Generally it is thought that assignment of property rights leads to efficient use of resources. We noted two cases however (the Latifundio-minifundio system in Latin America, and tenant farming in Asia) where property rights lead to inefficient use of land. Explain why.

Chip wilson has hired goldman sachs, an investment banking company, to assist him with a hostile takeover of lululemon. wilson's goal is to hire a new board of directors because he believes there is a need for a more long-term focus. goldman sachs is a proven firm at making a profit in every move that they make. if the hostile takeover does not pan out, what could be another motive for investors?

Costco wholesale corporation operates membership warehouses selling food, appliances, consumer electronics, apparel and other household goods at 471 locations across the u.s. as well as in canada, mexico and puerto rico. as of its fiscal year-end 2005, costco had approximately 21.2 million members. selected fiscal-year information from the company's balance sheets follows. ($ millions). selected balance sheet data 2005 2004 merchandise inventories $4,015 $3,644 deferred membership income (liability) 501 454 (a) during fiscal 2005, costco collected $1,120 cash for membership fees. use the financial statement effectstemplate to record the cash collected for membership fees. (b) in 2005, costco recorded $46,347 million in merchandise costs (that is, cost of goods sold). record thistransaction in the financial statement effects template. (c) determine the value of merchandise that costco purchased during fiscal-year 2005. use the financial statementeffects template to record these merchandise purchases. assume all of costco's purchases are on credit.

What is one counter argument to the premise that the wealth gap is a serious problem which needs to be addressed?