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AMERICAN STOCK EXCHANGE: One of three national stock markets in the United States (see National Association of Securities Dealers and New York Stock Exchange) that trade ownership shares in corporations. In terms of daily stock transactions and the number of stocks listed, the American Stock Exchange is the smallest of these three. However, it's composite index of stock prices -- AMEX is considered important enough to be flashed briefly on the nightly news.
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                           SPECIALIZATION: The condition in which resources are primarily devoted to specific production tasks. This is one of THE most important and most fundamental notions in the study of economics. Civilized human beings have long recognized that limited resources can be more effectively used in the production of the goods and services that satisfy unlimited wants and needs if those resources specialize. Specialization is closely related to the concept of labor',500,400)">division of labor. To the extent that specific production tasks are divided among different workers, each worker is able to specialize. If every worker performs every task, then specialization is not possible. Hot Fudge SundaesSuppose, for example, that three workers are involved in the production of hot fudge sundaes. Total hot fudge sundae production can be greater through specialization. One worker retrieves the dish, another scoops the ice cream, and a third adds the hot fudge topping. By devoting their energies to learning how to do their respective tasks really, really well, these three workers can produce more hot fudge sundaes than if each performed all required tasks.More than LaborExamples of labor specialization are prevalent throughout the economy. However, specialization works for all resources--labor, capital, land, and entrepreneurship. - Consider the case of capital. Different tools, machinery, equipment, buildings, factories, and other structures are typically designed for specific purposes. A hammer, for example, is well-suited for driving nails into wood, but it is not well-suited for removing spark plugs from automobile engines. A socket wrench works much better. Special tools work best for specific tasks.
- Land also tends to be more productive when it specializes. Flat land, in a temperate climate, with abundant sunshine, and periodic rainfall works quite well in agricultural production. However, if it does not contain petroleum reserves or mineral deposits, it does not function well in the mining industry. By contrast, a steep mountain slope atop a rich supply of copper ore is a productive input in the mining industry, but is not well-suited for agricultural production.
Seeking SpecializationWhen resources, especially labor, specialize in particular production tasks, they tend to become more productive. This can be achieved either naturally or through modification, especially the education and training of workers.- Harold "Hair Doo" Dueterman, for example, is a naturally talented and gifted athlete, who specializes in playing center field for the Shady Valley Primadonnas baseball team. He has the natural speed, agility, strength, and hand-eye coordination needed to hit a baseball approaching him at ninety miles an hour. However, his specialization has been enhanced by years of practice and training.
- The medical building used by Dr. Dowrimple T. Bedside was originally (that is, naturally) constructed for use as medical offices. However, over the years, Dr. Bedside has remodeled his offices to function even more effectively in the provision of medical care.
Recommended Citation:SPECIALIZATION, AmosWEB Encyclonomic WEB*pedia, http://www.AmosWEB.com, AmosWEB LLC, 2000-2022. [Accessed: October 1, 2022].
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BROWN PRAGMATOX
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Today, you are likely to spend a great deal of time watching infomercials wanting to buy either a wall poster commemorating Thor Heyerdahl's Pacific crossing aboard the Kon-Tiki or decorative garden figurines. Be on the lookout for attractive cable television service repair people.
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During the American Revolution, the price of corn rose 10,000 percent, the price of wheat 14,000 percent, the price of flour 15,000 percent, and the price of beef 33,000 percent.
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"The truth is not for all men, but only for those who seek it. " -- Ayn Rand, writer
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UR
Unemployment Rate
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