Which employment scenario would not affect the economy adversely?

Results are below.

Explanation:

First, we need to calculate the predetermined overhead rate:

Predetermined manufacturing overhead rate= total estimated overhead costs for the period/ total amount of allocation base

Total number of direct labor hours= (1,000*2) + (2,000*7)= 16,000

Predetermined manufacturing overhead rate= 1,200,000 / 16,000

Predetermined manufacturing overhead rate= $75 per direct labor hour

Now, we allocate overhead to each unit and calculate the unitary cost:

Allocated MOH= Estimated manufacturing overhead rate* Actual amount of allocation base

Mercon:

Allocated MOH= 75*2= $150

Unitary cost= 150 + 8 + 10= $168

Wurcon:

Allocated MOH= 75*7= $525

Unitary cost= 525 + 6 + 11= $542

Finally, using activity-based costing:

Mercon Wurcon Total

Engineering design time (in hours) 1,000 1,000 2,000

Direct labor-hours 2,000 14,000 16,000

Engineering= 600,000 / 2,000= $300 per design hour

Direct labor= 600,000 / 16,000= $37.5 per direct labor hour

Mercon:

Allocated MOH= 37.5*2 + 300*1= $375

Unitary cost= 375 + 8 + 10= $393

Wurcon:

Allocated MOH= 37.5*7 + 300*0.5= $412.5

Unitary cost= 412.5 + 6 + 11= $429.5