Current Economics

Course Lectures

• Economics of a Cupcake Factory

  Salman Khan

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  This module introduces the basic principles of economics through the lens of a cupcake factory. We will examine:

  • The role of income statements in understanding business performance.
  • How costs are influenced by production levels.
  • The relationship between supply, demand, and pricing.

  By understanding these concepts, students will gain insights into inflation and deflation within a business context.

• Cupcake Economics 2

  Salman Khan

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  This module continues the exploration of the cupcake business, providing deeper insights into its economic dynamics. Key topics include:

  • Analysis of cost structures and pricing strategies.
  • Market competition effects on business decisions.
  • Evaluating the impact of external economic factors.

  Students will engage in discussions about the sustainability and growth of small businesses in the current economic climate.

• Cupcake Economics 3

  Salman Khan

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  This module uses spreadsheets to illustrate the correlation between capacity utilization and pricing. Key topics include:

  • Understanding how low utilization leads to decreased prices.
  • The effect of high utilization on pricing strategies.
  • Practical applications of economic theories through real data.

  Students will learn to visualize economic principles using data analysis techniques.

• Inflation, Deflation & Capacity Utilization

  Salman Khan

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  This module focuses on the critical concepts of inflation and deflation. Students will explore:

  • The definitions and causes of inflation and deflation.
  • Historical examples and their implications for the economy.
  • Strategies to mitigate the effects of inflation and deflation on businesses and consumers.

  Engaging discussions will help students understand the broader economic context.

• Inflation, Deflation & Capacity Utilization 2

  Salman Khan

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  This module offers a deeper dive into inflation and capacity utilization, focusing on:

  • The relationship between capacity utilization rates and inflation trends.
  • Case studies on how businesses adjust to changing economic conditions.
  • Policy implications for managing inflation in an economy.

  Students will analyze real-world scenarios to better understand these dynamics.

• Inflation & Deflation 3: Obama Stimulus Plan

  Salman Khan

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  This module examines the Obama Stimulus Plan and its effectiveness, focusing on key questions such as:

  • Was the stimulus large enough to counteract the demand shock?
  • What potential inflationary pressures could arise from the stimulus?
  • Long-term implications for economic recovery and growth.

  Students will critically analyze economic data related to the stimulus.

• Unemployment

  Salman Khan

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  This module focuses on unemployment analysis, revealing the complexities behind reported figures. Topics include:

  • Understanding the differences between headline numbers and "real" unemployment.
  • Factors contributing to underreported unemployment rates.
  • Implications of high unemployment for economic policy.

  Students will engage in data analysis to uncover the true state of unemployment.

• CPI Index

  Salman Khan

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  This module provides an overview of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and its relevance to inflation discussions. Key points include:

  • Understanding how CPI is calculated and its components.
  • The significance of owners' equivalent rent in the CPI.
  • Impacts of CPI on economic perception and policy decisions.

  Students will learn to critically assess CPI data in relation to economic conditions.

• Simple Analysis of Cost per Job Saved

  Salman Khan

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  This module presents a straightforward analysis of the cost per job saved through government stimulus programs. It includes:

  • Calculating the cost-effectiveness of various stimulus measures.
  • Comparing job creation metrics across different programs.
  • Evaluating the long-term benefits versus short-term costs.

  Students will gain insight into the fiscal responsibility of government stimulus initiatives.

• Unemployment Rate Primer

  Salman Khan

  Play

  This module serves as a primer on the headline unemployment rate (U-3), covering essential concepts such as:

  • The methodology behind the calculation of U-3.
  • How U-3 compares to other unemployment measures.
  • Impact of U-3 on public perception and policy.

  Students will explore the nuances of unemployment statistics and their implications for understanding the economy.