A)  A bicycle manufacturer currently produces 300,000 units a year and expects output levels to remain steady in the future.  It buys chains from an outside supplier for $2 per chain. The plant manager believes their direct in-house productions costs to make their own chains is $1.50 per chain.  Machinery to manufacture would cost $250,000 and would be obsolete in 10 years. They would use straight-line depreciation for tax purposes to $0 and then can be sold for scrap for $20,000.  Estimation from the plant manager that it would take $50,000 for inventory.

1. Using important formulas and theories within the book, should they continue to outsource or should they manufacture their own chains?

2. What are the pros and cons of each? 

3. What would your recommendation be?

B)  Celebrities/athletes are often hired to "represent" the image of a corporation. On February 9, 2006, XM Satellite announced a three-year, $55 million deal with Oprah Winfrey. The announcement stated that “Oprah and Friends,” a new channel on XM, would begin broadcasting in September 2006. Tiger Woods has had several endorsement deals. 

Please address the following; 

1. Please give at least 2 other examples?

2. Is it good for business? 

3. Why or why not? 

Discussion Instructions:

Discussion posts should be answered with Fundamental Financial merits along with your experiences and opinions.  Please share your experiences and opinions-we will all benefit if you do!  Thank you.   

The primary thread must have a minimum of 200 words. Your Secondary posts must have a minimum of 100 words.

Please put your name into the subject line. 

Provide References.

Please post your initial response on or before Thursday at 23:59 EST. Provide comments on 1 of your classmates’ posts on or before Sunday at 23:59EST. 

If you have any questions, please review the instructions for the discussion board as outlined in the syllabus.