Macro Exams
Macro Exams
PETER’S UNIVERSITY
FACULTY OF BUSINESS AND MANAGEMENT
END OF SEMESTER EXAMINATIONS APRIL-MAY 2025
COURSE TITLE: BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT / MACROECONOMICS
SEMESTER: TWO
QUESTION ONE
In the four-sector economy, C=120+0.8(Y-T), Xo=30, Io=185, M=50+0.1Y, Go=425 and T=30+0.4Y.
Find the,
Calculate the;
To solve the given problem in a four-sector Keynesian economy (with government and
foreign trade), we'll use the provided information:
Given:
In a four-sector economy:
Equilibrium is where Aggregate Demand (AD) = Y
AD = C + I + G + X - M
Now:
So:
AD=C+I+G+X−M=(96+0.48Y)+185+425+30−(50+0.1Y)AD = C + I + G + X - M = (96 +
0.48Y) + 185 + 425 + 30 - (50 + 0.1Y)
AD=(96+185+425+30−50)+(0.48Y−0.1Y)=686+0.38YAD = (96 + 185 + 425 + 30 - 50) +
(0.48Y - 0.1Y) = 686 + 0.38Y
We calculate APS = S / Y
We know:
Y=C+S+T⇒S=Y−C−TY = C + S + T \Rightarrow S = Y - C - T
From earlier:
Y=1106.45Y = 1106.45
C=96+0.48Y=96+0.48(1106.45)=96+531.10=627.10C = 96 + 0.48Y = 96 +
0.48(1106.45) = 96 + 531.10 = 627.10
T=472.58T = 472.58
X=30X = 30
M=50+0.1Y=50+0.1(1106.45)=50+110.65=160.65M = 50 + 0.1Y = 50 +
0.1(1106.45) = 50 + 110.65 = 160.65
Where:
MPC = 0.8
t = 0.4
MPM = 0.1
Required increase in G:
Would you like a graph to visualize the equilibrium income and gap?
QUESTION TWO
a) “Macroeconomic policies are aimed at maintaining a steady (stable) level of aggregate
demand growth. Most schools of economic thought agree on this goal but they disagree
about the means of achieving it” in light of the above statement, explain the
macroeconomics schools of thought. (15marks)
b) In studying the aggregate economy, five key economic sectors are identified. Discuss those
sectors highlighting the contribution of each sector to the economy. (10marks)
Certainly! Here's a comprehensive and well-structured answer to both parts of your question.
The goal of macroeconomic policy is to maintain stable aggregate demand (AD), which
supports economic growth, full employment, and price stability. While most economic
schools agree on this objective, they differ on how to achieve it—especially on the role of
government, markets, and monetary versus fiscal tools.
1. Classical School
Core View: Markets are self-correcting and always move toward full employment
due to flexible prices and wages.
Policy Stance: Government intervention is not needed. If aggregate demand falls,
lower wages and prices will restore full employment.
Tools Favored: None (laissez-faire approach).
Critique: Ignores real-world issues like sticky wages, rigidities, and time lags.
2. Keynesian School
Core View: In the short run, prices and wages are sticky, and the economy can
remain below full employment.
Policy Stance: Strongly supports government intervention to manage demand.
Tools Favored: Fiscal policy—increased government spending and reduced taxes to
boost AD.
Contribution: Explains recessions and unemployment effectively; central in post-
Great Depression policy.
3. Monetarist School
Core View: Focuses on the money supply as the main driver of economic activity.
Policy Stance: Markets are stable in the long run, but mismanagement of money
supply causes instability.
Tools Favored: Monetary policy, especially controlling inflation through money
supply management.
Key Economist: Milton Friedman.
Core View: People make rational economic decisions using all available information.
Policy Stance: Anticipated government actions are ineffective since people adjust
behavior.
Tools Favored: Minimal government intervention.
Implication: Only unexpected policy changes have real effects.
Core View: Builds on Keynesian ideas but incorporates rational expectations and
micro-foundations.
Policy Stance: Supports active stabilization policies due to sticky prices and wages.
Tools Favored: Both fiscal and rules-based monetary policies (e.g., inflation
targeting).
6. Supply-Side Economics
In macroeconomics, the economy is divided into five major sectors, each playing a unique
role in influencing aggregate demand and supply.
1. Household Sector
3. Government Sector
Role: Implements fiscal policies, provides public goods, and regulates economic
activity.
Contribution:
o Collects taxes and spends on infrastructure, health, education.
o Acts as a stabilizer by managing demand through public spending and
taxation.
o Redistributes income and provides safety nets.
4. Foreign Sector
5. Financial Sector
Final Notes:
These sectors are interconnected. For instance, households earn income from firms
and spend it on goods (firms) or save it in financial institutions.
A shock in one sector (e.g., collapse in exports) can ripple through the rest.
QUESTION THREE
a) Derive the following economic variables.
i. Investment multiplier in four sector economy. (03marks)
ii. Government multiplier in three sector economy. (03marks)
iii. Tax multiplier in four sector economy. (03marks)
b) Investment multiplier refers to the number of times that an initial change in investment
expenditure multiplies itself to give a final change in income. In light of the above statement,
explain the characteristics of investment multiplier in low developed countries. (10marks)
c) Examine the impediments to successful attainment of investment multiplier in LDCs.
(06marks)
Certainly! Here's a full answer to your question, structured for clarity and detail as required.
A four-sector economy includes households, firms, government, and the foreign sector.
Y=C+I+G+X-M
Imports:
M=M0+mYM = M_0 + mY
Where:
So:
Then,
Y=C0+c(1−t)Y+I+G+X−(M0+mY)Y = C_0 + c(1 - t)Y + I + G + X - (M_0 + mY)
Group Y terms:
Y=C+I+GY = C + I + G
Consumption:
So:
The tax multiplier shows the change in income resulting from a change in taxes (T).
We already had:
It's negative because higher taxes reduce disposable income and hence national income.
In Less Developed Countries (LDCs), the effectiveness of the investment multiplier is often
limited due to the following characteristics:
Although people in LDCs tend to consume a large portion of their income, much of it
may go to basic survival needs or imported goods, reducing the local multiplier
effect.
Many goods are imported due to weak local industries, so extra income leaks out of
the economy, limiting domestic income generation.
Multiplier effects can be stronger in LDCs with high unutilized labor, but
underdeveloped markets often prevent this labor from being absorbed efficiently.
4. Poor Infrastructure
Investments do not spread benefits widely due to inadequate transport, energy, and
communications.
Even when investment increases income, limited access to credit prevents follow-up
investment and consumption.
6. Low Productivity
The labour force may lack skills or technology, reducing the efficiency and effect of
initial investments.
7. Narrow Market Base
Limited aggregate demand means that even productive investment doesn’t always
generate further income or employment growth.
8. Inequality
Income from investments often goes to the wealthy, who tend to save more than
spend, reducing the multiplier effect.
9. Inflationary Pressures
Investments take longer to mature in LDCs, meaning delayed effects on income and
employment.
Here are key barriers that limit the effectiveness of the multiplier:
2. Inadequate Infrastructure
Labor force lacks training to absorb new jobs or capital, limiting expansion of
output.
Corruption, red tape, and poor governance can misdirect investment funds, reducing
efficiency.
6. Supply-Side Constraints
Limited local production capacity causes bottlenecks and inflation rather than
output growth when investment rises.
Would you like a concise summary or mind map to help with revision?
QUESTION FOUR
a) A central bank is a financial institution established by the government whose aim is to
control the quantity and use of money in the economy as a way of facilitating the
implementation of the monetary policy. Basing on the above statement, discuss the bank
tier system. (08marks)
b) In any country, monetary policy measures are enforced by the central bank in the
management of demand and supply in order to influence the level of economic activity. In
light of the above statement, explain the aims of monetary policy, Justify your answer.
(10marks)
c) Give and explain any four assets and liabilities of commercial banks. (07marks)
Certainly! Below is a detailed and structured answer to your question, covering all parts
clearly.
The bank tier system refers to the categorization of banks based on the scope of their
operations, capital requirements, and regulatory supervision. In most countries
(including Uganda and others), the central bank classifies banks into tiers to promote
financial stability, inclusion, and oversight.
Definition: Fully licensed banks offering a wide range of financial services including
accepting deposits, issuing loans, foreign exchange, and credit cards.
Supervision: Regulated by the Central Bank under strict capital adequacy and
reporting requirements.
Examples: Stanbic Bank, Centenary Bank.
Contribution: Major players in monetary transmission and credit creation.
Definition: Offer deposit accounts and loans but are not allowed to offer checking
(current) accounts or deal in foreign exchange.
Target: Small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Supervision: Licensed by the Central Bank with less stringent requirements than Tier
1.
Monetary policy is the use of interest rates, money supply, and credit controls by a central
bank to influence macroeconomic variables. The key aims include:
1. Price Stability
2. Full Employment
3. Economic Growth
7. Promoting Investment
2. Cash Reserves
Definition: Cash held by the bank, either in its vaults or deposited with the central
bank.
Importance: Ensures liquidity and meets regulatory reserve requirements.
3. Customer Deposits
4. Borrowings
Definition: Money borrowed from other banks, the central bank, or international
financial institutions.
Purpose: Used to manage liquidity shortages or fund large projects.
Obligation: Must be repaid with interest.
Would you like a summarized table or diagram showing assets and liabilities of commercial
banks for easier memory?
QUESTION FIVE
a) Uganda’s economy currently experiences fluctuations and these are the upward and
downward movements of various economic variables which also lead to fluctuations
in majorly prices and output. Uganda equally has a vibrant plan to manage the
current economic instability. However, in real practice, aggregate output (GNP) does
not grow rapidly. In light of the above statement, explain the reasons as to why
scarcity and an increase in fuel prices have led to global economic crisis. (12marks)
b) Assuming there is a progressive fluctuation in fuel prices causing a hyper type of
inflation. What impact would it cause on an economic variable such as
unemployment? Illustrate your answer with a diagram (08marks)
c) Suggest any five recommendations to combat the ever-escalating fuel crisis in
Uganda. (05marks)
Certainly! Here is a complete, well-explained answer to your multi-part question, suitable for
exam-level writing.
An increase in fuel prices and the scarcity of oil significantly contribute to global economic
instability for the following reasons:
As energy and fuel costs rise, households spend more on transport and energy
bills, leaving less income for other goods, reducing demand.
3. Inflationary Pressures
4. Trade Imbalances
Oil-importing countries like Uganda face widening trade deficits due to increased
import bills.
This strains foreign exchange reserves and can cause currency depreciation.
Central banks face pressure to increase interest rates to contain inflation, but this can
suppress growth and investment.
High fuel prices can cause public protests, strikes, and political instability, as seen in
several countries.
Subsidy pressures on government budgets may rise, causing fiscal strain.
8. Global Interdependence
Oil is globally traded, so price increases affect all nations. Poor countries feel the
greatest impact due to limited shock absorbers (e.g., reserves or subsidies).
Illustration (Diagram):
Create national fuel reserves to cushion the economy against global price shocks.
These reserves help stabilize prices temporarily during crises.
Let me know if you'd like a diagram for the AS-AD model or a summary table for easier
revision.
QUESTION SIX
a) Write shorts on the following economic terms (2.5marks @)
i. Economic growth and economic development
ii. National income at factor cost and national income at market price
b) In economic growth model analysis, Rostow’s theory explains the path of growth in a
historical perspective and classified societies according to their different levels of
economic growth. Critically evaluate the above statement. (10marks)
c) In environmental analysis, several components can be determined i.e., Analysis of
the general environment, industry analysis among others. Discuss the factors that
determine the economic segment in the general environmental analysis. (10marks)
(Explain each in details)
Sure! Here's a well-structured response to your question, with each part explained clearly and
in detail as required.
Economic Growth:
o Refers to the quantitative increase in a country’s output of goods and
services (GDP or GNP) over time.
o It is measured in real terms, often annually, and does not necessarily
indicate improved living standards.
o Example: A 5% increase in Uganda’s GDP in a given year.
Economic Development:
o A broader concept that includes economic growth along with qualitative
improvements such as reduced poverty, improved education, health care, and
income distribution.
o It focuses on human well-being, structural transformation, and social
progress.
o Example: Improved literacy rates, life expectancy, and infrastructure
development.
ii. National Income at Factor Cost vs. National Income at Market Price
Key Difference: Market price includes taxes and excludes subsidies, whereas factor cost
excludes taxes and includes subsidies.
Rostow’s model presents five linear stages of development that all countries supposedly pass
through:
Critical Evaluation:
1. Strengths:
2. Limitations:
Eurocentric Model:
o Based on Western historical experiences; may not apply to Africa or Asia,
where socio-political conditions differ.
Ignores Institutional and Cultural Factors:
o Does not consider corruption, conflict, poor governance, or cultural barriers
that could delay development.
Assumes Linear Progression:
o Implies all countries follow the same path, which ignores unique challenges
and paths in developing countries.
Neglects External Influences:
o Overlooks the role of colonialism, globalization, foreign debt, and trade
imbalances.
Understates Environmental and Social Issues:
o Focuses on industrial growth, often ignoring sustainability, inequality, or
social well-being.
3. Relevance Today:
Some LDCs are stuck in the preconditions or take-off stage due to weak institutions
and resource limitations.
However, the model remains useful in understanding development dynamics,
especially for policy comparison.
2. Inflation Rate
3. Interest Rates
4. Unemployment Rate
5. Exchange Rates
Shows the average income level, affecting demand patterns, savings, and investment.
9. Balance of Trade
Would you like a summary table comparing economic growth models or a visual chart for
Rostow’s stages?