to the marginal cost.

The first step in presenting optimization techniques is to examine the methods to express economic relationship. Now lets have a look at the methods of expressing economic relationship −

• Equations, graphs, and tables are extensively used for expressing economic relationships.
• Graphs and tables are used for simple relationships and equations are used for complex relationships.
• Expressing relationships through equations is very useful in economics as it allows the usage of powerful differential technique, in order to determine the optimal solution of the problem.

Now suppose, we have total revenue equation −

TR = 100Q − 10Q²

Substituting values for quantity sold, we generate the total revenue schedule of the firm −

100Q − 10Q2	TR
100(0) − 10(0)2	$0
100(1) − 10(1)2	$90
100(2) − 10(2)2	$160
100(3) − 10(3)2	$210
100(4) − 10(4)2	$240
100(5) − 10(5)2	$250
100(6) − 10(6)2	$240

Relationship between total, marginal, average concepts, and measures is really crucial in managerial economics. Total cost comprises of total fixed cost plus total variable cost or average cost multiply by total number of units produced

TC = TFC &plus; TVC or TC = AC.Q

Marginal cost is the change in total cost resulting from one unit change in output. Average cost shows per unit cost of production, or total cost divided by number of units produced.

Optimization Analysis

Optimization analysis is a process through which a firm estimates or determines the output level and maximizes its total profits. There are basically two approaches followed for optimization −

• Total revenue and total cost approach
• Marginal revenue and Marginal cost approach

Total Revenue and Total Cost Approach

According to this approach, total profit is maximum at the level of output where the difference between the TR and TC is maximum.

Π = TR − TC

When output = 0, TR = 0, but TC = $20, so total loss = $20

When output = 1, TR = $90, and TC = $140, so total loss = $50

At Q2, TR = TC = $160, therefore profit is equal to zero. When profit is equal to zero, it means that firm reached a breakeven point.

Marginal Revenue and Marginal Cost Approach

As we have seen in TR and TC approach, profit is maximum when the difference between them is maximum. However, in case of marginal analysis, profit is maximum at a level of output when MR is equal to MC. Marginal cost is the change in total cost resulting from one unit change in output, whereas marginal revenue is the change in total revenue resulting from one unit change in sale.

According to marginal analysis, as long as marginal benefit of an activity is greater than marginal cost, it pays for an organization to increase the activity. The total net benefit is maximum when the MR equals the MC.

Business firms are a combination of manpower, financial, and physical resources which help in making managerial decisions. Societies can be classified into two main categories − production and consumption. Firms are the economic entities and are on the production side, whereas consumers are on the consumption side.

The performances of firms get analyzed in the framework of an economic model. The economic model of a firm is called the theory of the firm. Business decisions include many vital decisions like whether a firm should undertake research and development program, should a company launch a new product, etc.

Business decisions made by the managers are very important for the success and failure of a firm. Complexity in the business world continuously grows making the role of a manager or a decision maker of an organisation more challenging! The impact of goods production, marketing, and technological changes highly contribute to the complexity of the business environment.

Steps for Decision-Making

The steps for decision making like problem description, objective determination, discovering alternatives, forecasting consequences are described below −

Define the Problem

What is the problem and how does it influence managerial objectives are the main questions. Decisions are usually made in the firms planning process. Managerial decisions are at times not very well defined and thus are sometimes source of a problem.

Determine the Objective

The goal of an organization or decision maker is very important. In practice, there may be many problems while setting the objectives of a firm related to profit maximization and benefit cost analysis. Are the future benefits worth the present capital? Should a firm make an investment for higher profits for over 8 to 10 years? These are the questions asked before determining the objectives of a firm.

Discover the Alternatives

For a sound decision framework, there are many questions which are needed to be answered such as − What are the alternatives? What factors are under the decision makers control? What variables constrain the choice of options? The manager needs to carefully formulate all such questions in order to weigh the attractive alternatives.

Forecast the Consequences

Forecasting or predicting the consequences of each alternative should be considered. Conditions could change by applying each alternative action so it is crucial to decide which alternative action to use when outcomes are uncertain.

Make a Choice

Once all the analysis and scrutinizing is completed, the preferred course of action is selected. This step of the process is said to occupy the lions share in analysis. In this step, the objectives and outcomes are directly quantifiable. It all depends on how the decision maker puts the problem, how he formalizes the objectives, considers the appropriate alternatives, and finds out the most preferable course of action.

Sensitivity Analysis

Sensitivity analysis helps us in determining the strong features of the optimal choice of action. It helps us to know how the optimal decision changes, if conditions related to the solution are altered. Thus, it proves that the optimal solution chosen should be based on the objective and well structured. Sensitivity analysis reflects how an optimal solution is affected, if the important factors vary or are altered.

Managerial economics is competent enough for serving the purposes in decision making. It focuses on the theory of the firm which considers profit maximization as the main objective. The theory of the firm was developed in the nineteenth century by French and English economists. Theory of the firm emphasizes on optimum utilization of resources, cost control, and profits in a single time period. Theory of the firm approach, with its focus on optimization, is relevant for small farms and producers.

A close interrelationship between management and economics had led to the development of managerial economics. Economic analysis is required for various concepts such as demand, profit, cost, and competition. In this way, managerial economics is considered as economics applied to problems of choice or alternatives and allocation of scarce resources by the firms.

Managerial economics is a discipline that combines economic theory with managerial practice. It helps in covering the gap between the problems of logic and the problems of policy. The subject offers powerful tools and techniques for managerial policy making.

Managerial Economics − Definition

To quote Mansfield, Managerial economics is concerned with the application of economic concepts and economic analysis to the problems of formulating rational managerial decisions.

Spencer and Siegelman have defined the subject as the integration of economic theory with business practice for the purpose of facilitating decision making and forward planning by management.

Micro, Macro, and Managerial Economics Relationship

Microeconomics studies the actions of individual consumers and firms; managerial economics is an applied specialty of this branch. Macroeconomics deals with the performance, structure, and behavior of an economy as a whole. Managerial economics applies microeconomic theories and techniques to management decisions. It is more limited in scope as compared to microeconomics. Macroeconomists study aggregate indicators such as GDP, unemployment rates to understand the functions of the whole economy.

Microeconomics and managerial economics both encourage the use of quantitative methods to analyze economic data. Businesses have finite human and financial resources; managerial economic principles can aid management decisions in allocating these resources efficiently. Macroeconomics models and their estimates are used by the government to assist in the development of economic policy.

Nature and Scope of Managerial Economics

The most important function in managerial economics is decision-making. It involves the complete course of selecting the most suitable action from two or more alternatives. The primary function is to make the most profitable use of resources which are limited such as labor, capital, land etc. A manager is very careful while taking decisions as the future is uncertain; he ensures that the best possible plans are made in the most effective manner to achieve the desired objective which is profit maximization.

• Economic theory and economic analysis are used to solve the problems of managerial economics.
• Economics basically comprises of two main divisions namely Micro economics and Macro economics.

• Managerial economics covers both macroeconomics as well as microeconomics, as both are equally important for decision making and business analysis.
• Macroeconomics deals with the study of entire economy. It considers all the factors such as government policies, business cycles, national income, etc.
• Microeconomics includes the analysis of small individual units of economy such as individual firms, individual industry, or a single individual consumer.

All the economic theories, tools, and concepts are covered under the scope of managerial economics to analyze the business environment. The scope of managerial economics is a continual process, as it is a developing science. Demand analysis and forecasting, profit management, and capital management are also considered under the scope of managerial economics.

Demand Analysis and Forecasting

Demand analysis and forecasting involves huge amount of decision-making! Demand estimation is an integral part of decision making, an assessment of future sales helps in strengthening the market position and maximizing profit. In managerial economics, demand analysis and forecasting holds a very important place.

Profit Management

Success of a firm depends on its primary measure and that is profit. Firms are operated to earn long term profit which is generally the reward for risk taking. Appropriate planning and measuring profit is the most important and challenging area of managerial economics.

Capital Management

Capital management involves planning and controlling of expenses. There are many problems related to capital investments which involve considerable amount of time and labor. Cost of capital and rate of return are important factors of capital management.

Demand for Managerial Economics

The demand for this subject has increased post liberalization and globalization period primarily because of increasing use of economic logic, concepts, tools and theories in the decision making process of large multinationals.

Also, this can be attributed to increasing demand for professionally trained management personnel, who can leverage limited resources available to them and maximize returns with efficiency and effectiveness.

Role in Managerial Decision Making

Managerial economics leverages economic concepts and decision science techniques to solve managerial problems. It provides optimal solutions to managerial decision making issues.

Managerial economics is concerned with the application of economic concepts and economic analysis to the problems of formulating rational managerial decisions. This tutorial covers most of the topics of managerial economics including micro, macro, and managerial economic relationship; demand forecasting, production and cost analysis, market structure and pricing theory.

Audience

This tutorial is aimed at management students having a basic understanding of business concepts. It will give them an in-depth overview of the major topics of management economics.

Prerequisites

It is an elementary tutorial and you can easily understand the concepts explained here with a basic knowledge of management studies.