Q output
TC
TFC
TVC
ATC
MC
AVC
AFC
0
100
1
190
2
270
3
340
4
400
5
470
6
550
7
640
8
750
9
880
10
1030
11
1200
Original Technique
Q output
TC
TFC
TVC
ATC
MC
AVC
AFC
0
150
1
230
2
300
3
360
4
435
5
515
6
600
7
695
8
800
9
915
10
1045
11
1195
12
1385
Cost Structures & Business Decisions
This assignment is designed to challenge your ability to understand realistic cost structures and make profit-maximizing decisions with them. I have included below two costs structures, one that corresponds with an original technique of production another with a new (“challenger”) technique of production.
Given the output versus cost data in the first two columns of the spreadsheet, complete the costs table for both techniques of production. Your responses to the remaining questions will be based upon that data.
Assume that these are the two most efficient techniques of production available, so that we can simply compare what the two competing techniques offer us.
Now assume a short-run situation where there are a number of different firms using each technique of production, and they are competing within the same industry. The quality of the product is completely standardized; these firms compete only on the basis of how cheaply they can produce it. They can sell output at $94 per unit.
Now consider the long-run situation remembering that positive profits will attract more competitors to the industry and losses will repel firms from the industry.
TIPS:
Graphing the spreadsheet data may help you make decisions and see how the different types of costs are related, but it is not necessary to graph the data nor to submit the completed spreadsheets. Your responses to the questions are all that is needed.
Graphing (accurately) all costs for just one technique of production -the original one- will allow you to get partial credit even if your answers are not all correct. You may submit graphs simply by using graph paper and taking a picture of your completed work. If you wish to do this, graph only ONE technique’s costs, and graph “totals” on one graph and “averages and marginal” on another that is scaled more appropriately.
Note: This assignment requires no research. It is based upon a sound comprehension of costs of production and the assumptions involved with the purely competitive model. The final two questions relate to Pure Competition in the LONG-RUN.