Consider the Following Cost Data for the Cost Object, Number

question 118

Multiple Choice

Consider the following cost data for the cost object, number of machine setups. Each set of costs (A, B, and C) is from a different type of manufacturing operation and represents the cost behaviour for the cost of that company's machine setups. Cost B is best described as $\begin{array}{c}\begin{array}{c}\text {Number of}\\\underline{\text { Machine Setups}}\\0 \\10 \\20 \\30 \\40 \\50\end{array}\begin{array}{c}\\\underline{\text { Cost A }} \\\$ 0 \\20 \\40 \\60 \\80 \\100\end{array}\begin{array}{c}\\\underline{\text { Cost B }} \\ \$ 80 \\79 \\82 \\78 \\81 \\79\end{array}\begin{array}{c}\\\underline{\text { Cost C} } \\\$ 5 \\37 \\66 \\91 \\123 \\154 \end{array}\end{array}$

• A) Mixed
• B) Variable
• C) Fixed
• D) Discretionary

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Definitions:

Coase Theorem

A legal and economic theory stating that if trade in an externality is possible and there are no transaction costs, bargaining will lead to an efficient outcome regardless of the initial allocation of property rights.

Transaction Costs

The expenses incurred when buying or selling a good or service, which can include search, bargaining, and enforcement costs.

Marginal Social Benefit

The additional benefit to society resulting from one more unit of a good or service being produced and consumed.

Marginal Social Cost

The total cost society bears for the production of an additional unit of a good or service, including both external and private costs.