📚 Learning Guide
Understanding Fixed Costs and Decisions
hard

In the context of a manufacturing firm, if fixed costs represent a significant portion of the total cost structure, how might this influence the decision-making process regarding pricing and production levels?

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Choose the Best Answer

A

It will encourage the firm to increase production to spread fixed costs over more units.

B

It will lead the firm to reduce production since fixed costs cannot be altered.

C

It will have no impact on the firm's pricing strategy.

D

It will compel the firm to eliminate fixed costs entirely.

Understanding the Answer

Let's break down why this is correct

Answer

When a manufacturing firm has high fixed costs, it means that a large amount of money is spent on things that do not change with the level of production, like rent and salaries. This situation affects decision-making because the firm needs to sell enough products to cover these fixed costs and make a profit. For example, if a factory has fixed costs of $100,000, it must ensure that its sales exceed this amount to avoid losses. As a result, the firm may decide to lower prices to attract more customers, or it might increase production levels to spread those fixed costs over more units. This careful balancing act is crucial for the firm's financial health and overall success.

Detailed Explanation

When fixed costs are high, making more products helps spread those costs out. Other options are incorrect because Some might think that high fixed costs mean making fewer products is better; It's a common mistake to think fixed costs don't affect pricing.

Key Concepts

fixed costs
cost structure
decision-making process
Topic

Understanding Fixed Costs and Decisions

Difficulty

hard level question

Cognitive Level

understand

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