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Chapter Exercises
1.15 One solution to the principal–agent problem in restaurants is the system in which waiters and waitresses in restaurants work for tips as well as for a small boss salary. Discuss a potential problem for management with this type of revenue-based incentive scheme. 1.16 Employese of fast-food restaurants who work directly with customers do not earn tips like waiters and waitresses. Discuss possible solutions to the manager–worker/principal–agent problem in fast-food restaurants. 1.17 Explain why frequent spot checks by managers to encourage workers to put forth their best effort may not always be in the best interest of the firm’s owners. 1.18 Under what condition is the assumption of profit maximization equivalent to shareholder wealth maximization? 1.19 In practice, what is a good approximation of the risk-free rate of return on an investment? 1.20 As a practical matter, how would you estimate the risk premium on an investment? 1.21 Discuss several reasons why a firm in a competitive industry might earn above-normal profits in the short run. Will these above-normal profits persist in the long run? Explain. 1.22 Firms that earn zero economic profit should close their doors and seek alternative investment opportunities. Do you agree? Explain. 1.23 What is likely to happen to the price, quantity, and quality of products produced by firms in competitive industries earning above normal profits? Explain. Cite an example.
CHAPTER EXERCISES 1.1 Tilly’s Trilbies has estimated the following revenues and expenditures for the next fiscal year: Revenues Cost of goods sold Cost of labor Advertising Insurance Rent Miscellaneous expenses
$6,800,000 5,000,000 1,000,000 100,000 50,000 350,000 100,000
a. Calculate Tilly’s accounting profit. b. Suppose that to open her trilby business, Tilly gave up a $250,000 per year job as a buyer at the exclusive Hammocker Shlumper department store. Calculate Tilly’s economic profit.
