Marketing I
Scarcity/Shortage Assignment
Economic Terms Used In Assignment:
Supply- the amount of goods producers are willing to make and sell
Demand- consumer willingness and ability to buy products
Surpluses- occur when supply exceeds demand
Shortages- when demand exceeds supply
Assignment:
I.
Students will work in a small group of 2-3 people and research a shortages of items
in a particular region or country over a specific period of time. Examples include:
 Shortages of types of foods, nylon, or fuel for domestic use (in US) during WWII
 Unexpected shortage of flu vaccine in the US in winter of 2004
 The 1973 Oil Crisis and shortage of gasoline in US
Other topics would be OK but must be similar to the types of examples provided above.
II.
Conduct research regarding the following:
 Explain the shortage and what factors led to the shortage
 How the shortage impacted business
 How the shortage impacted individuals
 How the shortage impacted the country and government
 Explain any steps the government took to control the situation
III.
Prepare your findings in a brief PPT presentation- be sure to include Introduction,
Agenda, and Summary or Conclusion slides.
Oral presentations will be delivered next class
IV.
50 Point Assignment