Reference no: EM133525834

Question: 1

Head to www.bls.gov and select Multifactor Productivity from the Subject drop-down menu. Scroll down and select the link to the file below or choose your own - as long as you use a fairly recent report, it will not impact your answers.

Multifactor productivity decreases 1.7% in 2020, following a 0.7% increase in 2019

• What has been the general trend for multi-factor productivity in the U.S. over the past 15 years?
• What does this trend suggest has happened to production functions in the U.S.?
• Assuming this change in productivity has happened to all firms, how will this change in productivity affect cost curves?

Question: 2 - Costs

Walmart: Competitive wonder or community nightmare?

One of the most successful firm in US retailing during the last decade is Walmart. Use the links below and answer/address the following:

• Has Walmart's success fulfilled the virtues/characterization of competition often discussed (e.g., lots of firms, low prices, low entry barriers - see chapter 9)?
• Has there been an economic/social cost of Walmart's success?
• List the problems allegedly caused by Walmart for its employees, local communities, consumers, and the environment.
• Discuss the most serious charge against Walmart
• Discuss the most significant benefit Walmart offers