Unicorn Toys faces stiff competition from Playtime Inc., a rival firm with which Unicorn Toys has achieved differentiation parity. Both firms have invested in state-of-the art production facilities and have similar learning curves of 85 percent. Assuming neither firm can reduce the cost of its input factors, how can Unicorn Toys achieve a competitive advantage as a cost leader?

Uppose stanley's office supply purchases 50,000 boxes of pens every year. ordering costs are $100 per order and carrying costs are $0.40 per box. moreover, management has determined that the eoq is 5,000 boxes. the vendor now offers a quantity discount of $0.20 per box if the company buys pens in order sizes of 10,000 boxes. determine the before-tax benefit or loss of accepting the quantity discount. (assume the carrying cost remains at $0.40 per box whether or not the discount is taken.)

Six years ago, an 80-kw diesel electric set cost $160,000. the cost index for this class of equipment six years ago was 187 and is now 194. the cost-capacity factor is 0.6. the plant engineering staff is considering a 120-kw unit of the same general design to power a small isolated plant. assume we want to add a precompressor, which (when isolated and estimated separately) currently costs $13291. determine the total cost of the 120-kw unit. (hint: skip $ and comma symbols)

Elite coffee and bakery, a café that offers a relaxing environment to enjoy quality coffees, teas, soups, and other menu items, has a poster in the front of its restaurants that reads, "we will always provide a quality product to our customers better meet the challenges of their day and always take the time to offer caring service one person at a time." this statement is elite's