In: Economics
St. Elsewhere Hospital is considering two alternatives and analyzing their consequences over a 3-year period on the hospital budget.
Alternative A 5 Hire a pharmacist
Alternative B 5 Buy an automated drug delivery system machine
Alternative A’s costs are $80,000 salary plus 20% for fringe benefits per year for the next 3 years.
Alternative A’s savings are $120,000 per year for the next 3 years.
Alternative B’s costs for the automated system are $200,000 for the first year, $30,000 for the second year, and $30,000 for the third year.
Alternative B’s savings are $100,000 per year for each of the 3 years. Assuming a 5% discount rate, calculate:
1. The net benefit of hiring a pharmacist
2. The net benefit of the automated system
3. The benefit-to-cost ratio for hiring a pharmacist
4. The benefit-to-cost ratio for the automated system