When opec raised the price of oil dramatically in the mid-1970s, experts said it was unlikely that the cartel could stay together over the long term—that the incentives for individual members to cheat would become too strong. more than forty years later, opec still exists. why do you think opec has been able to beat the odds and continue to collude? hint: you may wish to consider non-economic reasons.

David paid $975,000 for two beachfront lots in coastal south carolina, with the intention of building residential homes on each. two years later, the south carolina legislature passed the beachfront management act, barring any further development of the coast, including david's lots. when david files a complaint to seek compensation for his property, south carolina refuses, pointing to a passage in david's own complaint that states "the beachfront management act [was] properly and validly designed to south carolina's " is south carolina required to compensate david under the takings clause?

Aproperty title search firm is contemplating using online software to increase its search productivity. currently an average of 40 minutes is needed to do a title search. the researcher cost is $2 per minute. clients are charged a fee of $400. company a's software would reduce the average search time by 10 minutes, at a cost of $3.50 per search. company b's software would reduce the average search time by 12 minutes at a cost of $3.60 per search. which option would have the higher productivity in terms of revenue per dollar of input?

Sailcloth & more currently produces boat sails and is considering expanding its operations to include awnings for homes and travel trailers. the company owns land beside its current manufacturing facility that could be used for the expansion. the company bought this land 5 years ago at a cost of $319,000. at the time of purchase, the company paid $24,000 to level out the land so it would be suitable for future use. today, the land is valued at $295,000. the company has some unused equipment that it currently owns valued at $38,000. this equipment could be used for producing awnings if $12,000 is spent for equipment modifications. other equipment costing $490,000 will also be required. what is the amount of the initial cash flow for this expansion project?