The Bates Company Has Been Producing Tools for Over Fifty

question 11

Multiple Choice

The Bates Company has been producing tools for over fifty years. In that time the company has been acknowledged as a producer of high quality tools at a reasonable price. Bates' competitive prices can be attributed to three factors. First, the company recognized early in its development that tools made from specific blends of various types of metal were less costly to produce and had superior performance compared to traditional metals. Accordingly, Bates made investments in developing tools made for specialty metals long before other competitors and has made a series of investments over its operating history that have put it far ahead of its competitors in terms of product development. Industry analysts believe that based on these investments it would be difficult and extremely costly, if it were even possible, for rivals to catch up with Bates. Second, in recognizing the importance of certain metals, Bates was able to sign long-term contracts with suppliers of the metals that have provided Bates with a lasting cost advantage. Finally, Bates maintains its cost advantages by using a thorough budgeting and reporting system that allows it to closely control costs, and these systems are supported by a frugal company culture and financial incentives that reward employees for finding ways to save money throughout the company.
-It would be costly for competitors to duplicate Bates due to

• A) path dependence and causal ambiguity.
• B) causal ambiguity and unique historical conditions.
• C) path dependence and unique historical conditions.
• D) causal ambiguity and patents.

Explore the challenges in defining self-identity through memory and consciousness.

Recognize the holistic and reductionist approaches to questions of the mind-body relationship.

Analyze the role of society and individualism in shaping human nature and self-concept.

Distinguish between different philosophical perspectives on the nature and embodiment of mental states.

---

Definitions:

Cohabitation

Cohabitation is the arrangement where two individuals who are not married live together in an intimate relationship, often sharing a common living area.

Civil Union

A legally recognized union of a couple, similar to marriage, providing legal rights and protections but not necessarily all the same as those of marriage.

Alternative Marriage

Forms of marital relationships that differ from the traditional model, including same-sex marriages, open marriages, and group marriages.

Lone Parent

A single parent who is solely responsible for raising their children without the participation of the other parent.