Questions
legal aspects of engineering 1. What remedies are available to a seller if the buyer refuses...

legal aspects of engineering

1. What remedies are available to a seller if the buyer refuses to pay for goods the buyer has accepted?

2. Describe the relationships between the parties to a construction contract.

3. What are the inherent advantages of standardized specifications?

4. Why must real estate transactions be recorded?

In: Operations Management

Background In this hypothetical scenario, you are the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), of a company, Island...

Background

In this hypothetical scenario, you are the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), of a company, Island Ports Limited. Your business, is a global business, with shipping ports in all of the major English speaking Caribbean countries. On January 7, 2020, you signed a Heads of Agreement with the Government of The Bahamas to invest $120 million during Phase I to develop a cruise port on the island of New Providence. As you can appreciate, the signing and the commitment of your shareholders to this project, preceded any information available to your company and its shareholders with respect to the potential impact of the coronavirus, i.e. COVID-19.

Concessions granted to Island Ports (hypothetical scenario)

The following were the concessions granted to Island Ports during the signing of the Heads of Agreement:

i. A twenty (20) year tax holidays in relation to the payment of any real property tax for this project. Island Ports, Chief Financial Officer, has estimated that the tax forgiveness by the Government of The Bahamas is equivalent to $1.01 million annually.

ii. A ten (10) year tax waiver on the payment of Value Added Tax on all goods imported for the construction of the port and goods sold to the public, once the port is operational. The CFO estimates that the gain to Island Ports as a result of this tax concession, is conservatively estimated at $5.4 million annually.

iii. A ten (10) year waiver of import duties on all inputs needed in the construction of the port. The CFO has estimated that this import tax waiver amounts to an average of $2 million over the next ten (10) years.

iv. A land grant of ten (10) acres for the construction of the port. This is land that is owned by the Government of TheBahamas and will be given to Island Ports for a nominal price of $10. The land has a market value of $15.5 million.

Commitments from Island Ports to the Government and People of The Bahamas

In light of the concessions granted to Island Ports as listed above, the company has committed the following to the Government and people of The Bahamas:

i. Five hundred (500) direct jobs during the Phase I construction of the port. During the initial signing of the Heads of Agreement, in January, 2020, there was a commitment for the construction to start September, 2020, with the first phase completed May, 2021.

ii. Phase I of the project is estimated to cost $60 million. The entire sum, i.e. $60 million needed for the construction of this phase, will be sourced from external investors. These investors had pledged the financing prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.

iii. Some local ownership by offering shares to the general public. The public is expected to have a 40% stake in the project. It is estimated that this 40% stake will provide a net benefit to the domestic economy of $40 million over the next 5-7 years.

iv. By way of the added economic activity created as a result of Island Ports, the government is expected to get an added $15 million in revenues in head tax revenues from cruise passengers to the new port. This additional $15 million in revenues is predicated on the port being operational August 1, 2021, which means that construction must begin September, 2020.

The following is the outlook for The Bahamas, based on baseline data (as at 2019) taken from the Central Bank Quarterly Digest at www.centralbankbahamas.com and projections for 2020 based on these baseline numbers:

Table I: Key Metrics for The Bahamas

Key Metrics

As at 2019 (Pre COVID-19)

Impact – Projected 2020

National Debt as at December, 2019 ($mils.)

$8,749

$10,413

Debt in Foreign Currency ($mils.)

$2,618

$4,282

Foreign Reserves as at Feb., 2020 ($mils.)

$2,001

$900

Gross Domestic Product (2019) ($mils.)

$12,900

$10,900

National Debt as % of GDP

67.8%

95.5%

Tourism Expenditure as at 2019 ($mils.)*

$2,817

$1,665

Unemployment as at November, 2019

11.0%

24.8%

Government GFS Deficit ($mils.)

($377.6)

($1,664)

The tourism expenditure of $1.665 billion does not take into account seasonal adjustments/variations, which may result in even a lower level of receipts from tourism.

You have just been appointed the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Island Ports. You have over twenty years experienceadvising CEO’s on strategic decisions. In addition to your experience as an advisor on strategy, you are accomplished academically. You were a graduate of the University of TheBahamas and later pursued your Masters at Yale in Analytics and Strategy. Needless to say, there is high expectations from your office, in helping the company, Island Ports on the way forward.

Decision

Island Ports has to decide as to whether it wishes to move forward in September, 2020, with the start of construction of Phase I of the construction of the cruise port in New Providence. Island Ports investors are also reluctant to move forward in the current environment. The Government of The Bahamas is also applying pressure to Island Ports to get started with its construction, as this project will provide much needed jobs for the economy, at a time when jobs and incomes are really needed. The government has also reminded Island Ports of the generous concessions that were granted on the condition that the project gets started on time. While the Government of The Bahamas is applying pressure to Island Ports, the company has reminded the government that its project will provide tremendous benefits to the country, through its efforts and ingenuity.

As the COO, you are asked to advise the company on the way forward by way of answering the following questions:

i. Should Island Ports move forward with the construction of the cruise port with effect from September, 2020. What is the rationale that would support such a move? What is the rationale for not moving ahead?

ii. The company is also interested in knowing, from the perspective of the government, how can the company be persuaded that it should move with the construction at this time? In other words, assume that Island Ports is reluctant to move forward, what would be factors that would force Island Ports to move ahead with construction in this environment?

iii. In light of the metrics and the information provided in this scenario, what is the impact for the domestic economy; and for the company in moving forward with this project?

iv. What are your recommendations from the perspective of (a) Island Ports; and (b) the Government of The Bahamas in relation to whether the project should move forward.

v. Any other thoughts.

APPENDIX

Key Metrics – The Bahamas

Assumptions and other notes:

A key assumption is that there will be some semblance of normalcy, circa August, 2020. The length of time and the depth, i.e. sectors impacted are all factors that could impact the metrics.

During the period of the Financial Crisis, i.e. Great Recession, the unemployment statistics in The Bahamas ranged from around 12% to a height of 16.8% in 2011. This Pandemic, i.e. COVID-19 is expected to be more severe when compared to the Great Recession of 2008, which was concentrated primarily within the area of Financial Services/Financial Markets, COVID-19 is much broader in scope affecting all sectors/markets. The projected rate is 24.8%. This is conservative, considering that at the height of this crisis, the U.S. is projecting 32% , as a result of COVID-19, ending at about 12% by year end 2020, based on recovery starting third quarter.

The projected increase in the national debt, reflects the existing debt stock of $8.749 billion and the projected GFS deficit of $1.664 billion. The increase in foreign currency borrowing, reflects that new borrowings will come exclusively from outside rather than internal borrowings in B$.

It is conceivable that the impact to GDP depending on the length of the shut-down, some estimates are on the high end of closer to $2.8 billion of the GDP impact. I have looked at a more conservative estimates of $2 billion.

The foreign reserves from most estimates, is expected to be reduced to about $900 million to the end of 2020. This reflects reduced receipts from tourism. Also, the fourth quarter there is usually a run of the reserves for Christmas shopping, even in an economy in recession, there will be draw downs.

In calculating the GFS (based on Government Finance Statistics, IMF defined basis of calculating deficits), the government’s deficit of $1.064 billion, is based on tourism share of the economy of 65% (most estimates are closer to 70%, conservative estimate) and government’s share of the economy of circa 20%. Based on calculations, the loss by way of tourism expenditure based on arguably a return to some semblance of normalcy in August, 2020 is $1.152 billion. Using a factor of 2.98, equivalent to a proxy of a multiplier, considering that tourism with direct and indirect effects, government’s GFS fiscal deficit will widen from the 2019/20 projection of $377 million to $1.064 billion. The $1.064 billion is just the deficit attributed to the decline in economic activity, taking into account the $600 million thereabouts of subsidies to individuals and businesses, the GFS deficit is closer to $1.664 billion.

Table I: Key Metrics

Key Metrics

As at 2019 (Pre COVID-19)

Impact – Projected 2020

National Debt as at December, 2019 ($mils.)

$8,749

$10,413

Debt in Foreign Currency ($mils.)

$2,618

$4,282

Foreign Reserves as at Feb., 2020 ($mils.)

$2,001

$900

Gross Domestic Product (2019) ($mils.)

$12,900

$10,900

National Debt as % of GDP

67.8%

95.5%

Tourism Expenditure as at 2019 ($mils.)*

$2,817

$1,665

Unemployment as at November, 2019

11.0%

24.8%

Government GFS Deficit ($mils.)

($377.6)

($1,664)

The tourism expenditure of $1.665 billion does not take into account seasonal adjustments/variations, which may result in even a lower level of receipts from tourism.

In: Economics

Item 7 In the case below, the original source material is given along with a sample...

Item 7

In the case below, the original source material is given along with a sample of student work. Determine the type of plagiarism by clicking the appropriate radio button.

Original Source Material

Student Version

There is a design methodology called rapid prototyping, which has been used successfully in software engineering. Given similarities between software design and instructional design, we argue that rapid prototyping is a viable method for instructional design, especially for computer-based instruction.

References:
Tripp, S. D., & Bichelmeyer, B. A. (1990). Rapid prototyping: An alternative instructional design strategy. Educational Technology Research and Development, 38(1), 31-44.

Rapid prototyping could be an advantageous methodology for developing innovative computer-based instruction (Tripp & Bichelmeyer, 1990).

References:
Tripp, S. D., & Bichelmeyer, B. A. (1990). Rapid prototyping: An alternative instructional design strategy. Educational Technology Research and Development, 38(1), 31-44.

Which of the following is true for the Student Version above?

Word-for-Word plagiarism

Paraphrasing plagiarism

This is not plagiarism

Hints

Item 8

In the case below, the original source material is given along with a sample of student work. Determine the type of plagiarism by clicking the appropriate radio button.

Original Source Material

Student Version

The philosophical position known as constructivism views knowledge as a human construction. The various perspectives within constructivism are based on the premise that knowledge is not part of an objective, external reality that is separate from the individual. Instead, human knowledge, whether the bodies of content in public disciplines (such as mathematics or sociology) or knowledge of the individual learner, is a human construction.

References:
Gredler, M. E. (2001). Learning and instruction: Theory into practice (4th Ed.). Upper Saddle, NJ: Prentice-Hall.

The philosophical position known as constructivism views knowledge as a human construction. The various perspectives within constructivism are based on the premise that knowledge is not part of an objective, external reality that is separate from the individual. Instead, human knowledge is a human construction.

Which of the following is true for the Student Version above?

Word-for-Word plagiarism

Paraphrasing plagiarism

This is not plagiarism

Hints

Item 9

In the case below, the original source material is given along with a sample of student work. Determine the type of plagiarism by clicking the appropriate radio button.

Original Source Material

Student Version

Merck, in fact, epitomizes the ideological nature--the pragmatic idealism--of highly visionary companies. Our research showed that a fundamental element in the "ticking clock" of a visionary company is a core ideology--core values and a sense of purpose beyond just making money--that guides and inspires people throughout the organization and remains relatively fixed for long periods of time.

References:
Collins, J. C., & Porras, J. I. (2002). Built to last: Successful habits of visionary companies. New York, NY: Harper Paperbacks.

While some have identified Merck as a visionary company dedicated to a "core values and a sense of purpose beyond just making money" (Collins & Porras, 2002, p. 48), others point out corporate misdeeds perpetrated by Merck (e.g., its role in establishing a dubious medical journal that republished articles favorable to Merck products) as contradictory evidence.

References:
Collins, J. C., & Porras, J. I. (2002). Built to last: Successful habits of visionary companies. New York, NY: Harper Paperbacks.

Which of the following is true for the Student Version above?

Word-for-Word plagiarism

Paraphrasing plagiarism

This is not plagiarism

Hints

Item 10

In the case below, the original source material is given along with a sample of student work. Determine the type of plagiarism by clicking the appropriate radio button.

Original Source Material

Student Version

The philosophical position known as constructivism views knowledge as a human construction. The various perspectives within constructivism are based on the premise that knowledge is not part of an objective, external reality that is separate from the individual. Instead, human knowledge, whether the bodies of content in public disciplines (such as mathematics or sociology) or knowledge of the individual learner; is a human construction.

References:
Gredler, M. E. (2001). Learning and instruction: Theory into practice (4th Ed.). Upper Saddle, NJ: Prentice-Hall.

"The philosophical position known as constructivism views knowledge as a human construction. The various perspectives within constructivism are based on the premise that knowledge is not part of an objective, external reality that is separate from the individual. Instead, human knowledge is a human construction" (p. 29).

Which of the following is true for the Student Version above?

Word-for-Word plagiarism

Paraphrasing plagiarism

This is not plagiarism

In: Psychology

Q1/ a. For the following three cases, calculate i. The marginal revenue curve ii. The level...

Q1/ a. For the following three cases, calculate

i. The marginal revenue curve

ii. The level of output where MR = MC (i.e., set the equation from item i equal to marginal cost and solve for Q)

iii. The profit-maximizing price (i.e., plug your answer from equation ii into the demand curve)

iv. Total revenue and total cost at this level of output (something you learned in Chapter 11)

v. What entrepreneurs really care about—total profit

Case A: Demand: P = 40 − Q Fixed cost = 100 Marginal cost = 10

Case B: Demand: P = 100 − 2Q Fixed cost = 100 Marginal cost = 10

Case C: Demand: P = 100 − 2Q Fixed cost = 100 Marginal cost = 20.

b. What is the markup in each case? Measure it two ways: first in dollars, as price minus marginal cost, and then as a percentage markup [100 × (P – MC)/MC, reported as a percent].

c. If you solved part b correctly, you found that when costs rose from Case B to Case C, the monopolist’s optimal price increased. Why didn’t the monopolist charge that same higher price when costs were lower? After all, they are a monopolist, so they can charge what price they want. Explain in language that your grandmother could understand.

In: Economics

How profitable are different sectors of the stock market? One way to answer such a question...

How profitable are different sectors of the stock market? One way to answer such a question is to examine profit as a percentage of stockholder equity. A random sample of 28 retail stocks such as Toys 'R' Us, Best Buy, and Gap was studied for x1, profit as a percentage of stockholder equity. The result was x1 = 13.9. A random sample of 36 utility (gas and electric) stocks such as Boston Edison, Wisconsin Energy, and Texas Utilities was studied for x2, profit as a percentage of stockholder equity. The result was x2 = 10.1. Assume that σ1 = 4.6 and σ2 = 4.0.

(a) Categorize the problem below according to parameter being estimated, proportion p, mean μ, difference of means μ1μ2, or difference of proportions p1p2. Then solve the problem.

μ

p1p2  

  μ1μ2

p



(b) Let μ1 represent the population mean profit as a percentage of stockholder equity for retail stocks, and let μ2 represent the population mean profit as a percentage of stockholder equity for utility stocks. Find a 99% confidence interval for μ1μ2. (Use 1 decimal place.)

lower limit
upper limit

(c) Examine the confidence interval and explain what it means in the context of this problem. Does the interval consist of numbers that are all positive? all negative? of different signs? At the 99% level of confidence, does it appear that the profit as a percentage of stockholder equity for retail stocks is higher than that for utility stocks?

Because the interval contains only positive numbers, we can say that the profit as a percentage of stockholder equity is higher for retail stocks.

Because the interval contains both positive and negative numbers, we can not say that the profit as a percentage of stockholder equity is higher for retail stocks.  

  We can not make any conclusions using this confidence interval.

Because the interval contains only negative numbers, we can say that the profit as a percentage of stockholder equity is higher for utility stocks.

In: Statistics and Probability

Friendly company has sold you 10,000 worth of food that will be repaid by payments of $210 per month for the next 15 years.

Friendly company has sold you 10,000 worth of food that will be repaid by payments of $210 per month for the next 15 years.

A. Compute the effective monthly rate

B. What is the annual percentage rate (APR)

C. what is the effective annual rate or equivalent annual return (EAR)


Your spouse wants to buy a new car. the car cost 100,000 and would be financed with monthly payments over an 8-year period. The credit union is offering interest rates of 2.4% APR on monthly car loans.

How much are the payments?


In: Finance

1) A company has improved its production process. Under the old process, 19 workers could produce...

1) A company has improved its production process. Under the old process, 19 workers could produce 4206 units per hours and the materials cost $53 per unit of output. Workers are paid $15 per hour and the finished product is sold for $126 per unit. After the improvement, materials costs have been reduced by $12 per unit of output and it now takes 4 fewer workers to make the same amount of output. What is the percentage change in multifactor productivity? (do not use a % sign, e.g. enter 50% as .5)

In: Operations Management

Search the internet and compare at least three colleges for the following information. Provide the college...

Search the internet and compare at least three colleges for the following information.

  1. Provide the college name.
  2. What is the percent of full time and part-time teachers?
  3. What is the graduation rate?
  4. What is the teacher-to-student ratio?
  5. What is the acceptance rate?
  6. What is the percentage of female-to-male applicants and acceptance?
  7. What is the tuition cost?
  8. Does the college offer the degree/program you are interested in?
  9. Does the college offer both online and face-to-face courses in the degree/program you are interested in?
  10. If you know your SAT or ACT scores, how do they compare to the colleges?

In: Statistics and Probability

Sales $ 471,000 $ 416,000 Cost of goods sold 330,000 268,000 Gross profit $ 141,000 $...

Sales $ 471,000 $ 416,000 Cost of goods sold 330,000 268,000 Gross profit $ 141,000 $ 148,000 Operating expenses 130,000 116,000 Net income $ 11,000 $ 32,000 a. Prepare common size income statements for Price Company, a sole proprietorship, for the two years shown as above by converting the dollar amounts into percentages. For each year, sales will appear as 100 percent and other items will be expressed as a percentage of sales. (Income taxes are not involved as the business is not incorporated.) b. State whether the changes from year 1 to year 2 are favorable or unfavorable.

In: Accounting

Sales $ 471,000 $ 416,000 Cost of goods sold 330,000 268,000 Gross profit $ 141,000 $...

Sales $ 471,000 $ 416,000 Cost of goods sold 330,000 268,000 Gross profit $ 141,000 $ 148,000 Operating expenses 130,000 116,000 Net income $ 11,000 $ 32,000 a. Prepare common size income statements for Price Company, a sole proprietorship, for the two years shown as above by converting the dollar amounts into percentages. For each year, sales will appear as 100 percent and other items will be expressed as a percentage of sales. (Income taxes are not involved as the business is not incorporated.) b. State whether the changes from year 1 to year 2 are favorable or unfavorable.

In: Accounting