A Firm Is About to Undertake the Manufacture of a Product

question 42

Essay

A firm is about to undertake the manufacture of a product, and is weighing three capacity alternatives: small job shop, large job shop, and repetitive manufacturing. The small job shop has fixed costs of $3,000 per month, and variable costs of $10 per unit. The larger job shop has fixed costs of $12,000 per month and variable costs of $3 per unit. The repetitive manufacturing plant has fixed costs of $30,000 and variable costs of $1 per unit. Demand for the product is expected to be 1,000 units per month with "moderate" market acceptance, but 2,000 under "strong" market acceptance. The probability of moderate acceptance is estimated to be 60%; strong acceptance has a probability of 40%. The product will sell for $25 per unit regardless of the capacity decision. Which capacity choice should the firm make?

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Definitions:

Capital Contributions

The funds or resources contributed by owners or shareholders for the use in furthering the business or enterprise.

Shareholder's Basis

The amount of a shareholder's investment in stock of a corporation, adjusted for various tax-related items.

Corporate Debt

Financial obligations owed by a corporation, typically in the form of bonds, loans, or other types of securities.

Charitable Contributions

Donations made to qualifying organizations which may be deductible from the donor's taxable income, subject to IRS rules and limitations.