Econ Micro (book Only)
Econ Micro (book Only)
6th Edition
ISBN: 9781337408066
Author: William A. McEachern
Publisher: Cengage Learning
Question
Book Icon
Chapter 14, Problem 1P
To determine

The criteria that firms apply to decide whether to produce a component part or purchase it in the market.

Concept Introduction:

Firms have to list criteria before deciding how to produce a component, based on objectives like profit-making, the cost involved, production limitations like resource availability, etc.

Expert Solution & Answer
Check Mark

Explanation of Solution

Firms always have to decide between making a component or buying it outside. Their decision is always based on criteria like profit expectation and relevant cost of decision making.

Opportunity cost is the opportunity lost by choosing one alternative over the other. Therefore, such decision is based on total economic cost (opportunity cost + external outlays) between the two alternatives available. The one which is lower would be a choice for them. The relevant cost is different in making and buying as the variable and fixed cost differ. So, if the variable cost in contracting out is low, the firms would like to go for buying from the market. However, reliability on quality, timely delivery, and control over operations is questionable.

Want to see more full solutions like this?

Subscribe now to access step-by-step solutions to millions of textbook problems written by subject matter experts!
Students have asked these similar questions
The idea that a country can experience gains from trade means that it can A) consume at a point outside its production possibilities frontier. B) increase its exports. C) increase the efficiency of its production. D) experience a bowed-out production possibilities frontier.
A country is likely to have a comparative advantage in a land-intensive activity if it has a A) alot of land relative to its population. B) large population relative to its landmass. C) higher opportunity cost of producing technology. D) large amount of capital equipment relative to its population.
Florin and Guilder are two countries separated by a narrow sea. They use currencies called, respectively, the Flop and the Gulp. Suppose the nominal exchange rate is 20 Flops per Gulp. A Guilderian trader buys a 120 Flop barrel of Florish pickles by exchanging 6 Gulps, and a Florish trader buys a 4 Gulp crate of Guilderian apples by exchanging 80 Flops. Then the Gulp depreciates to 10 Flops per Gulp. Instructions: Enter your answers as whole numbers. How much must the Guilderian pay for the same 120 Flop barrel of pickles?  Gulps How much must the Florish trader pay for the same 4 Gulp crate of apples?  Flops
Knowledge Booster
Background pattern image
Similar questions
SEE MORE QUESTIONS
Recommended textbooks for you
Text book image
ECON MICRO
Economics
ISBN:9781337000536
Author:William A. McEachern
Publisher:Cengage Learning
Text book image
Economics Today and Tomorrow, Student Edition
Economics
ISBN:9780078747663
Author:McGraw-Hill
Publisher:Glencoe/McGraw-Hill School Pub Co
Text book image
Managerial Economics: A Problem Solving Approach
Economics
ISBN:9781337106665
Author:Luke M. Froeb, Brian T. McCann, Michael R. Ward, Mike Shor
Publisher:Cengage Learning
Text book image
Essentials of Economics (MindTap Course List)
Economics
ISBN:9781337091992
Author:N. Gregory Mankiw
Publisher:Cengage Learning
Text book image
Economics (MindTap Course List)
Economics
ISBN:9781337617383
Author:Roger A. Arnold
Publisher:Cengage Learning
Text book image
Microeconomics
Economics
ISBN:9781337617406
Author:Roger A. Arnold
Publisher:Cengage Learning