When companies use automated production processes, they tend to condense the three manufacturing costs into two categories. These categories are: direct and indirect materials. direct costs and indirect materials. indirect materials and conversion costs. direct materials and conversion costs.

Suppose that a government that is skeptical of efforts to regulate prices charged by private companies is nevertheless concerned that an electric utility company is taking advantage of consumers with unfair pricing policies. which of the following policy options might most effectively enable the government to achieve its objectives in this situation? do nothing to all. turn the company into a public enterprise. use antitrust laws to increase competition. regulate the firm's pricing behavior.