The Catch-Up Effect Says That Countries with Low Income Can

question 61

Essay

The catch-up effect says that countries with low income can grow faster than countries with higher income. However, in statistical studies that include many diverse countries we do not observe the catch-up-effect unless we control for other variables that affect productivity. Considering the determinants of productivity, list and explain some things that would tend to prohibit or limit a poor country's ability to catch up with the rich ones.

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Definitions:

Equivalent Unit Cost

The costing method used in process costing that calculates the cost per unit taking into consideration the stage of completion of goods in process.

Process Costing

An accounting method used where production is continuous, and costs are assigned to units of product based on the processes they undergo.

Weighted-Average Method

A costing method used in process costing that averages the costs for units in production, combining costs from the current and previous periods.

Conversion Costs

The sum of direct labor and manufacturing overhead costs, representing the costs necessary to convert raw materials into finished goods.