Economics 0455/23 May/June 2022: question paper and mark scheme

Mark scheme

1(a) Calculate Europe’s percentage contribution to the global total eSports 1 % sign not essential. revenue in 2019. 30% 1(b) Identify two conditions of demand for eSports. 2 Increasing incomes Decrease in the price of technology needed to participate in this sport 1(c) Explain how a change in social attitudes would lead to greater 2 participation by women in the labour force. Logical explanation which might include: Acceptance that women are equal to men / that it is acceptable for women to work (1) and that their role is not only as a home maker (1) childcare is not just female role (1). It is more acceptable for women to be educated / there is more encouragement for women to study (1) which increases their job opportunities (1). Women feel more comfortable / accepted at work (1) more jobs will be open to women (1.) Wages paid to women may rise (1) eSports are no longer seen as a male-only sport (1). 1(d) Explain two differences between private sector investment and public 4 For the 2nd mark for public sector sector investment. investment, accept any of the macroeconomic objectives as the reason Private sector investments are investments made by firms (1) while the why public sector investment is made. public sector investments are investments made by the government (1). Private sector investments are made to maximise profits (1) while public sector investments are made to maximise welfare of society (e.g. provide employment) (1). Private sector investments made based on private costs and benefits (1) while public sector investments are made based on social costs and benefits (1). Profits from private sector investment go to shareholders (1) profits from public sector investment go to public spending e.g. health care (1) The aim of private sector investment is to be more competitive / gain market share (1) the aim of public sector investment is to improve macroeconomic performance (1). Private sector investment may be financed by retained profits/entrepreneurs (1) public sector investment may be financed by tax revenue (1). 1(e) Analyse how the development of eSports in Malta can help the 4 government achieve its macroeconomic aims. Coherent analysis which might include: Economic growth is indicated (1) as eSports is part of the service sector that contributes 90% of Malta's GDP (1) development of eSports in Malta can increase Malta’s GDP (1) Unemployment may be reduced / employment increased (1) because it will be able to attract investments (1) creating more jobs (1) from building infrastructure (1) and more professional e-sports players (1) Current account may also be improved by more inflow of money (1) from increased expenditure on exports (1) of services / tourism (1). Tax revenues may increase (1) enabling the government to increase spending on e.g. education (1). 1(f) Analyse the relationship between GDP per head and the proportion of 5 Give BOD if answer states GDP alone and females in the labour force. not GDP per head. Coherent analysis which might include: Overview: Generally, GDP per head is higher when the proportion of females in the labour force is higher / positive relationship between GDP per head and proportion of females in the labour force (1). Supporting Evidence: (up to 2 marks) Yemen has the lowest female labour force participation rate and also the lowest GDP per head (1) Luxembourg has the highest female labour force participation rate and the highest GDP per head (1) Yemen, Saudi Arabia, and Bangladesh have the 3 lowest figures for both female participation rate and GDP per head (1) Luxembourg, France and Malta have the 3 highest figures for both female participation rate and GDP per head (1) Exception: However, exception is Saudi Arabia / Bangladesh (1) Saudi Arabia has a lower female labour force participation rate but higher GDP per head than Bangladesh (1). Comments: This is because higher female labour force participation rate means there are higher quantities of labour which is a factor of production / more labour is available to contribute to the growth of the economy (1) increased availability of education for women will positively affect GDP (1) 1(g) Discuss whether or not specialisation at a national level is harmful to 6 Apply this example to all questions with an economy. the command word DISCUSS (1g, 1h, 2d, 3d, 4d and 5d) Award up to 4 marks for logical reasons why it might be harmful, which might include: Each point may be credited only once, on either side of an argument, but separate Specialisation could lead to overdependence on a specific industry / danger development as to how/why the outcome of over-specialisation (1) if this industry fails (1) e.g. if there is a fall in may differ is rewarded. demand / revenue from eSports, the whole Maltese economy could be adversely affected (1). Generic example mark Specialisation makes it difficult for the workers to retrain to other industries Tax revenue may decrease… 1 (1) danger of structural (1) unemployment (1). ...because of reason e.g. 1 Specialisation might lead to diseconomies of scale (1) where long run incomes may be lower. average costs increase as output increases (1). Tax revenue may increase 0 Resources may become exhausted (1) making industry unsustainable (1) because incomes may be higher i.e. reverse of a previous Award up to 4 marks for logical reasons why it might not be harmful, which argument. might include: Tax revenue may increase 1 Specialisation leads to increase in efficiency (1) increased competitiveness because of a different reason (1) as the economy focuses on what they do best (1), they will be able to i.e. not the reverse of a previous produce more (1) and at a better quality (1) lower cost (1). argument e.g. government spending on subsidies may Specialisation enables workers to become highly trained / skilled (1) and stimulate the economy more increase their productivity (1) leading to higher incomes (1) and demand for than spending on education. their labour (1). Specialisation could help the economy achieve economies of scale (1) Reward but do not expect reference to where long-run average cost falls as output increases (1). comparative/absolute advantage. 1(g) Specialisation enables countries to trade more with other countries (1) increased export earnings can enable countries to afford more imports as well (1) leading to increased choices (1) higher standards of living (1). As output increases and trade increases, governments receive more tax revenue (1) 1(h) Discuss whether or not government investment in education and 6 training will help the Maltese economy. Award up to 4 marks for logical reasons why it could, which might include: Government investment in education and training will enable more students to gain access to e.g. higher education / create a more educated labour force (1) which will enable them to increase their skills (1) productivity / efficiency (1) and enable them to get jobs in the future (1) reducing unemployment (1) increase incomes (1) which would increase consumption / total demand (1) and output / GDP (1) Organising work placements for Maltese students will enable students to gain work experience (1) further increasing their skills (1) and help firms develop (1) with new ideas / extra help (1) at low cost (1) increasing output (1) and economic growth (1). Tax from incomes of those employed (1) will improve public finances (1) Bringing in professionals from other countries to train Maltese students could introduce more expertise (1) helping to transfer new skills (1). May contribute to the growth of the tertiary sector (1) increase development (1). A more educated labour force may attract MNCs (1) more efficient production (1). Award up to 4 marks for why it could not, which might include: Investment in education and training is expensive (1) using public finances (1) 1(h) opportunity cost for the government (1) less spending on government projects such as Healthcare (1) could decrease overall productivity of the economy (1) less economic growth (1). Education and training might not be successful (1) work placements might not teach students the right skills needed in the future / scholarship schemes misused or not given out fairly / foreign professionals might not be able to transfer knowledge effectively (1). Education and training can take a very long before it impacts the economy (1) scholarship schemes usually at least 3 years for a degree level course (1). In the short run, it could reduce the size of the labour force (1) reduce output / lower productive potential (1). There may be emigration of skilled workers (1) other countries gaining the benefits (1).

Mark scheme

2(a) Define free trade. 2 Free trade is when countries export and import between each other / countries exchange goods and services (1) without any restrictions / protection (1) such as tariffs or quotas (1). 2(b) Explain two possible causes of better healthcare. 4 One mark for each of two causes identified and one mark for each explanation. Logical explanation which might include: More government expenditure on healthcare (1) e.g. on hospitals / training / due to higher tax revenue (1) Higher incomes (1) can spend more on healthcare (1) Better / more hospitals (1) better quality service / less waiting time (1) Better (health) training / education (1) more qualified / specialised / doctors (1) Better medical technology (1) better machines / life-saving equipment (1) Easier access to medicine (1) more affordable (1) 2(c) Analyse why few MNCs may choose to locate in a particular region. 6 Accept answers that analyse why MNC's may choose to locate in a region (rather Coherent analysis which might include: than few choosing to locate there). The region may have higher cost of production / inflation (1) than other regions. e.g. higher cost of labour / land (1) reduces potential profit (1). May also be higher taxation e.g. corporation tax (1) which may reduce the incentive of an MNC to locate in the region (1). May be more regulations e.g. labour laws (1) which may make it more difficult for an MNC to locate in that region / which may increase costs (1). May be a lack of skilled workers (1) due to poor education (1) may reduce productivity (1). May be low/lack of demand (1) limiting the revenues and profitability of the MNC (1). May be a lack of subsidies (1) which would reduce the incentive of an MNC to locate in the region (1). May be a lack of resources e.g. raw materials, labour (1) Major competitors may have already located in that region (1) The region may have corrupt government(s) (1) causing political instability / war (1) It may be outside a free trade area, e.g. the EU (1) unable to gain benefits (1) 2(d) Discuss, whether or not, inflation is always a disadvantage to an 8 Level Description Marks economy. 3 A reasoned discussion 6–8 In assessing each answer, use the table opposite. which accurately examines both sides of Why it might be a disadvantage: the economic argument, lower purchasing power for consumers – lower standards of living making use of economic lower price competitiveness of exports – lower exports / high imports information and clear higher cost of production – lower profits and logical analysis to lose value of savings and lenders lose value of lending evaluate economic difficult for consumers, firms, and governments to plan for the future. issues and situations. shoe leather costs, menu costs One side of the may discourage investment as may be difficult to plan argument may have those on fixed incomes may lose more depth than the other, but overall both Why it might be an advantage: sides of the argument borrowers may benefit – value of debt decreases are considered and may encourage investment as may be cheaper to borrow developed. There is may be a sign that an economy is growing thoughtful evaluation of may be demand-pull inflation – increasing firms’ revenue / employment economic concepts, if inflation is low and stable – it is better than prices decreasing terminology, information (deflation) and/or data appropriate may be lower than other countries’ inflation rates to the question. The discussion may also point out the possible uncertainties of alternative decisions and outcomes. 2(d) Level Description Marks 2 A reasoned discussion 3–5 which makes use of economic information and clear analysis to evaluate economic issues and situations. The answer may lack some depth and development may be one-sided. There is relevant use of economic concepts, terminology, information and data appropriate to the question. 1 There is a simple attempt 1–2 at using economic definitions and terminology. Some reference may be made to economic theory, with occasional understanding. 0 A mark of zero should be 0 awarded for no creditable content.

Mark scheme

3(a) Identify two internal economies of scale. 2 Purchasing / buying (1) managerial (1) technical (1) financial (1) risk-bearing (1) labour (1) marketing (1) 3(b) Explain two methods of protection in international trade. 4 One mark for each of two methods identified and one mark for each explanation. Logical explanation which might include: tariffs (1) are taxes on imports / which would increase the price of imports (1) import quotas (1) are quantitative limitations on imports / reducing supply of imports (1) subsidies (1) are grants given to domestic producers (1) to reduce price of domestic products and exports / enable them to compete with foreign goods (1) embargoes / bans (1) are total restrictions on a product from a country / total restrictions on particular products / usually for political / social reason (1) 3(c) Analyse, using a demand and supply diagram, the effects of higher 6 quality products, on the market for jewellery. Up to 4 marks for the diagram: Axes correctly labelled – price and quantity or p and q (1) Original demand and supply curves correctly labelled (1) Demand curve shifts to the right (1) Equilibriums – shown by lines; P1, Q1 and P2, Q2; or equilibrium points E1 and E2 (1). Up to 2 marks for written comments: Higher quality products will encourage more people to buy jewellery (1) price / quantity will be higher (1). 3(d) Discuss, whether or not, protection in international trade benefits an 8 Level Description Marks economy. 3 A reasoned discussion 6–8 In assessing each answer, use the table opposite. which accurately examines both sides of Why it might be a benefit: the economic argument, reduce imports – reduce current account deficit making use of economic helps infant industries grow – increase competitiveness in the future information and clear helps maintain sunset industries – ensures employment and logical analysis to develop specialisation evaluate economic help strategic industries – such as defence issues and situations. restrict imports of demerit goods – such as alcohol One side of the argument may have Why it might not be a benefit: more depth than the increase in the price of goods and services – inflation - decreasing other, but overall both purchasing power of consumers sides of the argument retaliation – difficult to export goods and services to other countries are considered and increase in cost of production if firms require raw materials / semi- developed. There is manufactured goods from other countries thoughtful evaluation of complacency – low quality domestic goods and services economic concepts, may cause unemployment e.g. in industries relying on imported terminology, information products and/or data appropriate if PED is less than one it may not be effective to the question. The may encourage smuggling discussion may also point out the possible uncertainties of alternative decisions and outcomes. 3(d) Level Description Marks 2 A reasoned discussion 3–5 which makes use of economic information and clear analysis to evaluate economic issues and situations. The answer may lack some depth and development may be one-sided. There is relevant use of economic concepts, terminology, information and data appropriate to the question. 1 There is a simple attempt 1–2 at using economic definitions and terminology. Some reference may be made to economic theory, with occasional understanding. 0 A mark of zero should be 0 awarded for no creditable content.

Mark scheme

4(a) Define GDP per head. 2 Award 2 marks if correct formula given i.e. GDP per head = Total GDP / Population Total output / income / expenditure (1) divided by population / per person (1). 4(b) Explain how a country with more imports of goods than exports of 4 goods can still record a surplus on the current account of its balance of payments. Logical explanation which might include: Export prices may be high (1) import prices may be low (1) export revenue may exceed import expenditure (1). Current account consists of trade in goods, trade in services, primary income, and secondary income (1). Therefore, even if there are more imports of goods than exports of goods, which creates a trade of goods deficit (1) if the other three components have a surplus (1) then the overall current account will have a surplus (1). This is likely to be the case if there is a high level of income from investments abroad (1) exports of services (1) a lot of transfer payments (1) such as inflow of aid to a country (1) incomes of nationals working abroad / remittances (1). 4(c) Analyse the causes of market failure. 6 Coherent analysis which might include: Market failure is when market forces cause an inefficient allocation of resources (1). Demerit goods (1) example (1) imperfect information (1) where consumers may not know about the actual costs (1). Merit goods (1) example (1) consumers may not know about actual benefits (1). External costs (1) costs to the third party (1) not considered by consumers and producers (1) therefore goods are overproduced or overconsumed (1). External benefits (1) benefits to the third party (1) not considered by consumers and producers (1) goods are underproduced and under- consumed (1). Public goods (1) non-rivalry (1) and non-excludable (1) free rider problem (1) people want to consume but don’t want to pay for it (1) no profit incentive for firms (1) goods are underprovided by the market (1). Abuse of monopoly power (1) when firms have no competitors (1) they will push up prices (1) or reduce quality (1). Factor immobility (1) where labour cannot move from one job to another (1) or to take up a job somewhere else (1) leads to structural unemployment (1) 4(d) Discuss, whether or not, having a large primary sector is a 8 Level Description Marks disadvantage to an economy. 3 A reasoned discussion 6–8 In assessing each answer, use the table opposite. which accurately examines both sides of Why primary sector is a disadvantage: the economic argument, lack of value added – low price, low income – low standards of living making use of economic unstable prices – unstable income information and clear low productivity – low income and logical analysis to high tariffs – difficult to export evaluate economic specialisation in any one sector is risky issues and situations. unsustainable – natural resources could be exhausted One side of the argument may have Why primary sector is an advantage: more depth than the provides employment, especially low skilled in developing countries other, but overall both provides employment, e.g. high skilled in Saudi Arabian oil sides of the argument produces high value added exports, e.g. gold in S. Africa are considered and produces exports with inelastic demand, e.g. oil developed. There is low start-up costs, low barriers to entry, e.g. farming thoughtful evaluation of may be better than other countries at producing primary products economic concepts, may be able to diversify with money earned from primary sector terminology, information could reduce inequality between urban and rural areas and/or data appropriate to the question. The discussion may also point out the possible uncertainties of alternative decisions and outcomes. 4(d) Level Description Marks 2 A reasoned discussion 3–5 which makes use of economic information and clear analysis to evaluate economic issues and situations. The answer may lack some depth and development may be one-sided. There is relevant use of economic concepts, terminology, information and data appropriate to the question. 1 There is a simple attempt 1–2 at using economic definitions and terminology. Some reference may be made to economic theory, with occasional understanding. 0 A mark of zero should be 0 awarded for no creditable content.

Mark scheme

5(a) Define monetary policy. 2 Supply of money (1) interest rates / foreign exchange rates (1) affecting total demand / inflation (1) 5(b) Explain, using an example, the influence of opportunity cost on 4 Don't reward examples using personal government decision-making. consumption e.g. tea / coffee Logical explanation which might include: Opportunity cost is the (next) best alternative (1) forgone / given up / sacrificed (1) Governments (always) consider opportunity cost when making a decision on spending money (1) to maximise the welfare of society (1). Governments have to make a choice as they have a limited income/budget (1). For example, if the government spends on building a new hospital (1) the opportunity cost may be a new school (1) as the government thinks that the opportunity cost of building a new a new hospital is lower than building a new school (1). 5(c) Analyse the reasons why trade union membership has reduced in 6 some countries. Coherent analysis which might include: Improved working conditions (1) improved wages (1) in a country may have reduced the need for trade unions to negotiate them / have made unions more reluctant to take industrial action (1). High unemployment (1) fear of losing jobs (1). Capital intensive production (1) fewer workers available to join trade unions (1) Government measures against trade unions (1) have reduced the ability of trade unions (1) to influence wages (1) and working conditions (1). Changes in the pattern of employment (1) more self-employed / part-time employed / gig economy / zero hours contract (1) more people working in the private sector (1) where trade union membership has traditionally been low (1). Globalisation (1) and growth of MNCs (1) has increase competition amongst labour (1). Dissatisfaction over trade unions (1) the high fees for joining trade unions (1) not wanting to take strike action (1) different political views (1) disincentivises people from joining (1). Government introduction of health and safety regulations (1) and minimum wages (1) reduced the key reasons for the existence of trade unions (1). Removal of mandatory trade union membership (closed shops) (1) means that membership is reduced because it is now voluntary (1) 5(d) Discuss whether or not supply-side policy measures always promote 8 Level Description Marks economic growth 3 A reasoned discussion 6–8 In assessing each answer, use the table opposite. which accurately examines both sides of Why supply-side policy measures are effective in promoting economic the economic argument, growth: making use of economic education and training – increase productivity of labour information and clear lower direct taxes – increase incentive to work (reduction in income tax) and logical analysis to and increase incentive to invest (reduction in corporation tax) evaluate economic subsidies - reduce business costs and encourage investment issues and situations. deregulation – reducing red tape / barriers to entry which could lead to One side of the an increase in number of firms and increase competition argument may have privatisation – put in profit-maximisation incentive for private firms to more depth than the invest and innovate and be more productive other, but overall both reducing trade union power – increases incentive to work harder. sides of the argument are considered and Why supply-side policy measures are not effective in promoting economic developed. There is growth: thoughtful evaluation of takes a long time for it to have an impact on the economy economic concepts, reduces the revenues for government (e.g. cutting taxes) terminology, information opportunity cost for government and/or data appropriate subsidies can lead to over-reliance on them to the question. The could lower the quality of goods and services (race to the bottom) and discussion may also welfare of society point out the possible lack of total demand. uncertainties of alternative decisions and outcomes. 5(d) Level Description Marks 2 A reasoned discussion 3–5 which makes use of economic information and clear analysis to evaluate economic issues and situations. The answer may lack some depth and development may be one-sided. There is relevant use of economic concepts, terminology, information and data appropriate to the question. 1 There is a simple attempt 1–2 at using economic definitions and terminology. Some reference may be made to economic theory, with occasional understanding. 0 A mark of zero should be 0 awarded for no creditable content.