The consideration of opportunity costs

Explain why the consideration of opportunity costs may be very relevant to a firm. How can opportunity costs affect a business decision? Use an example to support your answer.

Full Answer Section

In the example above, if the business believes that the marketing campaign will generate more profits than expanding production capacity, then it should invest in the marketing campaign. However, if the business believes that expanding production capacity will generate more profits than the marketing campaign, then it should expand production capacity.

The consideration of opportunity costs can be very relevant to a firm because it can help the firm make more profitable decisions. By considering the opportunity costs of each decision, the firm can make sure that it is not making a decision that will lead to lost profits.

Here are some other examples of how opportunity costs can affect business decisions:

  • A company is considering whether to open a new factory in China or in the United States. The opportunity cost of opening the factory in China would be the lost profits from opening the factory in the United States. The opportunity cost of opening the factory in the United States would be the lost profits from opening the factory in China.
  • A company is considering whether to develop a new product or to improve its existing products. The opportunity cost of developing a new product would be the lost profits from improving the existing products. The opportunity cost of improving the existing products would be the lost profits from developing a new product.
  • A company is considering whether to expand its sales force or to invest in new marketing technology. The opportunity cost of expanding the sales force would be the lost profits from investing in new marketing technology. The opportunity cost of investing in new marketing technology would be the lost profits from expanding the sales force.

By considering the opportunity costs of each decision, businesses can make more informed decisions that will lead to higher profits.

Sample Answer

Opportunity cost is the value of the next best alternative that is foregone when a decision is made. It is an important concept for businesses to consider because it can help them make more informed decisions about how to allocate their resources.

For example, a business may be considering whether to invest in a new marketing campaign or to expand its production capacity. The opportunity cost of investing in the marketing campaign would be the lost profits from expanding production capacity. The opportunity cost of expanding production capacity would be the lost profits from the marketing campaign.

By considering the opportunity costs of each decision, the business can make a more informed decision about which option is the best for its long-term profitability.