Caleb Kim

IB Geography

September 11, 2014

Changing Space the Shrinking World Questions

1. What is distance decay and why has it been important in the globalization process of the
world?
Distance decay suggests that areas that are closer together are more likely to interact, whereas
areas further away are less likely to interact with each other. Distance decay has been important
in the globalization process of the world because the distance between countries influences the
ability for two countries to interact with each other by globalization in terms of establishing an
interdependent economy, sharing ideas and developing each others technologies, et cetera.
Therefore, the greater the distance decay the lower potential of globalization. Conversely, the
lower the decay, the more potential for globalization.
2. What technologies have enabled the evolution of international trade?

Transport means by which materials, goods, and people are moved between places.
Communications means by which information is transmitted between places.

3. What developments have occurred to improve these technologies?

These developments enabled a
new and much enlarged scale
of economic activity.

Invention and application of steam power.

Use of iron and steel for trains, railway tracks, and ocean-going-vessels.
Introduction of commercial jet aircraft.
Development of larger ocean-going-vessels (superfreighters).
Introduction of containerization.

Electric telegraph and oceanic cable.

Global transport system.
Satellite technology; made possible remarkable levels of global communication of
conventional message and also the transmission of data.

Developments simplify
shipment from one mode of
transport to another.

4. Transport costs are made up of operating costs and profit rate. What influences these
two components of transport costs?
Operating costs include: fuel and wages, capital (equipment, terminal facilities, tracks and
repairs), indirect costs (insurance). Operating costs are influenced by:

Distance needed to travel; long distance lowers operating costs, thus increasing competition
and short distance increases operating costs, thus lowering competition.
The item to be transported.
The cost of transporting it.
The speed with which it needs to be transported.

Caleb Kim

IB Geography

September 11, 2014

5. If you were to ship a very heavy, non-perishable product a long distance, what type of
transport might you choose and why?
The bulk carrier would most likely be the most efficient method of transportation of a very heavy,
non-perishable product a long distance because of the low price in transportation. The low
transportation fee is due to the fact that the item is non-perishable and is going a long distance.
Also, since other products will most likely be on the bulk carrier, the cost will be spread over the
large cargo.
6. What is the difference between bulk carriers and container carriers? Which one is the
carrier of choice? Why?
Bulk carriers are those that transport bulky goods such as coal and can be transported by the
cheapest means possible. An example of a crude carrier is the very large crude carriers (VLCC),
which transports crude oil. On the other hand, container carriers are ships designed to carry
containers and are equipped with specialized handling devices for carrying expensive freight.
The carrier of choice depends on what is being transported. If the product being transported is
very heavy, non-perishable and bulky, the best transportation method would be from the bulk
carriers. If the product being transported is expensive, perishable and can be contained within a
container, then the container carrier would be the best method of transportation.
7. What determines density of networks with reference to telephone calls? List and explain
four.

Population size countries with small populations are unlikely to generate a large number of
calls.
Wealth wealthy countries can afford more phones than poorer countries.
Trading partners countries within a trading bloc are likely to generate large volumes of
calls.
Language the volume of calls is likely to be greater between countries that share the same
language.

8. Compare the railway systems in India and throughout the countries of Africa. What
problems do they face?
Railway system in India
Covers a total length of 63,140 km.
Transports over 6 billion passengers.
Transports over 350 million tonnes of
freight annually.
Consists of a system of 42 lines.

Railway system in the countries of Africa

Transport network is estimated at 89,380
km for a land surface area of 30.19 million
sq. km.
Network shows very little
interconnectivity.

Caleb Kim

IB Geography

September 11, 2014

Problems experienced by railway systems

Overpricing of freight services leads to loss Role of railways has continued to decline
in business to roads.
nationally and sub-regionally.
Inadequate infrastructural network.
Inadequate financing
Lack of appropriate human and
institutional capacities.
High transport costs.

9. What is the digital divide? What factors play a role in inequalities with ICT?
The digital divide is the inequality in the ICT network infrastructure and distribution of the IT
knowledge, skills and resources necessary to access online services and information among
different sections of a modern society. Factors that play a role in inequalities with ICT include
income and education. People with higher incomes and education levels are more likely to have
access to ICT.
10. What does the digital access index (DAI) measure and what variables does it look at in
its evaluation?
The digital access index (DAI) measures the overall ability of individuals in a country to access
and use ICT. It consists of 8 variables grouped into five categories:

Infrastructure combined fixed and mobile teledensity

Affordability internet access price as % of per capita GNI
Knowledge adult literacy and combined enrolment up to tertiary level
Quality international Internet bandwidth in bits per capita and % broadband customers
Usage internet users per 100 population.

11. How can civil societies benefit from ICT?

Civil societies (mass organizations, trade unions, faith-based organizations, NGOs, academe,
social movements, and campaign networks) can use ICT for its use in being able to reach people
all over the world and mobilise support for their activities. ICT can also help people to gain
information about campaign issues, to mobilise community networks, and to foster
(encourage/promote) dialogue between individuals and organisations.