ECO550 Week 3 Assignment

Assignment 1: Demand Estimation

Due Week 3 and worth 200 points

Imagine that you work for the maker of a leading brand of low-calorie, frozen microwavable food that estimates the following demand equation for its product using data from 26 supermarkets around the country for the month of April.

For a refresher on independent and dependent variables, please go to Sophia’s Website and review the Independent and Dependent Variables tutorial, located athttp://www.sophia.org/tutorials/independent-and-dependent-variables--3.

Option 1

Note: The following is a regression equation. Standard errors are in parentheses for the demand for widgets.

QD       =          - 5200 - 42P + 20PX + 5.2I + .20A + .25M

(2.002)  (17.5) (6.2)    (2.5)   (0.09)   (0.21)

R2 = 0.55           n = 26               F = 4.88

Your supervisor has asked you to compute the elasticities for each independent variable. Assume the following values for the independent variables:

Q          =          Quantity demanded of 3-pack units

P (in cents)       =          Price of the product = 500 cents per 3-pack unit

PX (in cents)     =          Price of leading competitor’s product = 600 cents per 3-pack unit

I (in dollars)       =          Per capita income of the standard metropolitan statistical area

(SMSA) in which the supermarkets are located = $5,500

A (in dollars)     =          Monthly advertising expenditures = $10,000

M                     =          Number of microwave ovens sold in the SMSA in which the

supermarkets are located = 5,000

Write a four to six (4-6) page paper in which you:

·         Compute the elasticities for each independent variable. Note: Write down all of your calculations.

·         Determine the implications for each of the computed elasticities for the business in terms of short-term and long-term pricing strategies. Provide a rationale in which you cite your results.

·         Recommend whether you believe that this firm should or should not cut its price to increase its market share. Provide support for your recommendation.

·         Assume that all the factors affecting demand in this model remain the same, but that the price has changed. Further assume that the price changes are 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600 dollars.

·         Plot the demand curve for the firm.

·         Plot the corresponding supply curve on the same graph using the following MC / supply function Q = -7909.89 + 79.0989P with the same prices.

·         Determine the equilibrium price and quantity.

·         Outline the significant factors that could cause changes in supply and demand for the product. Determine the primary manner in which both the short-term and the long-term changes in market conditions could impact the demand for, and the supply, of the product.

·         Indicate the crucial factors that could cause rightward shifts and leftward shifts of the demand and supply curves.

·         Use at least three (3) quality academic resources in this assignment. Note: Wikipedia does not qualify as an academic resource.

Discussion 1

"Managing in the Global Economy" Please respond to the following:

*Answer the following discussions based on the Katrina’s Candies scenario:

From the scenario for Katrina’s Candies, assuming the absence of quantitative data, determine the qualitative forecasting techniques that could be used within this scenario.

Now, assume you have acquired some time series data that would enable you to make short, medium, and long term forecasts. Ascertain the quantitative technique that will provide you with

the most accurate forecast. Provide a rationale for your responses.

Discussion 2

"Outsourcing Offshore" Please respond to the following:

Answer the following discussions on the decision to outsource offshore:

Aside from maximizing profits, list the key factors that managers should consider when deciding whether or not to outsource offshore. Determine the key factors that you believe to be the most influential. Provide a rationale for your response.

Examine the manner in which the firm’s decision to outsource offshore is impacted by foreign exchange. Determine whether or not it matters where the company outsources offshore. Provide a rationale for your respons