Question: Chapter 1
1. Transportation has sometimes been described as the glue that holds supply chains together. What is the meaning of this statement and do you agree?
2. During the last 20 to 30 years, there have been a number of countries whose economies have experienced important economic expansion and development. One group of countries has been labeled the BRIC and the other the VISTA. Identify each of the nine countries and provide some insights about their economies and economic importance.
5. The size of a countries population and the associated age distribution can be casual factors for economic growth. Why is the size of the population important to economic development? Can size be a disadvantage? Why is age distribution important?
7. Technology can impact economic development on both a macro and micro level. What types of technology do we need to have such impact on a macro basis? On a micro basis?
9. The economic integration associated with should globalization can provide an opportunity for more widely dispersed development. Why is this possible? What are the major stumbling blocks to such integration?
Chapter 2
1. There is much discussion on the local, state, and federal levels about the need to repair and improve the interstate highway system. Provide a rationale for this need?
3. The opening of the Erie Canal and the building of the transcontinental railroads in the 19th century were described as significate milestones for the economic development in the United States. Explain their importance individually and collectively.
4. The highways and other transportation networks that serve major metropolitan areas are frequently describe as the lifelines of the metropolitan area? Do you agree with this statement? Why or why not?
5. Compare and contrast time and place utility, and explain how they contribute to the value of products. What is the importance of time and place utility in our global economy?
6. "Improved transportation Systems can also have social and political significance." Why are these important considerations for evaluating existing and/or proposed additions to the transportation system?