According to Michael Porter, a firm practicing a niche strategy:

a. Has relative market share and emphasizes efficient-scale facilities.
b. Dominates a particular target market although its overall market share may be low.
c. Chooses high-growth markets while holding onto substantial mature markets.
d. Attempts to pioneer in product/market development.
e. Insulates itself from competitive rivalry by creating brand loyalty and the resulting lower sensitivity to price.

Accublade castings inc. casts blades for turbine engines. within the casting department, alloy is first melted in a crucible, then poured into molds to produce the castings. on may 1, there were 230 pounds of alloy in process, which were 60% complete as to conversion. the work in process balance for these 230 pounds was $32,844, determined as follows: exercises during may, the casting department was charged $350,000 for 2,500 pounds of alloy and $19,840 for direct labor. factory overhead is applied to the department at a rate of 150% of direct labor. the department transferred out 2,530 pounds of finished castings to the machining department. the may 31 inventory in process was 44% complete as to conversion. prepare the following may journal entries for the casting department: the materials charged to production the conversion costs charged to production the completed production transferred to the machining department determine the work in process"casting department may 31 balance.

You have recently been made a department head of the new regional office. in getting to know your departmental staff, you have noticed that one of your inexperienced employees is not following through on assigned tasks. she is enthused about her new job and wants to get ahead in the organization. which alternative represents the most effective leadership style: a. discuss the lack of follow-through with her and explore thealternative ways this problem can be solved. b. specify what she must do to complete the tasks but incorporate any suggestions she may have. c. define the steps necessary for her to complete the assigned tasks and monitor her performance frequently. d. let her know about the lack of follow-through and give hermore time to improve her performance.

Carlton industries is considering a new project that they plan to price at $74.00 per unit. the variable costs are estimated at $39.22 per unit and total fixed costs are estimated at $12,085. the initial investment required is $8,000 and the project has an estimated life of 4 years. the firm requires a return of 8 percent. ignore the effect of taxes. what is the degree of operating leverage at the financial break-even level of output?