An example of a conventional PPF is shown in the diagram above which shows potential output of DVD players and MP3 players from a given stock of labour and capital. Combinations of the two goods that lie within the PPF are feasible but show an output that under-utilises existing resources or where resources are being used inefficiently. Combinations of the two goods that lie on the PPF are feasible and can be produced using all available factor inputs efficiently. In the PPF diagram above, the combination of output shown by point E is unattainable given current resources and the productivity of the available factor inputs
Shifts in the PPF
The production possibility frontier will shift when:
(a) There are improvements in productivity and efficiency (perhaps because of the introduction of new technology or advances in the techniques of production)
(b) More factor resources are exploited (perhaps due to an increase in the available workforce or a rise in the amount of capital equipment available for businesses to use)
In our example illustrated in the second diagram below we see the effects of a change in the state of technology in supplying MP3 players which causes an outward shift in the PPF. With the same resources allocated to DVD players, a greater output of MP3 players is possible. The real cost of MP3 players will fall – there has been a change in the opportunity cost
The PPF and Economic Efficiency
An efficient production point represents the maximum combination of outputs given resources and technology – clearly the PPF is a useful way of illustrating this idea
Allocative efficiency
An economy achieves allocative efficiency if it manages to produce the combination of goods and services that people actually want. For allocative efficiency to be achieved we need to be on the PPF - because at points which lie within the frontier, it is possible to raise output of both goods and improve total economic welfare. The definition of Pareto Efficiency is an allocation of output where it is impossible to make one group of consumers better off without making another group at least as worse off.
Productive Efficiency
Productive efficiency is defined as the absence of waste in the production process. When the production of the two goods lies on the frontier, anywhere on the frontier is deemed to be production efficient and production inside frontier is inefficient. Productive efficiency requires minimizing the opportunity cost for a given value of output. When there is an outward shift of the PPF perhaps due to improvements in productivity or advances in the state of technology, then the opportunity cost of production falls and society can now produce more from given resources.
Distributive efficiency
We achieve distributive efficiency if we get the goods and services produced to those who actually want or need them. Where we are on the production possibility frontier has little real bearing on distributive efficiency, we tend to use the concept to make comment on allocative and productive efficiency. But when an economy achieves economic growth leading to an outward shift in the PPF, economists have concerns over the distribution of gains in output and whether or not an improvement in average living standards has benefited the majority of consumers or whether there has been an increase in inequality and relative poverty
