Unit 2 β Subtopic 2.9
Explaining Profit Maximisation in 5 Minutes
Profit maximization is the primary objective of most businesses, as firms seek to produce at a level where they generate the most profit while minimizing costs. Economists define the profit-maximizing output level as the point where marginal cost (MC) equals marginal revenue (MR). However, many businesses use different strategies to increase profits, such as cost-cutting, price adjustments, and efficiency improvements. This project challenges students to create a short video that clearly explains the concept of profit maximization in an engaging and visually appealing way.
Students will begin by researching how businesses determine their optimal level of production using economic theory. They should explain the relationship between total cost, total revenue, marginal cost, and marginal revenue in deciding the profit-maximizing output level. A crucial aspect of the video should be illustrating real-world examples of how firms apply profit maximization strategiesβwhether through adjusting production, setting prices strategically, or managing expenses.
The video should also explore different market structures, such as perfect competition, monopolistic competition, and monopoly, and how profit-maximizing decisions vary depending on competition levels. For example, a firm in a perfectly competitive market may need to accept market price, while a monopoly has more control over pricing.
Students are encouraged to use animations, diagrams, voiceovers, or creative storytelling to break down the concept into a simple yet informative format. The goal of this project is for students to demonstrate their ability to explain economic theory concisely while making it accessible to a general audience.
Recommended Procedure:
Research the Concept of Profit Maximization β Study how businesses determine their optimal production and pricing decisions by comparing marginal cost and marginal revenue.
Develop a Script and Storyboard for the Video β Outline how the video will present key concepts, ensuring it is clear, engaging, and visually informative.
Use Real-World Examples to Illustrate Profit Maximization β Show how firms in different industries maximize profits through pricing strategies, cost management, or output adjustments.
Create the Video Using Visual Aids and Explanations β Use simple animations, charts, or voiceovers to explain profit maximization in a way that is easy to understand.
Edit and Finalize the Video for Clarity and Engagement β Ensure the video is polished, concise, and presents economic concepts effectively in under five minutes.
Suggested Sources:
Understanding Profit Maximization in Economics:
Investopedia: Profit Maximization Explained β https://www.investopedia.com
Khan Academy: Marginal Cost & Revenue β https://www.khanacademy.org
2. Real-World Business Strategies for Maximizing Profit:
Harvard Business Review: How Companies Increase Profits β https://hbr.org
The Balance: Understanding Cost-Cutting Strategies β https://www.thebalancemoney.com
3. Video Production and Editing Tools:
Canva: Free Animation & Video Creation β https://www.canva.com
iMovie or Adobe Premiere for Editing and Voiceovers
4. Economic Case Studies on Profit Maximization:
McKinsey & Co.: How Firms Optimize Revenue β https://www.mckinsey.com
World Bank: How Pricing Affects Business Profitability β https://www.worldbank.org
Grading Rubric:
Total Points: __ /20