One major role of firms is to manage risk. Consumers do not want to pay for products of unknown quality or where the delivery date is questionable. Managers also worry about unexpected changes in supplies or markets. Strategic management seeks to adapt to and benefit from change. For strategists, this is both a challenge and an opportunity.

Biochemical corp. requires $600,000 in financing over the next three years. the firm can borrow the funds for three years at 10.80 percent interest per year. the ceo decides to do a forecast and predicts that if she utilizes short-term financing instead, she will pay 7.50 percent interest in the first year, 12.15 percent interest in the second year, and 8.25 percent interest in the third year. assume interest is paid in full at the end of each year. a)determine the total interest cost under each plan. a) long term fixed rate: b) short term fixed rate: b) which plan is less costly? a) long term fixed rate plan b) short term variable rate plan