http://www.tutor2u.net/blog/index.php/ib-diploma/ en tutor2u.net Copyright 2012 2012-05-22T15:12:28+00:00 http://www.tutor2u.net/blog/index.php/ib-diploma/comments/ib-economics-revision-workbook http://www.tutor2u.net/blog/index.php/ib-diploma/comments/ib-economics-revision-workbook#When:20:49:30Z This revision workbook will help students preparing for the upcoming IB Economics exams ensure they are clear about the key theory they need in preparation for their exam. Read on to find out how to download your own copy. IB Economics, Business Economics, Development Economics, International Issues, Macroeconomic Arguments, Resources and Markets, 2012-05-01T20:49:30+00:00 http://www.tutor2u.net/blog/index.php/ib-diploma/comments/marketing-condoms http://www.tutor2u.net/blog/index.php/ib-diploma/comments/marketing-condoms#When:09:14:00Z A short but fascinating TED talk entitled ‘Selling Condoms in Congo’ looks at a key development issue, AIDS, from the marketing persepctive. IB Economics, Business Economics, Development Economics, International Issues, Resources and Markets, 2011-09-22T09:14:00+00:00 http://www.tutor2u.net/blog/index.php/ib-diploma/comments/morrisonss-results http://www.tutor2u.net/blog/index.php/ib-diploma/comments/morrisonss-results#When:12:41:00Z I always try and make reference to businesses found in town. The students often find it easier to relate to and analyse. Morrisons is the the major supermarket in the town centre and last week they published promising results especially given the bleak economic times. IB Economics, Business Economics, Resources and Markets, 2011-09-11T12:41:00+00:00 http://www.tutor2u.net/blog/index.php/ib-diploma/comments/th http://www.tutor2u.net/blog/index.php/ib-diploma/comments/th#When:12:35:00Z The Rugby World Cup kicked off this morning with an impressive victory for the hosts but what are the economic benefits of hosting such an event? IB Economics, Business Economics, International Issues, Macroeconomic Arguments, 2011-09-09T12:35:00+00:00 http://www.tutor2u.net/blog/index.php/ib-diploma/comments/the-new-ib-economics-course-3-microeconomics http://www.tutor2u.net/blog/index.php/ib-diploma/comments/the-new-ib-economics-course-3-microeconomics#When:14:22:00Z The major changes/additions to the microeconomics course are as follows… IB Economics, Business Economics, Resources and Markets, 2011-09-08T14:22:00+00:00 http://www.tutor2u.net/blog/index.php/ib-diploma/comments/how-do-companies-react-to-and-manage-crises http://www.tutor2u.net/blog/index.php/ib-diploma/comments/how-do-companies-react-to-and-manage-crises#When:02:27:00Z In the following analysis, I have identified five multi national companies to show how they managed crisis and dealt with negative publicity. The companies are Mattel, PepsiCo, JetBlue, The Coca Cola Company and Johnson & Johnson. In the following analysis, I have identified five multi national companies to show how they managed crisis and dealt with negative publicity.  The companies are Mattel, PepsiCo, JetBlue, The Coca Cola Company and Johnson & Johnson.  Click here to download the article. IB Economics, Business Economics, IB Business & Management, 2010-08-13T02:27:00+00:00 http://www.tutor2u.net/blog/index.php/ib-diploma/comments/high-street-dreams http://www.tutor2u.net/blog/index.php/ib-diploma/comments/high-street-dreams#When:09:45:01Z A new series begins on BBC1 tonight that will no doubt provide some excellent material for Business Management students. IB Economics, Business Economics, IB Business & Management, External Environment, Marketing, Operations Management, 2010-05-10T09:45:01+00:00 http://www.tutor2u.net/blog/index.php/ib-diploma/comments/theos-adventure-capitalists http://www.tutor2u.net/blog/index.php/ib-diploma/comments/theos-adventure-capitalists#When:08:28:00Z A new series begins on BBC 2 this evening that looks ideal for the department DVD library. Dragon’s Den star Theo Paphitis follows the fortunes of brave and bold British companies trying to expand in three of the world’s most dynamic emerging markets - India, Brazil and Vietnam. While Britain is still stuck in a recession, these economies are booming. There couldn’t be a better time than now for British businesses to seize these opportunities in some of the world’s fastest-expanding but risky markets - but how easy is it going to be? Tonight Theo begins in Vietnam and it looks like a series that will be full of development and business economics. Click here for a two minute clip of tonight’s episode. IB Economics, Business Economics, Development Economics, Resources and Markets, 2010-05-04T08:28:00+00:00 http://www.tutor2u.net/blog/index.php/ib-diploma/comments/revision-quiz-4 http://www.tutor2u.net/blog/index.php/ib-diploma/comments/revision-quiz-4#When:09:31:00Z A revision quiz for higher level candidates only that covers costs, revenues and profits. Tutor2u_IB_Economics_Revision_Quizzes_2010_(4).doc IB Economics, Business Economics, Resources and Markets, 2010-04-30T09:31:00+00:00 http://www.tutor2u.net/blog/index.php/ib-diploma/comments/bbc-budget-summary http://www.tutor2u.net/blog/index.php/ib-diploma/comments/bbc-budget-summary#When:19:44:00Z A nice video summary of today’s budget by the BBC’s big three- Nick Robinson, Stephanie Flanders and Robert Peston. IB Economics, Business Economics, Macroeconomic Arguments, Resources and Markets, 2010-03-24T19:44:00+00:00 http://www.tutor2u.net/blog/index.php/ib-diploma/comments/the-sign-has-gone http://www.tutor2u.net/blog/index.php/ib-diploma/comments/the-sign-has-gone#When:11:08:00Z Paddy Power have lost their battle with Tewkesbury Borough Council to make their advertising sign (the longest in the world) a permanent fixture on Cleeve Hill. The sign had been erected for Gold Cup week at Cheltenham racecourse and Paddy Power was hoping it could remain on the hillside. Will keep you posted as to whether it is erected elsewhere in the country. IB Economics, Business Economics, 2010-03-23T11:08:00+00:00 http://www.tutor2u.net/blog/index.php/ib-diploma/comments/stroud-pounds http://www.tutor2u.net/blog/index.php/ib-diploma/comments/stroud-pounds#When:14:15:00Z Another quirky story from my home county. The Gloucestershire town of Stroud is printing its own currency, 6 months on the BBC returns to see how economically successful it has been. Local businesses have to sign up to the initiative. The local cafe owner puts forward the multiplier argument for how local currency will benefit the Stroud economy. Critics see the the currency as a ‘gimmick’ that is in essence a glorified voucher scheme. For it to work and benefit the local community both firms and consumers have to be on side. Here is the link to the Stroud Pound website.   IB Economics, Business Economics, Resources and Markets, 2010-03-22T14:15:00+00:00 http://www.tutor2u.net/blog/index.php/ib-diploma/comments/uk-air-pollution http://www.tutor2u.net/blog/index.php/ib-diploma/comments/uk-air-pollution#When:13:13:01Z A report from Sky News this morning really caught my attention. Air pollution in the UK kills 50,000 people per year. The negative externalities of poor air conditions include increased asthma cases, heart disease and respiratory diseases. Some MPs are becoming increasingly critical of the government for their apparent lack of action, quite rightly given the huge number of victims. IB Economics, Business Economics, International Issues, Resources and Markets, 2010-03-22T13:13:01+00:00 http://www.tutor2u.net/blog/index.php/ib-diploma/comments/paddy-powers-cheltenham-sign http://www.tutor2u.net/blog/index.php/ib-diploma/comments/paddy-powers-cheltenham-sign#When:14:28:00Z IB Economics, Business Economics, Resources and Markets, 2010-03-20T14:28:00+00:00 http://www.tutor2u.net/blog/index.php/ib-diploma/comments/the-countdown http://www.tutor2u.net/blog/index.php/ib-diploma/comments/the-countdown#When:09:32:01Z The pressure is really on now with the final IB Economics papers only a matter of weeks away. During the coming weeks I will be posting daily revision blogs for both Higher and Standard level candidates. These will be a mixture of quizzes, presentations and revision sheets to aid your preparation. I will also be linking current economic news stories to the IB syllabus, remember that your examiners will be looking for your economic theory to be backed up by lots of real world examples. Do get in touch with any topics you would especially like covered, I will endeavour though to cover theory from all sections of the course. IB Economics, Business Economics, Development Economics, International Issues, Macroeconomic Arguments, Resources and Markets, 2010-03-19T09:32:01+00:00 http://www.tutor2u.net/blog/index.php/ib-diploma/comments/ta http://www.tutor2u.net/blog/index.php/ib-diploma/comments/ta#When:15:42:01Z I have heard many presentations from business folk over the years and the last two years of our embryonic Entrepreneurship Society have been memorable for some superb talks. None has quite matched the impact and the quality of a talk given by Tony Fernandes, Founder and CEO of Air Asia last Thursday night. IB Economics, Business Economics, IB Business & Management, External Environment, Human Resource Management, Introduction to Organisations, Marketing, 2010-02-13T15:42:01+00:00 http://www.tutor2u.net/blog/index.php/ib-diploma/comments/pure-monopolies-in-japanese-manufacturing http://www.tutor2u.net/blog/index.php/ib-diploma/comments/pure-monopolies-in-japanese-manufacturing#When:13:45:00Z A big hat tip to one of my students Arno Albici for spotting a superb article in the Economist about a cluster of mid-sized Japanese manufacturers who continue to enjoy near pure-monopoly power in highly specific, high value-added businesses. decades of industry expertise and reinvesting profit to fund high levels of research and innovation continue to give these companies a remarkable competitive strength in the market. The barriers to entry for rival manufacturers are very high and this helps to explain the limited contestability in the global marketplace. For example: Shimano earns around $1.5 billion a year by supplying 60-70% of the world’s bicycle gears and brakes YKK makes around half the world’s zip fasteners by value, 75% of motors for hard-disk drives in computers come from a firm called Nidec 90% of the micro-motors used to adjust the rear-view mirror in every car are made by Mabuchi “Many technology products have become commodities, but certain components have not, since they require continual innovation. So entry barriers to the business of making them remain high, and although the margins on the final goods have deteriorated, the margins on specialised, high-end components are still juicy.: Much more here IB Economics, Business Economics, 2009-11-07T13:45:00+00:00 http://www.tutor2u.net/blog/index.php/ib-diploma/comments/ib-higher-economics-improving-your-exam-skills http://www.tutor2u.net/blog/index.php/ib-diploma/comments/ib-higher-economics-improving-your-exam-skills#When:13:38:00Z Here is a streamed version of the presentation I gave to the Hong Kong CPD day, focusing on how IB Economics students can improve their evaluation skills: Improving Evaluation Skills IB Economics, Business Economics, Development Economics, International Issues, Macroeconomic Arguments, 2009-10-30T13:38:00+00:00 http://www.tutor2u.net/blog/index.php/ib-diploma/comments/tata-records-sharp-rise-in-profits http://www.tutor2u.net/blog/index.php/ib-diploma/comments/tata-records-sharp-rise-in-profits#When:23:07:00Z Tata Motors is part of the Tata Group - one of the most important industrial conglomerates to have developed in emerging market countries. It has started to build the Nano - a car that sells for around £1300 and is reputedly one of the world’s cheapest motor vehicles. Tata also moved into the luxury market in 2008 when it bought Jaguar Land Rover from Ford for $2.3bn. This BBC report looks at the latest profits news from Tata. Tata has said it will eventually make 500,000 Nanos a year. Outline some of the economies of scale that can be exploited by producing such a huge volume of cars Draw an appropriate cost diagram to show what might happen to Tata Motors’ long run costs of production What factors will influence the level of market demand in India for their Nano vehicle? Click here for BBC news articles on Tata IB Economics, Business Economics, 2009-10-26T23:07:00+00:00 http://www.tutor2u.net/blog/index.php/ib-diploma/comments/book-price-wars-do-they-improve-consumer-welfare http://www.tutor2u.net/blog/index.php/ib-diploma/comments/book-price-wars-do-they-improve-consumer-welfare#When:11:36:00Z A well publicised price war has broken out in the United States between Walmart and Amazon. Wal-Mart’s $10 promotion applies to the top 10 books coming out in November but the company is also selling 200 best-sellers for 50% of their list price. In a move that has sent shock-waves through the book industry, Wal-Mart has announced it will be selling 10 forthcoming books for just $10 each including Sarah Palin’s autobiography. As is often the case when an aggressive price war breaks out in an oligopolistic market, online bookseller Amazon matched the price cut within hours causing Wal-Mart to cut again to $9. Amazon returned the favour and Walmart has sinced shaved one cent to $8.99! The FT reports that Walmart’s website, the second busiest in the US after Amazon, has also cut prices by 50 per cent on 200 best-sellers. The battle comes at a time when both Walmart and Amazon are under pressure from Google who are rolling out an online site capable of delivering e-books to any device with a Web browser, with an initial library of about half a million titles. How long the price war will last is open to question. The October-December season is a hugely important time for all booksellers - the festive period is the peak time for sales and the intense battle for market share comes at a time of great change in the industry - not least the rapid growth of e-readers and online libraries. Some book publishers fear a price anchoring effect on their industry - namely that Walmart slashing prices and rivals following suit will lead book-buyers to expect new titles to cost $10, a low prices that would force the publishing industry to re-scale its entire business, including the advances paid to writers and ultimately affect the range of titles on offer. For the giants of the book retailing industry, the economies of scale and drive for hyper efficiency in getting products to the market are simply a way of reinforcing their market dominance. But what about the impact on smaller independent booksellers most of whom can never hope to compete on price but who provide light and shade in the book selling industry. It is a reminder that there are different types of efficiency. Allocative, productive, dynamic and social. The latter two may be damaged if the price war escalates and many smaller booksellers go under. This BBC world service news interview focuses on some of the cultural issues of the rise of the giant retailers. Chris Doeblin from the independent Book Culture shop in New York City accepts that supermarkets will bring the price of books down - as they have with food prices - but at a (social) cost to many of us. IB Economics, Business Economics, Resources and Markets, 2009-10-23T11:36:00+00:00 http://www.tutor2u.net/blog/index.php/ib-diploma/comments/cheltenham-saturday-10th-october http://www.tutor2u.net/blog/index.php/ib-diploma/comments/cheltenham-saturday-10th-october#When:08:00:00Z Last night I was looking through the brochure for this year’s Cheltenham Literature Festival. Aside from it having a cracking range of speakers it is also my home town so I always look to go back for a day. This year Saturday 10th October looks a great shout. IB Economics, Business Economics, International Issues, Macroeconomic Arguments, 2009-09-05T08:00:00+00:00 http://www.tutor2u.net/blog/index.php/ib-diploma/comments/business-week-in-pictures http://www.tutor2u.net/blog/index.php/ib-diploma/comments/business-week-in-pictures#When:19:03:00Z I have stumbled across an excellent resource on The Guardian website. I am always keen that my students have a good awareness of current goings on in the world of business and economics. I try to devote one lesson a week to examining the business news. Ways in which I do this vary from watching BBC news video clips to getting them to do a tutor2u Biz Quiz. The resource I have found is the Business News in Pictures- 10 pictures and a piece of text with each that highlight the business events of the week. They should provide a good stimulus for class discussion. IB Economics, Business Economics, 2009-09-04T19:03:00+00:00 http://www.tutor2u.net/blog/index.php/ib-diploma/comments/the-rise-of-twitter http://www.tutor2u.net/blog/index.php/ib-diploma/comments/the-rise-of-twitter#When:12:18:00Z As an avid Twitter user I was pleased to read of the continued rise of the site this morning. IB Economics, Business Economics, 2009-09-02T12:18:00+00:00 http://www.tutor2u.net/blog/index.php/ib-diploma/comments/marvel-ous-deal http://www.tutor2u.net/blog/index.php/ib-diploma/comments/marvel-ous-deal#When:12:02:00Z Following on from yesterday’s blog it is revealed in today’s Telegraph that the man who led Marvel away from near Bankruptcy, Isaac Perlmutter, is set to new $1.5bn over the next decade, following Marvel’s sale to Disney. Around 60% of this figure will come in the form of cash with the remaining 40% paid in Disney shares. Not a bad outcome for Mr Perlmutter! Is the deal a good or a bad thing? IB Economics, Business Economics, 2009-09-02T12:02:00+00:00 http://www.tutor2u.net/blog/index.php/ib-diploma/comments/marvel-deal http://www.tutor2u.net/blog/index.php/ib-diploma/comments/marvel-deal#When:12:13:00Z I spent yesterday afternoon putting up 100 postcards of classic Marvel comic front covers in the boarding house that I have taken over. I was interested to read today on the BBC website that Disney is set to buy Marvel in a deal worth $4bn. The deal will mean that Disney will take ownership of 5,000 Marvel characters. This deal may prove slightly risky for Disney as its profits are down more than a quarter due to a fall in film and theme park revenues as customers tighten their belts. There is a BBC news clip to accompany the original article. Article from The Telegraph. IB Economics, Business Economics, 2009-09-01T12:13:00+00:00 http://www.tutor2u.net/blog/index.php/ib-diploma/comments/book-of-the-week http://www.tutor2u.net/blog/index.php/ib-diploma/comments/book-of-the-week#When:09:59:00Z I am currently sat at my kitchen table trying to start thinking about the term ahead. Slow progress so far, especially as I have just been distracted by Radio 4’s book of the week. IB Economics, Business Economics, Macroeconomic Arguments, Resources and Markets, 2009-08-31T09:59:00+00:00 http://www.tutor2u.net/blog/index.php/ib-diploma/comments/great-peter-day-blog-post http://www.tutor2u.net/blog/index.php/ib-diploma/comments/great-peter-day-blog-post#When:19:02:01Z There is a fantastic post by Peter Day on the Radio 4 blog looking back on his 21 years presenting In Business. He uses it as an opportunity to explore how the world of business has evolved over the last couple of decades. Well worth 5 minutes of your time. IB Economics, Business Economics, 2009-07-30T19:02:01+00:00 http://www.tutor2u.net/blog/index.php/ib-diploma/comments/2012-toys http://www.tutor2u.net/blog/index.php/ib-diploma/comments/2012-toys#When:07:46:00Z Hornby is the first hobby company to sign a lucrative deal to produce a huge range of London 2012 Olympic toys. The Airfix brand will produce kits of the Olympic Stadium, Scalextric will produce a velodrome cycling set (sounds fantastic, can I justify buying a set!?). The Hornby train set brand will produce miniature Olympic Park train sets. Hornby is in need of a boost after profits plunged 32% last year. IB Economics, Business Economics, 2009-07-23T07:46:00+00:00 http://www.tutor2u.net/blog/index.php/ib-diploma/comments/will-a-pub-crawl-be-possible1 http://www.tutor2u.net/blog/index.php/ib-diploma/comments/will-a-pub-crawl-be-possible1#When:09:53:00Z My brother and his girlfriend have come down to visit us in Devon for a few days. We are planning on visiting a few of the local watering holes of the coming days but will this be possible? IB Economics, Business Economics, Resources and Markets, 2009-07-22T09:53:00+00:00 http://www.tutor2u.net/blog/index.php/ib-diploma/comments/container-ships-global-recession-and-economies-of-scale http://www.tutor2u.net/blog/index.php/ib-diploma/comments/container-ships-global-recession-and-economies-of-scale#When:18:20:00Z An excellent video clip from the BBC that looks at one of the world’s largest container ships.     IB Economics, Business Economics, 2009-04-10T18:20:00+00:00