Bryan Mitchell, MFA
College Instructor / Learning & Development Specialist
Novelist / Content Writer / Résumé Writer
Coaching & Performance Improvement
Professional Writing Samples
Created and Submitted by
Bryan Mitchell, MFA
Includes:
Web Content for the Real Estate & Hospitality Industry
Educational Case Studies
For High School Economics Online
Web Content:
I wrote the following pieces for Digital Boca Raton, a South Florida-based real estate and marketing company. The purpose was to build awareness of new or existing real properties, hotels, and restaurants throughout the South Florida area.
111 First Delray
Welcome to 111 First Delray—your new and luxurious smart home in downtown Delray Beach! Powered by state-of-the-art smart-home technology and featuring the finest upscale amenities and neo-modern style throughout, 111 First Delray will truly be one of Delray Beach’s hottest new communities. In the heart of downtown Delray, five minutes east of I-95, 111 First Delray will offer the ideal address for one-of-a-kind dining, shopping, entertainment, and fun in the sun!
Currently in development by the expert team of SOFA Partners (SOFA, meaning “South of Atlantic Avenue”), 111 First Delray is being designed with your comfort and security in mind. This begins with the modern conveniences of home-wide automation, a complete smart-home system in every residence, along with the benefit of key fob access to parking. The community’s 70 units will range in size from 705 to 1,614 square feet, and you are welcome to customize your floors, countertops, and cabinets to suit your individual taste. The impressive atrium lobby is to be brilliantly fashioned with fine artwork and bright atmosphere, and the contemporary design of its private balconies will endow its exterior a uniquely modern appeal. 111 First Delray’s resort-style amenities will include an advanced fitness center overlooking the elevated pool deck, a covered recreation area with summer kitchens, lovely cabana bars, and outdoor TVs, and private roof decks will also be available with fabulous 360-degree views.
With the many conveniences of smart-home automation, the unlimited benefits of downtown Delray and the SOFA district, all within walking distance of one of South Florida’s most happening beaches, 111 First Delray is sure to be your perfect choice for modern luxury and lifestyle.
850 Boca
Live. Work. Play. This was the vision of The Park at Broken Sound, Boca Raton, and its all-new luxury rental apartments at 850 Boca are now bringing it to life!
850 Boca is to be located on Broken Sound Parkway, adjacent to Yamato Road and Congress Avenue. 850 Boca is one of several new residential communities committed to reshaping The Park at Broken Sound and creating its pedestrian-friendly environment. Dedicated to the park’s central theme of a work/life destination with planned mobility, 850 Boca will have virtually everything you need or want within walking distance of your home and office, and with easy access to the fabulous attractions of Boca Raton nearby.
850 Boca is being constructed by CC Residential, and true to this developer’s reputation for brilliance, this new rental community is truly a spectacular design. 850 Boca’s 370 units are comprised of apartments and townhomes with one, two, or three bedrooms in each, and are perfect for individuals or families. The upscale amenities include stainless-steel kitchen appliances and quartz countertops, luxurious bathtubs and dual vanities, enormous closets, scenic balconies and patios, and expansive floor plans throughout. With your satisfaction in mind, 850 Boca offers a well-appointed clubhouse complete with Wi-Fi, a fully-equipped fitness center, an entertainment and billiards lounge, and a fun playroom for the kids. Go for a swim in the beach-entry pool, visit the dog park or the pet washing station with your furry friend, relax by the private lake, and take advantage of the concierge packaging services, all here just for you!
Available October 2016, with monthly rental prices ranging from $1,750 to $3,000, 850 Boca offers a truly unique value whether you plan on working within the park or the surrounding areas. This is your community to live, work, and play in luxury, style, and convenience. Welcome to 850 Boca!
3200 South Ocean
Seagate Development, the world-class South Florida property developer, is doing it again with its newest Highland Beach coastline condominium.
3200 South Ocean is a name and address tantamount to luxury. Found along the majestic Intracoastal in the coveted community of Highland Beach, perfectly situated between Delray Beach and Boca Raton, 3200 South Ocean will provide the ultimate in waterfront extravagance. With its beautiful white exterior and modern design, the entire building glistens in the sun, and its magnificent interior promises to be equally posh and alluring. From its elegantly-appointed lobby to its European-style master suites, kitchens, and bathrooms, you will be swept off your feet in celestial comfort, and the high, floor-to-ceiling windows and generous balconies will offer breathtaking, panoramic views all around. Lavish amenities will include a rooftop swimming pool, yoga lawn, and meditation area, along with a well-equipped fitness center, grilling area, and club room. Boasting its own private boardwalk to one of Florida’s most beautiful beaches, 3200 South Ocean will surely be a paradise in itself.
As a select resident of 3200 South Ocean, you will be invited to experience all exclusive benefits Seagate Development has to offer, including membership opportunities at the Seagate Beach Club, the Seagate Country Club, and the all-new Seagate Yacht Club—private associations featuring everything from fine dining and beachside services to a championship golf course and spectacular yachting marina. What’s more, the Seagate Hotel & Spa invites you to partake in its full-range of upscale treatments to help you rest, relax, and recharge in style.
For luxurious waterfront living, exclusive residential benefits, and unlimited dining, shopping, and entertainment nearby, Seagate Development’s new 3200 South Ocean in Highland Beach will undoubtedly be the ultimate place to be.
Allure Boca Raton
Can you imagine the luxury and convenience of living, working, and enjoying great entertainment all in one ideal location? This is what Allure Boca Raton, an exciting new rental community, will be offering you!
Rising up along Congress Avenue, just south of Clint Moore Road, Allure Boca Raton will be found inside The Park at Broken Sound—one of Boca's hottest new office parks. Consistent with the park's revolutionary concept of a "Live, Work, and Play" environment, Allure Boca Raton will offer its residents easy access to all the fine dining, upscale shopping, fitness facilities, family fun, and exciting nightlife that The Park at Broken Sound and the surrounding city has to offer. Situated in close proximity to the park’s flourishing enterprises and with abundant recreational activities all around, Allure Boca Raton will have everything you could possibly need or want, all within walking distance of your apartment or just minutes away by bicycle or car.
Allure Boca Raton’s 282 units will start coming available for rent the end of 2016, and will range in price from $1,800 to $2,800 per month. Additionally, The Shops at Allure Boca Raton—a 10,500-square-foot facility, featuring several restaurants and retail boutiques within the complex—is expected to make its grand debut in 2017.
Whether you're a career-minded individual or part of an active family, Allure Boca Raton is your perfect rental community, and is your ideal place in Boca for luxury, entertainment, and convenience!
Atlantic Crossing
Imagine… A brand-new, magnificent European-style multiplex complete with luxury apartments, shopping boutiques, restaurants, and office suites, stretching four city blocks over the famed Atlantic Avenue in the heart of downtown Delray Beach. This is Atlantic Crossing!
Atlantic Crossing is to be comprised of six uniquely designed buildings and the eclectic architecture will be an attraction in itself. Regal turrets, arching windows and walkways, a tree-lined promenade, an ivy-covered “living wall,” and a fascinating blend of Mediterranean and ultra-contemporary design only begin to describe the beauty of this splendid new streetscape. As you stroll about, you will encounter lush gardens and pools, charming outdoor cafés, and picturesque scenery in every direction.
Designated a “mixed-use” environment, Atlantic Crossing will bring new dimension to downtown Delray, and whether you choose to live here, work here, or just visit, you will find an array of wonderful options for home life, business, dining, and entertainment. The new residences of Atlantic Crossing will include both luxury apartments and condos, overlooking the illustrious Veterans Park and the Intracoastal, with up to three bedrooms available in each. Over 83,000 square feet of “Class A” office space will also available atop countless new specialty shops and restaurants to be enjoyed by you and your guests. One of South Florida’s most beautiful beaches is only a short walk away, and, of course, all the excitement of Atlantic Avenue and downtown Delray will always be at your doorstep for the taking.
With its exquisite architecture and scenic paths, manifold living and working options, mixed-use conveniences, limitless shopping, dining, and entertainment galore, Atlantic Crossing will truly be a marvelous new addition to downtown Delray Beach.
Condo Living in Delray Beach
For the past several years, Delray Beach has been fast becoming one of the newest and hottest cities in all of South Florida. Perfectly situated between Boca Raton and West Palm, Delray Beach has absolutely everything the most discerning inhabitant could desire. Atlantic Avenue—located in the heart of Downtown Delray—is the city’s main thoroughfare and cultural epicenter, featuring the finest restaurants and cafés, upscale shopping and boutiques, numerous art galleries, and electrifying nightlife. With its endless activities, entertainment, and opportunities galore, Delray Beach continues to attract the most affluent residents from both near and far.
In response to the increasing demand of ultramodern consumers seeking the many advantages of condominium living, the Downtown Delray area is currently undergoing rapid expansion. Multiple condominiums complete with contemporary innovations and luxurious amenities, are currently being added to the scene, and now more than ever is your time to partake in this phenomenal building boom.
Offering a unique blend of unmatched comfort, convenience, and style, these brand-new luxury residences are sure to revolutionize the much sought-after condo market. Together with Atlantic Avenue’s myriad attractions and access to one of South Florida’s most pristine beaches, Delray Beach is undoubtedly the place to be, and condo living in Downtown Delray is definitely the way to go!
Some of Delray Beach’s newest and upcoming condo living options include:
Condo Living in Highland Beach
Want the convenience of condo living along with the magic of your own secluded tropical paradise? It’s now possible more than ever thanks to the growth of the condominium market in Highland Beach, Florida!
Nestled perfectly between Boca Raton and Delray Beach, Highland Beach offers the best of both cities, while assuming a peaceful, seaside utopia in itself. Highland Beach’s major road is A1A, which runs along the Atlantic Ocean, and with the Intracoastal Waterway running parallel, Highland Beach is surrounded by the most spectacular shoreline vistas. A genuine oasis of a town, Highland Beach is the destination of choice by affluent residents who have discovered this coastal treasure, and home to the Delray Sands Resort and Latitudes Ocean Grille, Highland Beach engenders the look and feel of an exclusive beachfront hideaway.
With the demand for condominiums skyrocketing, Highland Beach is poised for immediate growth, and conducive to the lifestyle of this resort-like town, condominiums are truly the wave of the future. Condo living affords you all the comforts of owning your own home, but without the cumbersome responsibilities of a house. You will enjoy the benefits of shared ownership in building and land, the freedom from outdoor maintenance, access to common areas for socializing and recreation, practical investment, and, best of all, location location location!
Comfort and convenience, luxury and sunshine, rest and relaxation. This is condo living in Highland Beach, your new home in paradise!
Some of Highland Beach's newest/upcoming condo living options include:
Digital Fort Lauderdale
Welcome to Digital Fort Lauderdale—your virtual guide to all the newest communities, enterprises, and attractions of Fort Lauderdale, Florida!
Digital Fort Lauderdale is a brand-new, online concierge service dedicated to helping you rediscover the classic, sun-bathed city of Fort Lauderdale. Long celebrated as an international tourist destination and one of South Florida’s principle metropolitan areas, Fort Lauderdale continues to grow and expand, especially in the realm of its real estate market and its incredible range of leisure activities. Digital Fort Lauderdale is your primary resource for life, travel, and entertainment in this pulsating, landmark destination.
Home to the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, and Port Everglades, one of the most diverse seaports in the United States, Fort Lauderdale attracts residents and visitors from all across the globe. Las Olas Boulevard—one of the world’s all-time great streets—is a European-designed thoroughfare in the heart of Fort Lauderdale; lined with fine restaurants, art galleries, and shopping boutiques, Las Olas is the ideal venue for local crowds and tourists alike. The Broward Center for the Performing Arts brings the best of Broadway to downtown Fort Lauderdale, the Riverwalk Arts & Entertainment District is forever rife with community activities, and hosting the largest boat show on earth, Fort Lauderdale has been hailed "the Yachting Capital of the World."
You can also tour the NSU Art Museum, attend the Florida Grand Opera, view a film at the AutoNation 3D IMAX Theater, bring your kids to the Museum of Discovery & Science, or visit one of the world's most prized beaches for relaxation or fun in the sun. Additionally, the "Greater" Fort Lauderdale area includes the Florida Everglades, the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, the Sawgrass Mills Outlet Mall, and much much more!
As cutting edge in innovation as it is rich with tradition, Fort Lauderdale is presently undergoing vast development with upscale new real estate, business opportunities, hospitality and recreation. Digital Fort Lauderdale is here to help you stay abreast of these developments, and to help make your move or visit as effortless and informed as possible.
Fine restaurants, unlimited shopping, historical sites, simmering nightlife, and world-famous beaches—this is Fort Lauderdale... and this is Digital Fort Lauderdale, your personal online advisor for living in and visiting this fabulous city. We welcome you to our website!
Digital Highland Beach
Welcome to Digital Highland Beach—your foremost online resource and up-to-the-minute guide for all the newest communities, enterprises, and attractions of Highland Beach, Florida!
Digital Highland Beach, a virtual concierge service, devotes itself to helping you become better acquainted with the latest developments in this upscale town and tropical paradise. The most up-to-date information on the real estate market, tourism, and entertainment of Highland Beach is all here, just for you, and only a few easy keystrokes away.
Sublimely situated between Boca Raton and Delray Beach, two of Palm Beach County’s most celebrated cities, Highland Beach offers its residents and visitors easy access to each, but with a blissful seclusion all its own. Resting atop a slightly elevated landmass, meriting its grand title, and flanked by the deep blue Atlantic and the famed Intracoastal Waterway, Highland Beach is arguably one South Florida’s best kept secrets. What’s more, with the lush, oceanfront A1A being the town’s main thoroughfare, Highland Beach is home to some of the most exquisite coastal scenery and stunning tropical views the Sunshine State has to offer.
Highland Beach is a small, though highly affluent community, and with its many lovely offerings it anticipates significant future growth. The construction of luxurious new condominiums is already well underway, with more upmarket real estate expected to follow. Delray Sands Resort Highland Beach and Latitudes Ocean Grille have become favorite destinations of leisure and business travelers alike, as well as local patrons. Nature programs, a new state-of-the-art library, community activities, breathtaking ocean vistas—all this and much more, along with the proximity of Boca Raton and Delray Beach with their many splendid attractions, make Highland Beach a most desirable place for home or holiday.
Whether your goal is to relocate or just to visit, Digital Highland Beach is here to help you discover the absolutely gorgeous town of Highland Beach! We welcome you to our website!
Faena House
Superbly positioned on Collins Avenue in magnificent Miami Beach, Faena House, one of the resort city’s newest luxury condominiums, epitomizes extravagance and raises the standard for upscale living.
Developed by Argentinian real estate magnate and visionary extraordinaire, Alan Faena, Faena Houseunites old-world charm and sophistication with ultramodern style and design. An architectural masterpiece, this breathtaking oceanfront community boasts spectacular views of the Atlantic, Indian Creek and Biscayne Bay, and Downtown Miami through the glass walls of its posh, generously-appointed terraces—“verandahs in the sky.” Built to enrich lives, satisfy the most discerning palates, and invigorate this oceanic paradise, Faena House is a superlative new landmark of culture, nature, technology, and art.
Faena’s18-story tower features exquisite one- to five-bedroom residences and opulent penthouses synonymous with utopia. Customized kitchens include white terrazzo flooring, marble countertops, white lacquer or teak wood cabinets with chrome pulls, overhead light fixtures above counters and islands, Miele appliances throughout, and more. Customized bathrooms include radiant heated floors of white marble, white marble finished walls, chrome fixtures, bespoke vanity with integrated double sinks and touch-latch cabinets with stainless steel trim. Faena’selegant outdoor living terraces are reinforced with concrete and hurricane-proof glass; include an ergonomic handrail and white terrazzo floor. Furthermore, Faena’s exclusivity entitles its owners to five-star concierge services and upmarket amenities, ranging from a 24-hour doorman to in-house spas and saunas.
The essence of luxury and innovation, elegance and sublime artistry, Faena Houseis Miami Beach living at its finest.
Fort Lauderdale Waterfront Homes
Fort Lauderdale—the sun-soaked, treasure-trove of South Florida—boasts many of the most beautiful homes in all of Broward County. Rarest and most precious still are Fort Lauderdale’s lovely waterfront homes, which are by far the most sought after abodes in the entire city. Declared the “Venice of America” on account of its sprawling waterways, and the “Yachting Capital of the World” for its stunning marinas and famed international boat shows, Fort Lauderdale is the ultimate place for luxury waterfront living!
The waterfront homes of Fort Lauderdale comprise all the high-end real estate—including both single-family homes and condos—found along every body of water in this sparkling metropolis. Lakes and canals, Ocean Access Canals, Fort Lauderdale’s famous New River, the celebrated Intracoastal Waterway, and, of course, the deep blue Atlantic Ocean—every water’s edge becomes an ideal living location for individual residents and families.
Fort Lauderdale waterfront homes vary in type and availability. The waterfront homes of "Greater" Fort Lauderdale, located beside lakes and canals without ocean access, are generally the most common finds, offering a more suburban-like atmosphere than the waterfront homes situated closer to the beach. Heading east, into the heart of Fort Lauderdale and amid the tropical landmarks that have made it famous, you will find homes along Ocean Access Canals, the New River, and the Intracoastal Waterway, all of which lead directly into the Atlantic Ocean. These homes represent the majority of Fort Lauderdale's prized waterfront real estate, but the actual oceanfront homes of Fort Lauderdale are truly the scarcest of all. The constant demand and limited availability of Fort Lauderdale's oceanfront real estate renders each of these beachside homes a unique and grand discovery!
Homes adjacent to the Ocean Access Canals, or Canal front homes, offer all the luxuries of South Florida living, including picturesque waterfront scenery and easy access to all of Fort Lauderdale's greatest attractions. Homes along Fort Lauderdale's New River, or Riverfront homes, are not only desirable for their charming waterfront scenery, but for their proximity to Las Olas Boulevard and the electrifying Downtown District. Intracoastal homes, famous for their incredible waterfront vistas and glamorous architecture, are also perfect for docking vessels of all sizes, which add to the upscale views. Then, finally, there are the Oceanfront homes, located directly on Fort Lauderdale beach. Here you have it all—everything the city of Fort Lauderdale has to offer, from restaurants and shopping to water sports and relaxation, and a tropical paradise in your own backyard!
Fort Lauderdale waterfront homes usually range in price from as little as $200,000 to as high as $7,000,000, depending on location chosen, and the demand for these luxury residences is growing more every year.
Want the best of all worlds: living in a major South Florida city, with endless things to see and do, great for the entire family, and breathtaking views all around? Then a Fort Lauderdale waterfront home is definitely for you!
Palmetto Promenade
East Palmetto Park Road, a lovely and serene thoroughfare in Downtown Boca Raton, is now paving the way for Palmetto Promenade, one of the locale’s hottest new communities.
Perfectly situated between Federal Highway and the Intracoastal, Palmetto Promenade will undoubtedly be the ideal atmosphere for active individuals and families alike. Amidst the ever-increasing vibrancy of Downtown Boca and within walking distance of the majestic, white-sand beach, the brand new apartments of Palmetto Promenade will have it all.
Palmetto Promenade is to be a glamorous, high-rise rental community, poised to invigorate the sunny skyline with its impressive nine-story building. A “mixed-use” project, Palmetto Promenade will boast 378 spacious and luxurious apartments, including 25 three-story townhomes, and 12,000 square feet of available retail space in addition to its residences. Innovatively designed to create the veneer of manifold architecture, Palmetto Promenade will in fact be only one massive and alluring structure, complete with trellises and balconies, and with stories set further back as they rise to embrace the golden South Florida sunshine. Residents will enjoy the amenity terrace located over the parking deck, along with the clubroom, a well-equipped health club, and multiple convenient service areas. The ground floor is to be comprised of three beautiful lobbies, and the three-level parking garage will consist of 680 secure spaces.
Steps away from the beach, minutes from the attractions of Mizner Park and Atlantic Avenue, and leading the residential boom of Downtown Boca, Palmetto Promenade will be ready for you to move in January 2016.
The Metropolitan
Excitement. Upscale living. Convenience. Innovation. These are just a few of the words to describe The Metropolitan—the brand-new, luxurious condominium complex—coming soon to Downtown Delray Beach.
SOFA Partners (SOFA, meaning “South of Atlantic Avenue”), the prominent Delray Beach development team, along with architect Richard Jones, are the parties responsible for bringing these new, upscale condos to Downtown Delray. Planned for the corner of Southeast Third Avenue and Southeast Fifth Street, only a few short steps away from the illustrious Atlantic Avenue and minutes from the beach, The Metropolitan promises to be the perfect spot for individual residents, families, and flourishing enterprises alike.
The Metropolitan is poised to be a record-breaking, five-story tower, featuring 48 magnificent units in total. The units will include both one- and two-bedroom condos, each with an impressive range of 890 to nearly 1,600 square feet throughout. For your convenience, parking spaces will be available on the ground floor for all 48 units, plus an additional 15 surface-level spaces. Together with its splendid living accommodations, The Metropolitan will also feature over 5,000 square feet of facility space, perfect for office suites and retail stores. Positioned as a “mixed-use” environment, The Metropolitan promises to offer luxury, accessibility, comfort, and style all in one beautiful, contemporarily designed SOFA multiplex.
The Metropolitan—coming soon with well-appointed condominiums, fashionable shops and boutiques, deluxe office suites, the vibrant atmosphere of Atlantic Avenue and award-winning white-sand beaches all in close proximity—will undoubtedly be a welcome new addition to the sophistication, excitement, and unsurpassed charm of Downtown Delray Beach.
The Park at Broken Sound
Looking for the ideal work/life destination? Then the Park at Broken Sound of Boca Raton will be the ideal spot for you!
Formerly the prestigious Arvida Park of Commerce, aptly nicknamed “the Grande Dame of Office Parks,” the Park at Broken Sound is spearheading the revolutionary zoning concept of “planned mobility” with its upcoming 700-plus acre commercial and residential hub. To be located in north Boca Raton, just west of I-95, the Park at Broken Sound will offer the perfect address for companies of all sizes, from international headquarters of well-known corporations to trailblazing entrepreneurial ventures, and innovative residences for the talent vital to the success of these companies. Blending industry and technology with family and lifestyle, the Park at Broken Sound will be the place for both modern commerce and personal convenience.
What will make the Park at Broken Sound so perfect? This will be the countless benefits of planned mobility and the harmonious balance of work and private life. In essence, planned mobility is revitalizing the park and allowing for development of residential communities, retail stores, dining, and recreation nearby. Residents will enjoy luxury apartments—ranging from cozy studios to spacious three bedrooms with state-of-the-art amenities—just minutes from the office. This residential component shall encourage employees along with their families to walk, bicycle, or ride free shuttles to work, shopping, Boca’s Tri-Rail station, A-rated schools and universities, or myriad Boca Raton attractions. The result: transportation costs will be reduced, jobs created, efficiency improved, the economy and environment positively impacted.
Business and innovation, family and leisure activities, shopping, cafés, and cutting-edge technology—all these and more are the benefits to be discovered at the Park at Broken Sound of Boca Raton: the perfect address for work, play, and life, and home of the planned mobility advantage.
Boca Raton, Florida:
New York’s First Choice for a Second Home
What’s the best way to spend your winter in New York City? Spend it Boca Raton, Florida!
For decades, South Florida has been the preferred haven of New Yorkers looking to flee the blustery northern weather during the frozen winter months. Its year-round tropical climate, unlimited attractions and activities have proven it to be “Heaven on Earth” for travelers the world over and the ideal spot for a second home—your winter home! And of all South Florida cities, Boca Raton is among the most celebrated and fabulous!
Favored by real estate investors, snowbirds, and sunshine-seeking New Yorkers, Boca Raton’s reputation for luxury and comfort speaks for itself. Conveniently located in Palm Beach County between two major airports—Palm Beach International Airport and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport—directly by I-95 and the Florida Turnpike, and home to some of South Florida’s most beautiful beaches, Boca Raton is as accessible as it is enchanting. Already a second home to so many New York City residents, Boca Raton might well be referred to as “New York with palm trees.”
Boca Raton is a city on the move—restaurants, shopping, family activities, sightseeing and nightlife—perfect for every fun-loving New Yorker to enjoy; and yet, rest and relaxation are never in short supply. To meet the growing demand of out-of-towners desiring a second home in the Sunshine State, Boca Raton is continually developing new homes and affordable communities—great for individuals, couples and families alike. Whether you wish to dine in the renowned New York Prime Steakhouse, shop at Bloomingdales in the luxurious Town Center Mall, visit the European-style boutiques and fine art galleries of Mizner Park, or simply sprawl out on the beach and bask in the South Florida sunshine, Boca Raton is a New Yorker’s winter home dream come true!
Don’t force yourself to endure another frigid New York City winter again! Visit our website at digitalbocaraton.comfor the latest updates on local real estate information, and make Boca Raton, Florida your second home today!
Educational Case Studies:
The following pieces are two separate academic Case Studies, which I created for an online High School Economics course. The first is an historical-based study designed to educate students in “The Consequences of Competition in Specific Markets,” and the second was designed to enhance the students’ basic understanding of “Economic Indicators” in determining the current and future state of the economy.
“The Consequences of Competition”
Read It
Case Study: The Consequences of Competition in Specific Markets
Objective
To identify how competition impacts various types of businesses, drives firm behavior in the marketplace, and ultimately affects society as a whole.
Introduction
Competition—easily one of the most fascinating elements of free enterprise—can be as cut-throat and vicious as it is healthy and economically bolstering. In the historical case of Thomas Edison and Nikola Tesla—arguably two of the greatest inventors who ever lived, well-known by economists for their infamous “War of the Currents”—competition not only proved fierce but unique in the realm of business, revolutionary in technology, and consequential to society for generations to come.
Edison Electric Light Company versus Westinghouse Electric Company. These were the players in the epic battle of the “electricity business” that raged over a century ago. A battle that sent a power surge rippling across America and around the globe, with its long-term effects on the delivery of electricity still in effect to this day. Direct Current versus Alternating Current was the basis of this titanic clash, with Thomas Edison campaigning hard for the former and Nikola Tesla championing the latter. It was an earthshattering battle that shifted the landscape of economics for all time.
Dawn of the Electricity Business: The Need for Power
Have you ever wondered what life was like before electricity?
To turn on a light in your home, first you had to strike a match, then you had to burn either a candle or an oil lamp—filled with kerosene, or in some parts of the world, whale oil; then, to light different rooms or areas within your house, you had to carry the candle or oil lamp around with you. Laundry was done by hand, each article of clothing scrubbed separately over a washboard, then hung out to dry. Wood stoves and fireplaces were used for cooking, heating, ironing, and for hot water so you could take warm baths. If you wanted to listen to music, you had to crank a phonograph to get it going. Most of our major household appliances and entertainment systems, now largely taken for granted, did not exist before the availability of electricity.
Can you imagine what it must have been like to run one of the few electric companies around at that time? Can you imagine how much you stood to gain financially by standardizing this technology and delivering it to every household and business throughout the entire world?
Edison Electric Light Company: The Business Model of Thomas Edison
Among the first of these great early visionaries was Thomas Edison. Edison, already credited with inventing the first incandescent light bulb in 1879, foresaw the vast potential of an electrified world. For Edison, the notion of being hailed the “Father of Modern Electricity” and the world’s leader of the “electricity business” loomed beyond imagination. He wanted the recognition and all the fame and fortune that would surely follow; and, what’s more, he believed it was all within his grasp!
Legendary as an inventor, Edison was also a shrewd businessperson and marketer, with a knack for public relations. What was the secret of his success? He introduced his “products”—the light bulb, electricity, and the pathway to modern conveniences—through dramatic though subtle means. While Edison was extremely vocal about his scientific breakthroughs—conducting public demonstrations regularly and communicating directly with the press, he managed to introduce this incredible new technology without upsetting the order of things as they were. For example, Edison basically copied the physical design of oil lamps, but of course replaced oil with electric power; in doing so, he histrionically improved people’s daily lives with minimal imposition. Additionally, he maintained the infrastructures present in major commercial areas like New York as vessels for his new electrical wiring; in other words, he managed to transform the entire means of generating light, but with little disturbance to the status quo.
This was the genius behind Thomas Edison’s business model: massive lifestyle improvement, with minimal public adaptation required, in such a short time it seemed virtually overnight!
Westinghouse Electric Company: Nikola Tesla & The Westinghouse Business Model
By the 1880’s, Edison Electric Light Company was launching power plants in major cities coast to coast in the U.S., with Edison himself basking in prosperity. But despite Edison’s mounting achievements, his unidirectional system, Direct Current (DC), was not without its limitations. Although DC proved extremely effective in illuminating urban areas and other densely populated spots, it was far less practical in reaching suburbia and rural locations spread out over great distances. Becoming increasingly aware of this inefficiency and hoping to rectify it, Edison hired the man who would later become his greatest rival—Nikola Tesla.
Tesla, a brilliant mathematician and engineer, joined Edison’s team in 1884. It would be a monumental, albeit short-lived alliance. Tesla proposed Edison use Alternating Current (AC)—a system in which electricity could be transmitted over much greater distances more efficiently, thereby enabling more isolated locations to realize the benefits of electric power at a lower cost. But Edison, who had already invested vast sums in DC grids, rejected Tesla’s proposals emphatically. “Spare me that nonsense,” snapped Edison, despite the soundness of Tesla’s claims. And Tesla, who relied heavily on theories and calculations to support his arguments, referred to Edison’s seemingly tedious approach to innovation as an “empirical dragnet.” Their diametrical views ultimately led to the dissolution of Tesla’s employ in 1885; and, according to Tesla, Edison also refused him full salary promised for his work. Determined to validate his claims, however, Tesla patented his ideas independently and brought them to engineering entrepreneur and railroad magnate, George Westinghouse.
Like Edison, Westinghouse was an accomplished inventor and savvy businessperson. Also, like Edison, Westinghouse believed in the power of electricity and visualized the marvels of an electric future, not to mention colossal economic profits. But Westinghouse’s vision went even further. Realizing the vastness of Edison’s untapped market, Westinghouse was already a firm believer in AC as the superior system. So, when Tesla presented his ideas for developing AC motors—capable of supplying electricity to remote locations via centralized power plants—Westinghouse seized the opportunity, and a new, more harmonious alliance was formed. Westinghouse’s capital combined with Tesla’s creatively allowed for far greater output of electricity at a significantly reduced cost, and economies of scale within the electricity business was achieved. This set the business model for what was to become the Westinghouse Electric Company, Edison’s chief competitor in what was then a low-supply/high-demand market with unfathomable profit potential.
It was the birth of a brand new industry, the dawn of a revolution, and the start of one of the most notorious competitions in economic history!
“War of the Currents”: The Competition to Standardize Electricity
Feeling the pinch of this competition—especially with his former employee involved—infuriated Edison. What’s more, it made him nervous, as you can imagine. After all, commanding the biggest market in the world was at stake, as were immeasurable economic rewards. So, what did Edison do? Well, he immediately launched a ruthless and relentless propaganda campaign aimed at crushing the demand for AC in electricity distribution, and hopefully at driving his sole competitor out of business in the process.
The angle Edison took in discrediting Westinghouse and Tesla was fear. Arguing the perils of electricity—the danger of electrocution—Edison set out to prove that AC was unsafe and posed a potential hazard to the general populace. He voiced his “concerns” publicly every chance he got. One of his famous quotes at that time: “Just as certain as death, Westinghouse will kill a customer within 6 months after he puts in a system of any size.” Given his celebrity, Edison’s warnings undoubtedly made an impact. What appeared to be his idealopportunity to sabotage Westinghouse, however, arrived in 1888, with talks of using electricity—that is, “alternating current”—in capital punishment. Not only did Edison leap at this opportunity to disparage Westinghouse, he conducted a series of brutal public demonstrations on animals to prove AC was lethal—electrocuting dogs and cats, horses and calves, and even an elephant! Then, on August 6, 1890, when William Kemmler became the first criminal to be executed in the electric chair, Edison opportunistically substituted the word “electrocuted” with “Westinghoused.” Needless to say, Westinghouse was outraged by Edison’s continuous ridicule and public criticism, and wished for nothing to do with the execution, referring to it as “a brutal affair.” The so-called “War of the Currents” was a horrific battle indeed!
But, for all his terrible experiments and defamation tactics, Edison was licked. AC was the superior system after all, proving itself to be significantly more efficient and effective than DC, by far. The years of bad press and propaganda didn’t stop Westinghouse from winning the contract that would ultimately change the “electricity business” for all time. Westinghouse Electric Company would illuminate the Chicago World’s Fair of 1893—an event that would not only be the first, fully electric-powered world’s fair, but would officially declare AC the standard in electricity systems. Tesla’s original claim was correct, and eventually Edison even admitted he should have heeded the advice given him by his rival years before.
For Edison, coming to grips with the reality of a competitive marketplace was truly a sobering experience, and for business enterprises and economies the world over, the consequences of this infamous competition provided an education never to be forgotten.
Electrifying the Economy
Today, Edison Electric Light Company, now General Electric, is a multinational conglomerate and one of the largest, most profitable companies in the world. Westinghouse Electric is now a nuclear power company, with multiple divisions and revenues well into the billions. Just as Edison, Tesla, and Westinghouse had envisioned more than a century ago, electricity has truly proven itself an indispensable resource, and these were the key players in the historical competition that started it all. Contemporary lighting and modern appliances, state-of-the-art technology, and so many more present-day conveniences would never have been possible without electricity.
Today, the constant availability of electric power continues to grow our world economy and shape society in exponential proportions… 1% inspiration, 99% perspiration, and 100% competition!Let there be light!
Self-Check
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The infamous “War of the Currents” involved which two major corporations?
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Apple and Microsoft
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Ford Motor Company and General Motors
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Edison Electric Light Company and Westinghouse Electric Company
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American Telephone & Telegraph and International Business Machines
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Who was the inventor hired by Thomas Edison to help improve product efficiency?
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George Westinghouse
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Bill Gates
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Eli Whitney
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Nikola Tesla
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Which electricity system became the world standard following the historical competition between Edison and Westinghouse?
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Alternating Current (AC)
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High Voltage
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Integrated Circuits
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Direct Current (DC)
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The acquisition of which contract enabled Westinghouse Electric Company to set the standard for the delivery of electricity?
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The Electric Chair
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The Chicago World’s Fair
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“The War of the Currents”
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Disney World
Sources:
http://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/edison-vs-westinghouse-a-shocking-rivalry-102146036/
https://energy.gov/articles/war-currents-ac-vs-dc-power
http://www.history.com/news/ask-history/what-was-the-war-of-the-currents
http://mentalfloss.com/article/30140/acdc-tesla–edison-feud
http://www.u-s-history.com/pages/h1608.html
https://www.greenbiz.com/article/sponsored-ad-ford-tesla-edison-currents-cars
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/thomas-edison-technology-marketing-genius-warren-schirtzinger
http://inventorspot.com/thomas_edison
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/theymadeamerica/whomade/westinghouse_hi.html
Show It
Objective
To identify how competition impacts various types of businesses, drives firm behavior in the marketplace, and ultimately affects society as a whole.
Required
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Write a short paragraph explaining why the infamous “War of the Currents” is regarded as one of the most important examples of competition in the history of free enterprise.
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Why did Nikola Tesla’s Alternating Current (AC) ultimately emerge victoriously over Thomas Edison’s Direct Current (DC)? What enabled Westinghouse to achieve economies of scale?
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In light of this case study, how do you feel Thomas Edison could have, or perhaps should have, handled this “competition” better? Please explain your answer in a short paragraph.
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How do the consequences of this “War of the Currents” competition continue to serve as an educational tool for business professionals and companies to this day? Please explain your answer in a short paragraph.
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Why is competition so valuable and necessary in business, economics, and society? Describe the many benefits of competition and its role in the global marketplace.
ITEM TO BE EVALUATED
SCORE / MAXIMUM POINTS
COMMENTS
Student demonstrates a firm understanding of the consequences of competition in specific markets. Student is familiar with the following:
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How competition impacts businesses, drives firm behavior in the marketplace, and affects all of society?
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The competition between Edison and Tesla and the “War of the Currents.”
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How the “War of the Currents” affected what we know about competition in a capitalist system?
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The reasons why Alternating Current (AC) ultimately won.
The self-check questions were answered accurately, demonstrating the student’s comprehension of the case study material.
Responses to the required questions were written clearly and objectively, showed a solid understanding of the case study material, and were free of grammatical, punctuation, and spelling errors.
TOTAL POINTS:
“Economic Indicators”
Read It
Case Study: “What To Look For In The Paper”
Objective
To learn how to use economic indicators to analyze the current and future state of the economy.
Introduction
How do we determine the state of our economy? What are some key economic indicators to observe? Where do we find this information, and how do we interpret it effectively?
Economic indicators are statistical data and information used by economists and politicians to help them analyze the current state of our economy in order to more accurately predict future economic performance. Having a general awareness of various economic indicators is beneficial to you as well in that it can help you make more informed decisions with regard to your financial investments, your business or career, and even your personal lifestyle. This invaluable material is really a lot easier to come by than most people think—if you know where to look for it and how to read it.
Understanding Economic Indicators
There are many economic indicators out there, and to analyze them all would be a truly exhaustive process. It is therefore important to know the key types of economic indicators, understand their various functions, and then decide which indicators are most important to you based on your specific needs or goals.
Economic indicators may be divided into two major categories: Leading Indicators and Lagging Indicators. Leading indicators are marked by changes occurring prior to major economic adjustments, and are therefore used to predict future economic trends. Lagging indicators show changes that follow an economic pattern or trend already established, and reflect based on this historical data. Some examples of leading indicators include the Consumer Confidence Index, housing starts, the stock market, retail sales, and new businesses entering the economy; whereas some lagging indicators would be unemployment, the federal funds rate, currency strength, inflation, and changes in Gross Domestic Product.
Throughout this case study, we are going to focus on just four of the most frequently analyzed economic indicators: Consumer Confidence Index, Unemployment, Housing Starts, and the Federal Funds Rate. In essence, this case study is a general tutorial aimed at helping you improve your understanding of how to locate and interpret this essential economic data.
The Consumer Confidence Index
The Consumer Confidence Index (CCI), as the name implies, is an economic indicator used to measure the degree of confidence maintained by U.S. consumers. Are consumers optimistic or pessimistic? How can we tell? Simple. By their habits in terms of spending or saving. In other words, the theory behind the CCI is this: the more consumers spend on goods and services—that is, the more confident and optimistic consumers are in general—the more this spending shall stimulate and improve the overall health of the entire economy.
We obtain the CCI based on a consumer confidence survey, which is a monthly survey of 5,000 U.S. households. The survey consists of five questions relating to current economic conditions and future expectations, and the survey results are often viewed as good indicators of future buying intent. Therefore, it can rightly be said that the CCI is an indicator of consumer perception with regard to the health of the economy.
So, how do we find the CCI? Well, for starters, we can simply look in the newspaper. In TheNew York Times, for example, we can find information on the CCI in the “Business” section of the paper, sometimes under “Economy” or “Your Money.” If you go online and visit nytimes.com, you can also use the search option to type “consumer confidence” or “consumer comfort” or “consumer sentiment” to narrow it down. Another place to look for this information online would be CNNMoney.com; here you would click on the “Business” section, then “Economy,” then “Consumer Confidence.” Still another place to look would be The Conference Board, which you can visit at conference-board.org, and visiting the “Consumer Measures” page on this site.
The CCI can be located via multiple handy sources, though it should be duly noted that you can often get a feeling for consumer confidence simply by observing people’s consumer behavior and hearing their ideas and opinions. If, for example, you hear a lot of people talking about going on vacation or maybe purchasing a new car, then this can serve as a pretty good indicator that the CCI is currently positive or relatively high. In making these observations and more, you will be better able to use this information as a reliable economic indicator.
Unemployment
Another key economic indicator would be the employment level, which of course focuses on the rate of national unemployment. What is the total percentage of unemployed workers in the labor market? The answer to this critical question is a tremendous indicator of our economy’s overall health and wellbeing. The unemployment rate is always under scrutiny by the media, especially during what might be perceived as difficult economic times.
To effectively utilize the unemployment indicator, we must have a thorough understanding of unemployment. Unemployment can be classified as cyclical, structural, or frictional. Cyclical unemployment is characterized by the demand for labor fluctuating along with the business cycle, structural unemployment shows the gap between employer requirements and employee traits, and frictional unemployment is regarded as temporary unemployment occurring while employees search for new jobs. Full employment, as defined by economists, is an acceptable level of natural unemployment, devoid of cyclical unemployment, and the demand and supply of labor are viewed as equal. When considering the unemployment indicator, it is also helpful to note the Phillips curve, which is the model used to illustrate the trade-off between inflation and unemployment; for example, during periods of unemployment, it is not necessary for employers to raise wages, thereby causing inflation figures to fall as unemployment rises.
The unemployment rate affects everyone, as the labor market is the true backbone of our economy. The higher our unemployment rate, the less money for our citizens and the fewer goods and services produced and available; the overall reduction in purchasing power leads to even greater unemployment and causes our economy to enter a downward spiral. For these reasons, information regarding the unemployment rate can be found via countless sources, and the unemployment indicator is very easily attainable. One can find multiple articles and statistical data surrounding unemployment in most major newspapers, and in various sections throughout each paper. You can find this information most directly by accessing the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a division of the U.S. Department of Labor, online at bls.gov; this is a vastly comprehensive website, which offers a variety of statistical data, detailed reports, measures, and charts including unemployment rates by geography, demographics, seasonality, and so forth.
In viewing this information through these multiple sources, and in monitoring the changes or consistencies, you will definitely build a considerably greater awareness of unemployment and its tremendous effects on our economy—past, present, and future. Although the unemployment rate has been deemed one of the most important economic indicators by far, it should be duly noted that its study is not without limitations; for example, even the most extensive research fails to account for certain types of unemployment—such as “voluntary” unemployment and its varied factors. Nonetheless, the unemployment rate remains a useful and powerful tool.
Housing Starts
What can possibly be a better indicator of a healthy and vibrant economy than the building of new homes? Housing starts are the number of new housing construction projects that have been launched within a particular month. As you can imagine, the greater number of housing starts, the greater the indication of economic strength.
“Housing Starts” is the Wall Street nickname for The New Residential Construction Report—a comprehensive monthly statement supplied by the U.S. Census Bureau in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Compiled by homebuilder surveys taken coast-to-coast—including housing starts, building permits, and completions—housing starts is a most practical and illuminating economic indicator. This information can be obtained via census.gov.
What are some other reasons why housing starts are a key economic indicator? They create a positive growth effect across the board, economically speaking. For example: new construction means new investments, an increase in employment, more consumers in the marketplace, providing and purchasing more goods and services, and, ultimately, a boom in the stock, bond, and commodities markets. Think of it this way: the builders believe there will be a return on their investment, the construction itself requires workers, acquiring the real estate often means the need for mortgage lenders, new homes must have new furnishings and appliances, new residents need stores and restaurants and entertainment centers, and so on… Conversely, declines in the housing market decrease respective property value. Without construction, fewer workers have jobs, which can lead to greater unemployment. Property taxes might also be reduced, thereby limiting government spending. And, worse yet, homeowners may find it less feasible to refinance their homes, which might eventually result in foreclosure. The housing starts indicator proves critical in evaluating this scenario as well.
News on housing starts is available aplenty in virtually every major newspaper—especially in their respective “Business,” “Economy,” or “Real Estate” sections. Both The New York Timesand The Wall Street Journaloffer a wealth of up-to-the-minute information concerning this essential economic indicator. Just go to nytimes.com, search for “housing starts,” and watch as a list of over 12,000 entries appears! Go to wsj.com and click on the “Economy” link, then “Economic Data,” to get the latest and greatest news there, too! Once again, you can also go directly to census.gov and view the statistical data there, or visit a plethora of online financial resources such as econoday.com for more information.
You can always see housing starts as they begin cropping up in your neighborhood, and in your surrounding communities. The construction of new homes is usually viewed as a positive indicator; however, an exception might be if the homes being built are limited in amenities or designed for specific purposes only. Either way, housing starts are useful in identifying business cycles and offer a quality gauging device for real estate investors.
The Federal Funds Rate
The federal funds rate—or the “fed funds rate”—is the interest rate banks charge other banks for lending funds overnight; these specific funds in question are maintained by the Federal Reserve. This Federal Reserve requirement ensures that the lending institution does not lend out all of its cash, but rather it keeps adequate cash available for the following business day. The federal funds rate is only available to institutions of the highest creditworthiness, and because of its sweeping effect on economic conditions, it is regarded as one of the most influential interest rates in the U.S.
So, how is the fed funds rate a key economic indicator? How can we use it to improve our understanding of the economy as well as our current financial situation? Well, in using the fed funds rate, the Federal Reserve is able to control all monetary growth in the U.S. economy. Basically, if the fed funds rate is relatively low, then monetary policy is said to be expansionary per the Federal Reserve; this means a low-interest rate for businesses and consumers, but with higher inflation. Furthermore, low-interest rates generate increases in demand and greater employment. On the other hand, if the fed funds rate is relatively high, the less desirable and cost-effective it is to borrow funds. Because it is an inherently short-term interest rate aimed to accommodate institutions with impeccable credit ratings, the fed funds rate is regarded as the base rate; that is, it determines all other interest rates throughout the economy. The fed fund rate impacts the prime rate, deposit interest rates, bank loans, rates on your credit cards, adjustable-rate mortgages, and long-term rates such as Treasury notes, which in turn impact conventional mortgages. The bottom line: all businesses and consumers are affected by the fed funds rate!
You can look for information on the fed funds rate in the “Business Day” section of The New York Times, or, by just typing in “fed funds rate” on the nytimes.com website, your search will yield 10,000+ results easily! You can expect to find as many results, more or less, in the “Business,” “Economy,” or “Markets” section of The Wall Street Journal. Likewise, this information is available in all major newspapers, and in digital newspapers such as The Economist. News regarding the fed funds rate is everywhere, with numerous articles reporting it being either hiked up or cut down depending on world events; some articles praise it, while other complain, but the information is always useful regardless.
Remember, interest rates deliver a powerful impact felt throughout the entire economy. Spending, saving, investing, inflation, growth, decline, etcetera—all is touched by this pervasive economic indicator. If you truly wish to control your money and manage it more effectively, be sure to keep an eye on the federal fund rate!
It’s All About You!
Economic indicators are everywhere—in the newspaper, on TV, on the radio, all over the Internet, in restaurants, department stores, supermarkets, and shopping malls, and, yes, even in your own backyard. Although this case study just focused on a few, there are countless more great indicators out there, any of which can help you improve your understanding of the economy and make more informed financial decisions.
In addition to exploring the various economic indicators using the tools mentioned above, you can easily increase your awareness of the economy simply by observing the people and businesses around you. Even if you were to take just a minute and type “economic indicators” into Google, you could then sit back and watch as thousands upon thousands of valuable results appeared!
You and you alone are responsible for increasing your basic understanding of economic indicators and how to find them and read them. This comes with diligence, dedication, and practice. Remember, this is youreconomy, yourfinancial wellbeing, yourfuture, and yourlife! Be sure to pay close attention to the various economic indicators today, so you can enjoy a much more prepared and prosperous tomorrow…
Self-Check
Which would be one of the best places to search for information about the Consumer Confidence Index (CCI)?
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The Village Voice– “Classified” Section
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The New York Times– “Business” Section
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Time Magazine – “Living” Section
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Psychology Today – “Find a Therapist” Section
Sources:
http://www.moneycrashers.com/leading-lagging-economic-indicators/
http://www.investopedia.com/terms/c/cci.asp
https://www.conference-board.org/data/consumerconfidence.cfm
http://www.investopedia.com/articles/economics/10/unemployment-rate-get-real.asp
https://www.bls.gov/news.release/empsit.htm
https://www.nytimes.com/topic/subject/unemployment
http://www.investopedia.com/university/releases/housingstarts.asp
https://www.wsj.com/articles/u-s-housing-starts-rose-8-3-in-june-1500467653
http://mam.econoday.com/byshoweventfull.aspx?event_id=256&cust=mam
https://www.census.gov/construction/nrc/index.html
https://www.wsj.com/articles/u-s-housing-starts-rose-8-3-in-june-1500467653
http://www.investopedia.com/terms/f/federalfundsrate.asp
https://www.thebalance.com/fed-funds-rate-definition-impact-and-how-it-works-3306122
Show It
Objective
To learn how to use economic indicators to analyze the current and future state of the economy.
Required
1. Explain the difference between leading economic indicators and lagging economic indicators.
2. List at least three economic indicators not mentioned in this case study. (Consider the definition of economic indicators, and think of how the specific indicators you are listing might be useful.)
3. Choose one of the economic indicators discussed in this case study, and consider how this particular indicator might be beneficial to you personally. Now, write a short paragraph explaining how you can use this economic indicator, starting today, to help you improve your financial wellbeing.
4. In your own words, write a short paragraph explaining the Consumer Confidence Index (CCI), how it works, and where information on the CCI can be obtained.
5. Based on the information presented throughout this case study, explain how some economic indicators can be observed without utilizing print media, TV, radio, or the Internet.
CRITERIA FOR EVALUATION
SCORE / MAXIMUM POINTS
COMMENTS
TOTAL POINTS: