Basic Economic problems of the society

In every economic system, what to produce, how to produce, for when to produce and efficiency of the resources used or efficient use of resources are major problems. These problems are peculiar to every system be it socialism, capitalism or mixed economy.

WHAT TO PRODUCE

Firms, households, and the government are faced with the problem of deciding on the types of goods and services to produce for society. This problem arises mainly as a result of the fact that human wants are unlimited relative to the available resources.

It is practically impossible to produce all human wants or needs hence; there is a need for resources allocation in order to meet the pressing needs of the people

FACTORS WHICH DETERMINE WHAT TO PRODUCE

1. Consumers’ need
2. Marker demand
3. Consumer Income
4. Cost of production
5. Types of economy

HOW TO PRODUCE

Producers have to decide on the technique of production. The decision to produce importees determining the resources to be used those to produce these commodities and the production techniques or methods to be used.

Two main methods of production are Labour intensive and capital intensives, can be adopted.

Labour – intensives method implies the use of more labour and little capital which capital intensive method uses more capital like machines and less labour.

FOR WHOM TO PRODUCE

The next basic economic problem is the determination of who will enjoy the goods and services produced.

Irrespective of the type of economic system adopted, goods and services are produced many to satisfy human wants.

EFFICIENCY OF RESOURCES USED

Efficiency of resources used in production refers to the optimum use or combination of factors of production to achieve higher and better output at a reasonable cost.

QUESTION (POST ANSWER BELOW FOR EVALUATION AND DISCUSSION)

1. Every economic system is faced with some fundamental economic problems. Explain this statement
2. What the factors that determine what to produce, how to produce, and for whom to produce?