Let me introduce you to Arlene, Boyd, Charlie, and Danielle. They signed up for a course in managerial economics and they have decided to offer you advice on the right answers to questions. This will work as follows:
First, I give you a question or scenario where you have to decide on an answer. You read it.
Second, take a look at the four answers given by our four intrepid students. Each will offer analysis of the question or scenario.
Third, decide which analyst you think has given the best answer. Choose that answer as your own!
The best answer will get full points. Usually, other answers may receive partial credit, though not all of them!
With that in mind, here is your first scenario!
The Japanese Navy in World War II needed to send reinforcements from Rabaul to Lae. They had a choice. They could sail their troop ships around the island of New Britain on the north side, through the Bismarck Sea, or they could sail on the south side through the Solomon Sea. The American forces know this as well, and must decide whether to deploy scouts to the north (Bismarck Sea) or the south (Solomon Sea). The sailing takes three days either way, but there is rain on the north side of the island, so it would take a day for the Americans to find the fleet.
If the Americans scout north and Japan sails north, the Americans will spend a day finding the Japanese and will get two days of bombing. If the Americans scout south and the Japanese sail north, the Americans will lose a day and only get one day of bombing. The weather is clearer on the south. If the Japanese sail south and the Americans scout north, the Americans get two days of bombing since they lose a day. If the Americans scout south, however, they will get three days of bombing. What should the Japanese commander do? How about the American? Briefly explain.
Each of our analysts offers you an answer. Choose the one you think is best.
Question 3 options:
