Consider the Labor Market for Computer Programmers

question 262

Multiple Choice

Consider the labor market for computer programmers. Because of the dot.com boom in the late 1990s, a lot of workers went to school to learn how to write computer code for one of thousands of new dot.com companies. However, when these computer programming students graduated, the dot.com bust took place. The dot.com bust decreased the value of the marginal product of computer programmers. Holding all else equal, what effect did these two circumstances have on the equilibrium wage in the labor market for computer programmers?

• A)The equilibrium wage increased.
• B)The equilibrium wage decreased.
• C)The equilibrium wage did not change.
• D)It is not possible to determine what happens to the equilibrium wage.

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Definitions:

Capital Spending

Monies invested by an enterprise in obtaining or upgrading real assets, including estates, manufacturing facilities, or equipment.

Operating Cash Flow

The amount of cash generated by a company's regular business operations, indicating its ability to cover expenses, debt, and investments.

Shareholders' Equity

The net value of a company, calculated by subtracting total liabilities from total assets, which represents the owners' claim after debts have been settled.

Net Income

The total earnings of a company after all expenses and taxes have been deducted from total revenue, also known as "net profit" or "net earnings."