Tri-Products Is Trying to Decide Whether to Make or Buy

question 114

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 it 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 the decision tree and EMV, what is their best choice?

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Definitions:

Controller

A senior financial officer responsible for managing the accounting operations of a company.

Cash Flow Problems

Financial challenges that occur when a business does not have enough cash to cover its obligations, leading to potential insolvency.

Secured Loan

A loan backed by collateral, reducing the risk for lenders and often resulting in more favorable loan terms for the borrower.

Unsecured Loan

A loan that is issued and supported only by the borrower's creditworthiness, without any collateral.