Table 1.2 The Abco Company Manufactures Electrical Assemblies. the Current Process Uses

question 102

Multiple Choice

Table 1.2
The Abco Company manufactures electrical assemblies. The current process uses 10 workers and produces 200 units per hour. You are considering changing the process with new assembly methods that increase output to 300 units per hour, but will require 14 workers. Particulars are as follows:

Workers are paid at a rate of $10 per hour, and overhead is charged at 140% (or 1.4 times) labor costs. Finished switches sell for $20 / unit.
-Use the information provided in Table 1.2. Based on your productivity calculations, what decision should you make?

• A) implement the new process
• B) stay with the current process
• C) need more information to make a decision
• D) Either process is acceptable (since the multi-factor productivities are the same).

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Definitions:

Perfectly Competitive Industry

An industry that meets the criteria for perfect competition, meaning it includes many small firms producing identical products and allows for free entry and exit.

Total Surplus

The sum of consumer surplus and producer surplus in a market; it measures the total benefit to society from the production and consumption of goods and services.

AC

Average Cost, which is the total cost of production divided by the quantity of output produced.

Monopolist

A single seller in a market who has significant market power and can influence the price and quantity of goods or services.