Precision Instruments, Inc

question 22

Essay

Precision Instruments, Inc. is a national firm manufacturing a full line of surgical tools for veterinarians. Recent technological developments have produced a significantly higher grade of steel to make surgical instruments and tools. All of Precision's specialized equipment is designed and calibrated to produce surgical tools using current surgical steel stock. Precision's management wants to begin using the new grade of surgical steel, but recognizes the need to redesign and calibrate existing production equipment and/or purchase newly designed production equipment. Redesign of existing equipment can be done in-house, but requires components from the Swedish manufacturer of the equipment. New equipment will also come from Sweden, but its cost is almost double that paid seven years ago for the existing equipment.
Required:
Identify the constraints Precision will face as it chooses to upgrade existing equipment or purchase new equipment. There is considerable market pressure to shift to use of the new steel stock for production of surgical tools.

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Definitions:

Agents of Socialization

Individuals, groups, and institutions that play a significant role in integrating individuals into the social structure by teaching social norms, values, and customs.

Early Socialization

The process by which individuals, especially children, learn and adopt the norms, values, behaviors, and social skills appropriate to their society from an early age.

Socioeconomic

Relating to or concerned with the interaction of social and economic factors.

Occupational Status

A measure of an individual's job-related social or economic position.