Cycle - a ... What is a cycle?

say that everything in life is cyclical.Usually, this meant that sooner or later repeated in a circle, although perhaps at a new qualitative level.So what do we know about the cycles?

Definition and brief description

In general terms, the cycle - a repetitive sequence of events.There are also more specific definitions.For example, the same term can denote a set of literary, musical or other works, united by a common idea.In mathematics, a closed cycle is called a sequence of adjacent edges of the graph.In chemistry, the term is also present.In this area, the cycle - this particular configuration of the atoms in the molecule, in which they form a closed polyline.There is a concept in marketing.In this discipline usually talk about the life cycle of a product.So this concept is used in many fields of science.Still, you can often hear such a phrase as a business or economic cycle.What does this mean?

theory of cycles in the economy

We all know that from time to time even in the most harmonious system of a crisis.The same applies to a market economy.Even in the XVIII-XIX centuries, scientists have noticed that crises occur in about equal time intervals.They are followed by other events, which are also constantly repeated.Of course, this does not mean that each time only occurs the same.Each subsequent stage takes place on a new level, so that the economy in any way moving forward.

Realizing that there is a pattern, scientists began to look for the causes of this phenomenon.And although it is explained that they failed, it was revealed many factors that may underlie the process.

There are four main phases of the cycle: the rise (recovery), peak, recession (recession) and the crisis (the bottom of the depression).After the end of the sequence starts all over again.Each of these phases has its own characteristic features, which can be easily determined.

During the recession reduced the volume of production, rising unemployment, falling incomes, as well as the volume of savings.If this period is prolonged, it reduces the cost of means of production.Ultimately this could lead to deflation, ie lower prices.

low point of recession - depression - is characterized by the lowest level of employment, output and income.As a rule, crisis does not last long, and after it begins recovery or growth.Unemployment falls again, income and production levels are rising as prices are affected by an increase in effective demand.This period also affects the functioning of the banking system.

reached the maximum level, the production is no longer expanding and fully operational.This period is called a boom or peak.At this point, the business activity is almost not growing, while remaining at the same level.Economics may seem prosperous, but after the peak of the recession comes again.Each cycle - is one step in the development.

Species

Depending on the length, there are several types of economic cycles, which tend to affect different areas of life.In some sources there are different names, the number of species also varies, but usually talk about 4, and call them names of scientists involved in their research:

  1. Kitchin.Most short - 2-4 years.As a rule, affect the trade cycles, unemployment, inflation, gross domestic product, the value of stocks.
  2. Zhuglara.Duration - 7-12 years.Observed variations in the value of GDP, investment flows.Also, impact on employment and inflation.
  3. Kuznets.The cycle - 16-25 years.Usually associated with demographic and migration processes that have an impact on the economy.
  4. Kondratiev.It lasts about 40-60 years.In this series there are changes in technical progress and structural changes.

isolated and sometimes other species, affecting more global processes.However, most sources agree exactly on such a classification.

cyclical reasons

Many famous scientists engaged in research of the reasons why the economy is repeatedly passed through the same stages and events, albeit in a modified form.There is an interesting hypothesis, which later rejected, for example, offers a theory based on the location of spots on the sun, which affects the yield.Over time, humanity is no longer so dependent on agriculture.And then it became clear that the sun does not have such a strong influence.

Today, there are three main approaches to the question of the causes of cyclical economic development.One of them explains this phenomenon by internal factors, the other - the external, and the third - a collection of both.In the meantime, research continues, clearly talk about the reasons why the economic cycles follow each other, it is impossible.It is necessary to take this fact into account in its planning.

Cycles programming

not without the use of the term in his work, and computer specialists.Here, the cycle is a sequence of certain operations performed repeatedly.It can be absolute or conditional.The first kind sometimes called infinite, because sometimes a way out of such a situation is not provided.In the second case, the reason for the termination of the execution cycle may be getting some results or a specified number of repetitions.

use of the term in gynecology

In medicine, this term is familiar to every adult woman.This, of course, about the menstrual cycle.This is what he says about the health of the reproductive system, a woman's ability to conceive and successfully pass it.And any serious problems instantly reflected on fertility.

Why is this called a cycle?Of course, because of the repeated sequence specific processes.There is even a division into phases of the cycle: follicular, ovulatory and luteal.At each of these stages there are various important processes.On the ground - growing follicles in the ovaries, one becomes dominant.On the second - ovulation, ie release of an egg ready for fertilization.All this time, the uterus prepares for the possible reception of the embryo - its inner surface is lined with special fabric.In the final stage, if fertilization does not occur, the cycle ends to start again.This is the kind of cycle of life, which always tends to begin.