ABSTRACT

Making no assumption of your prior knowledge, Economics introduces the basics of economics as they relate to the built environment. Looking at the principles of microeconomics (markets, price mechanisms, resource allocation, theory of the firm, etc.), these principles are put into the context of construction firms and property markets. Lively, real-life case studies are built into the text to provide concrete examples of the theories being explained and macroeconomics are also covered.

Key features of this easy-to-use book include:

  • clear chapter structure
  • tutorial questions linking the case histories to basic principles
  • extracts from newspaper and journal articles to show the relevance of economics to the construction industry
  • 100% construction orientation
  • a useful bibliography, glossary of economic terms
  • preview questions at the start of each chapter and exercises and discussion topics at the end to test your understanding.

Economics will enable you to understand the working of economic forces as they relate to the construction industry.

chapter 1|8 pages

Why economics?

chapter 2|8 pages

Economic systems

chapter 3|14 pages

The market mechanism

chapter 4|8 pages

Factor markets: land

chapter 5|7 pages

Factor markets: labour

chapter 6|6 pages

Factor markets: capital

chapter 7|6 pages

Competition and monopoly

chapter 8|6 pages

Theory of the firm

chapter 9|10 pages

Profit maximization

chapter 10|10 pages

Size of firms

chapter 11|7 pages

The construction industry

chapter 13|7 pages

Forms of business organization

chapter 14|8 pages

Marketing

chapter 15|7 pages

Productivity

chapter 16|7 pages

The workforce

chapter 17|8 pages

Capital equipment

chapter 18|11 pages

Land and site values

chapter 19|9 pages

Financing the firm

chapter 20|12 pages

Externalities and cost-benefit analysis

chapter 21|16 pages

The national income

chapter 22|9 pages

The money supply

chapter 23|11 pages

Housing policy

chapter 24|11 pages

International trade