Economic systems mainly deal with the relationships between production (supply) and consumption (demand). What is being produced has to be consumed and what is being consumed has to be produced. Four elements define production:
- Regulation. The way the production system is controlled and regulated, such as taxation, incentives, standards (e.g. labor laws), and tariffs. Mostly the role of governments, but increasingly of international multilateral agreements.
- Manufacturing. Transformation of materials into intermediate and finished goods.
- Distribution. Activities that link the elements of the production system, making goods and services available to the consumer. It includes transport and communications as well as retailing.
With the emergence of logistics, manufacturing and distribution are increasingly embedded. Further, all these elements, especially manufacturing, are using inputs for their processes, also known as factors of production. In the simplest form, they include land (including natural resources), capital, and labor. The corporation is often considered the fourth factor as its main purpose is the organization of the other factors of production into a functional unit.
See Also
Components of GDPSee Also
What Is the U.S. GDP Growth Rate?GDP and spending - Nominal GDP forecast - OECD Data[Solved] Which of the following is the most important element of a stWhy is consumption important to economic activity?It is a part of the processIt indicates the standard of living of peopleConsumption is inevitableNone of the above