The essential difference between a command economy and a market economy is that in a market economy

a
the prices of products and resources are largely determined by government regulation of businesses.
b
buyers and sellers determine resource allocation.
c
central planning creates an effective incentive system for consumers and producers.
d
shortages occur more often than surpluses.

In its 2016 annual report, caterpillar inc. reported the following (in millions): 2016 2015 sales $38,537 $47,011 cost of goods sold 28,309 33,546 as a percentage of sales, did caterpillar's gross profit increase or decrease during 2016? select one: a. gross profit increased from 26.8% to 28.6% b. gross profit decreased from 28.6% to 26.5% c. gross profit increased from 71.4% to 73.2% d. gross profit decreased from 73.2% to 71.4% e. there is not enough information to answer the question.

Walmart’s scm system walmart is famous for its low prices, and you may have experienced its low prices first-hand. at least, you have probably seen its motto, “always low prices— always.” one of the biggest reasons walmart is able to sell at prices lower than almost everyone else is that it has a superefficient supply chain. its it-enabled supply chain management system is the envy of the industry because it drives excess time and unnecessary costs out of the supply chain. so, because walmart can buy low, it sells low. as a matter of fact, if your company wants to sell items to walmart for it to sell in its stores, you will have to do business with it electronically. if your company can’t do that, walmart won’t buy anything from you. log on to walmart’s web site (), search for supplier information, and find out what walmart’s requirements are for its suppliers to do business with it electronically. prepare a brief summary of its requirements for presentation in clas

You are chairman of the board of a successful technology firm. there is a nominal federal corporate tax rate of 35 percent, yet the effective tax rate of the typical corporation is about 12.6%. your firm has been clever with use of transfer pricing and keeping money abroad and has barely paid any taxes over the last 5 years; during this same time period, profits were $28 billion. one member of the board feels that it is un-american to use various accounting strategies in order to avoid paying taxes. others feel that these are legal loopholes and corporations have a fiduciary responsibility to minimize taxes. one board member quoted what the ceo of exxon once said: “i’m not a u.s. company and i don’t make decisions based on what’s good for the u.s.” what are the alternatives? what are your recommendations? why do you recommend this course of action?