Effect of Increased Output on Firm's Profits
Discuss whether an increase in output will increase the profits that firms receive.
Frequently asked question
Firms & Industry

Answer
Use economic terminology accurately and appropriately.
Increase in output may increase the profits that firms receive, but it is not guaranteed. Here's an analysis of the factors involved:
Why it might:
➡️1. Higher output in response to increased demand: If the increase in output is driven by higher demand for the firm's products, it can lead to higher revenue. As the firm sells more units, the revenue generated will increase, potentially widening the gap between revenue and cost, resulting in higher profits.
➡️2. Elastic demand and lower price: If the firm decides to sell the higher output by lowering the price, it may lead to an increase in revenue if demand is elastic. Elastic demand means that a decrease in price will result in a proportionately larger increase in demand, which can boost overall revenue and potentially lead to higher profits.
➡️3. Economies of scale: A higher output level can enable a firm to take advantage of economies of scale. Economies of scale occur when the average cost of production decreases as output increases. This can be achieved through various factors such as bulk purchasing, specialization, or technological advancements. Lower average costs can contribute to higher profits, as the firm can achieve cost savings and potentially offer more competitive pricing.
Why it might not:
➡️1. Inelastic demand and lower price: If demand for the firm's products is inelastic, a decrease in price may result in a relatively smaller increase in demand. This can lead to a decrease in revenue despite the higher output, potentially impacting the firm's profits.
➡️2. Diseconomies of scale: While economies of scale can lead to cost reductions, it is also possible for a firm to experience diseconomies of scale as output increases. Diseconomies of scale occur when the average cost of production increases as output expands. This can happen due to factors such as coordination challenges, communication difficulties, or the need for additional resources. If the firm faces diseconomies of scale, the increase in output may raise average costs, potentially affecting profitability.
➡️3. Falling demand: If the increase in output occurs during a period of falling demand, it can result in lower revenue and potentially lead to losses. In such a situation, the increased output may not generate enough sales to cover the costs incurred, resulting in a decline in profitability.
👉Conclusion: While an increase in output has the potential to increase profits, it is dependent on several factors such as demand elasticity, cost structures, and overall market conditions. Higher output driven by increased demand, elastic demand with lower prices, and economies of scale can contribute to higher profits. However, inelastic demand, diseconomies of scale, or falling demand may limit the positive impact on profitability. It is essential for firms to consider these factors and carefully analyze the relationship between output, revenue, and costs to assess the potential impact on their profits.
I. 🍃Introduction
A. Definition of output
B. Importance of output in economics
C. Purpose of the essay
II. Reasons why higher output may increase profits
A. Higher demand
➡️1. Explanation of how higher demand leads to higher output
➡️2. Increase in revenue
➡️3. Widening of the gap between revenue and cost
B. Elastic demand
➡️1. Explanation of how elastic demand affects price and demand
➡️2. Increase in revenue due to lower prices
➡️3. Example of a firm that benefited from elastic demand
C. Economies of scale
➡️1. Explanation of economies of scale
➡️2. How higher output enables firms to take advantage of economies of scale
➡️3. Lowering of average costs
➡️4. Example of a firm that benefited from economies of scale
III. Reasons why higher output may not increase profits
A. Inelastic demand
➡️1. Explanation of inelastic demand
➡️2. How inelastic demand affects price and demand
➡️3. Decrease in revenue due to lower prices
B. Diseconomies of scale
➡️1. Explanation of diseconomies of scale
➡️2. How higher output may lead to diseconomies of scale
➡️3. Increase in average costs
➡️4. Example of a firm that experienced diseconomies of scale
C. Falling demand
➡️1. Explanation of falling demand
➡️2. How falling demand affects revenue
➡️3. Possibility of making a loss
➡️4. Example of a firm that experienced falling demand
IV. 👉Conclusion
A. Summary of the reasons why higher output may or may not increase profits
B. Importance of considering various factors before increasing output
C. Final thoughts on the topic.
Up to ➡️5 marks for why it might: The higher output may be the response to higher demand - raise revenue - may widen the gap between revenue and cost -. If to sell the higher output a firm has lowered price, revenue would increase if demand is elastic - fall in price will cause a greater percentage rise in demand -. A higher output may enable a firm to take greater advantage of economies of scale - lower average costs - example -.
Up to ➡️5 marks for why it might not: If demand is inelastic - a fall in price will cause a smaller percentage rise in demand - revenue will fall -. May result in the firm experiencing diseconomies of scale - raise average costs - example -. May occur when demand is falling - revenue will fall - may make a loss -.
Increase in output may increase the profits that firms receive, but it is not guaranteed. Here's an analysis of the factors involved:
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Preview:
I. 🍃Introduction
A. Definition of output
B. Importance of output in economics
C. Purpose of the essay
II. Reasons why higher output may increase profits
A. Higher demand
➡️1. Explanation of how higher demand leads to higher output
➡️2. Increase in revenue
➡️3. Widening of the gap between revenue and cost
B. Elastic demand
➡️1. Explanation of how elastic demand affects price and demand
➡️2. Increase in revenue due to lower prices
➡️3. Example of a firm that benefited from elastic demand
C. Economies of scale
➡️1. Explanation of economies of scale
➡️2. How higher output enables firms to take advantage of economies of scale
➡️3. Lowering of average costs
➡️4. Example of a firm that benefited from economies of scale
III. Reasons why higher output may not increase profits
A. Inelastic demand
➡️1. Explanation of inelastic demand
➡️2. How inelastic demand affects price and demand
➡️3. Decrease in revenue due to lower prices
B. Diseconomies of scale
➡️1. Explanation of diseconomies of scale
➡️2. How higher output may lead to diseconomies of scale
➡️3. Increase in average costs
➡️4. Example of a firm that experienced diseconomies of scale
C. Falling demand
➡️1. Explanation of falling demand
➡️2. How falling demand affects revenue
➡️3. Possibility of making a loss
➡️4. Example of a firm that experienced falling demand
IV. 👉Conclusion
A. Summary of the reasons why higher output may or may not increase profits
B. Importance of considering various factors before increasing output
C. Final thoughts on the topic.
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