The first step in problem solving is a. definition of decision variables. b. the identification of a difference between the actual and desired state of affairs. c. determination of the correct analytical solution procedure. d. implementation.

Which of the following statements is true regarding the reporting of outside interests and the management of conflicts? investigators are responsible for developing their own management plans for significant financial interests. the institution must report identified financial conflicts of interest to the u.s. office of research integrity. investigators must disclose their significant financial interests related to their institutional responsibilities and not just those related to a particular project. investigators must disclose all of their financial interests regardless of whether they are related to a research project.

Rachel died in 2014 and her executor is finalizing her estate tax return. the executor has determined that rachel’s adjusted gross estate is $10,120,000 and that her estate is entitled to a charitable deduction in the amount of $500,000. using 2014 rates, calculate the estate tax liability for rachel’s estate.

Google started as one of many internet search engines, amazon started as an online book seller, and ebay began as a site where people could sell used personal items in auctions. these firms have grown to be so large and dominant that they are facing antitrust scrutiny from competition regulators in the us and elsewhere. did these online giants grow by fairly beating competition, or did they use unfair advantages? are there any clouds on the horizon for these firms -- could they face diseconomies of scale or diseconomies of scope as they continue to grow? if so, what factors may limit their continued growth?