ECONOMIC ESSENCE, INDICATORS OF MATERIAL INTENSITY AND METHODS OF THEIR DETERMINATION

The article examines the concept of material intensity of enterprises, the evolution of scientists' views on its content and structure. The results of generalization of theoretical positions are presented in the form of comparative tables. Analysis, assessment and forecasting of the material consumption indicator serve as a condition for the efficiency of the enterprise, help identify the economic potential of the enterprise and the possibility of its operational management. The material intensity indicator reflects the level of use of past (materialized) labor, therefore the clarity and accuracy of its definition is not only methodological, but also of great practical importance.