Tri-Products Is Trying to Decide Whether to Make-Or-Buy an Accessory

question 120

Essay

Tri-products is trying to decide whether to make-or-buy an accessory item for one of their products. It is projected that this item will sell for $10 each. If the item is outsourced, there is virtually no cost other than the $6 per unit that they would pay their supplier. Internally, they have two choices. Process A requires an investment of $120,000 for design and equipment, but results in a $4 per unit cost. Process B requires only a $100,000 investment, but its per unit cost is $5. Regardless of whether the item is subcontracted or produced internally, there is a 50% chance that they will sell 50,000 units, and a 50% chance that they will sell 100,000 units. Draw the decision tree appropriate to the alternatives and outcomes stated. Using decision trees and EMV, what is their best choice?

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Definitions:

Gateways

Entry or access points that enable transition or progress from one state or condition to another.

Functional Specialization

The practice of organizing a workforce where each member or department focuses on a specific set of tasks or expertise, promoting efficiency.

Divisional Departmentation

An organizational structure where divisions are formed based on products, services, markets, or geographic locations.

Matrix Departmentation

Is a combination of functional and divisional patterns wherein an individual is assigned to more than one type of unit.