As an MBA Managerial Accounting Student, John has asked you to evaluate the alternatives available and make recommendations as to the best course of action, and present it in a Report to him. In addressing his questions, you are to consider the special order and the outsourcing opportunities as independent situations. Your analysis of each opportunity does NOT consider any impact of the other opportunity - you treat them as if they are isolated and you do not know about the other opportunity.  This may not be the "real world" scenario however it will make the approach less complex.