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Over time, the costs of processing go down because organizations learn
[#permalink]
Updated on: 31 Dec 2023, 02:09
Updated on: 31 Dec 2023, 02:09
QUESTION
The following appeared as part of an Annual Report sent to stockholders by Olympic Foods, a processor of frozen foods :
“Over time, the costs of processing go down because organizations learn how to do things better, they become more efficient. In color film processing, for example, the cost of a 3-by-5-inch print fell from 50 cents for a five-day service in 1970 to 20 cents for a one-day service in 1984. The same principle applies to the processing of food. And since Olympic Foods will soon celebrate its twenty-fifth birthday, we can expect that our long experience will enable us to minimize costs and thus maximize profits.”
Discuss how well-reasoned you find this argument. In your discussion be sure to analyze the line of reasoning and the use of evidence in the argument. For example, you may need to consider what questionable assumptions underlie the thinking and what alternative explanations or counterexamples might weaken the conclusion. You can also discuss what sort of evidence would strengthen or refute the argument, what changes in the argument would make it more logically sound, and what, if anything, would help you better evaluate its conclusion.
ESSAY
The argument under reference highlights 'possible' decrease in food processing costs of Olympic Foods due to long experience in the relevant field. The author derives such rosy futuristic prediction citing 'assumed' similarity between film processing costs and food processing costs, which have markedly decreased over a period of fifteen years from 1970 to 1984.
The 'sole' premise of decrease in film processing costs, as also its extension to food processing costs, is also devoid of relevant evidence. Besides, the argument fails to provide suitable examples to support the increase in efficiency of Olympic Foods over a period of last twenty-five years. The lack of evidence and supporting evidence make the argument unconvincing, as also the argument suffers from several other critical flaws.
First, there is a pronounced difference between the constituents and functioning of the film processing work vis-a-vis food processing job. While the former may get cheaper due to the onset of advanced technology, the latter is primarily dependent on availability of cheap raw material and factory labour.
Second, the author has not furnished supporting evidence to highlight the manner in which the efficiency of the employed labour has increased over the two decades. There is also no mention of technological advancement, enabling such decrease in processing costs of food processing.
Third, the argument also lacks supporting comparative matrix regarding variation in costs of constituents, viz. raw material, technical manpower, government taxes etc. affecting the sale prices post food processing. There is also a high probability of such costs getting higher due to inflationary pressures.
In conclusion, the argument in its present structure, sounds void owing to lack of supporting evidence. To strengthen the conclusion, the author should furnish relevant proof in the form of examples/counterexamples as well as relevant data pertaining to envisaged decrease in costs with time and experience.
The following appeared as part of an Annual Report sent to stockholders by Olympic Foods, a processor of frozen foods :
“Over time, the costs of processing go down because organizations learn how to do things better, they become more efficient. In color film processing, for example, the cost of a 3-by-5-inch print fell from 50 cents for a five-day service in 1970 to 20 cents for a one-day service in 1984. The same principle applies to the processing of food. And since Olympic Foods will soon celebrate its twenty-fifth birthday, we can expect that our long experience will enable us to minimize costs and thus maximize profits.”
Discuss how well-reasoned you find this argument. In your discussion be sure to analyze the line of reasoning and the use of evidence in the argument. For example, you may need to consider what questionable assumptions underlie the thinking and what alternative explanations or counterexamples might weaken the conclusion. You can also discuss what sort of evidence would strengthen or refute the argument, what changes in the argument would make it more logically sound, and what, if anything, would help you better evaluate its conclusion.
ESSAY
The argument under reference highlights 'possible' decrease in food processing costs of Olympic Foods due to long experience in the relevant field. The author derives such rosy futuristic prediction citing 'assumed' similarity between film processing costs and food processing costs, which have markedly decreased over a period of fifteen years from 1970 to 1984.
The 'sole' premise of decrease in film processing costs, as also its extension to food processing costs, is also devoid of relevant evidence. Besides, the argument fails to provide suitable examples to support the increase in efficiency of Olympic Foods over a period of last twenty-five years. The lack of evidence and supporting evidence make the argument unconvincing, as also the argument suffers from several other critical flaws.
First, there is a pronounced difference between the constituents and functioning of the film processing work vis-a-vis food processing job. While the former may get cheaper due to the onset of advanced technology, the latter is primarily dependent on availability of cheap raw material and factory labour.
Second, the author has not furnished supporting evidence to highlight the manner in which the efficiency of the employed labour has increased over the two decades. There is also no mention of technological advancement, enabling such decrease in processing costs of food processing.
Third, the argument also lacks supporting comparative matrix regarding variation in costs of constituents, viz. raw material, technical manpower, government taxes etc. affecting the sale prices post food processing. There is also a high probability of such costs getting higher due to inflationary pressures.
In conclusion, the argument in its present structure, sounds void owing to lack of supporting evidence. To strengthen the conclusion, the author should furnish relevant proof in the form of examples/counterexamples as well as relevant data pertaining to envisaged decrease in costs with time and experience.
Originally posted by rn1112 on 12 Jan 2023, 02:05.
Last edited by Sajjad1994 on 31 Dec 2023, 02:09, edited 8 times in total.
Last edited by Sajjad1994 on 31 Dec 2023, 02:09, edited 8 times in total.
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Re: Over time, the costs of processing go down because organizations learn
[#permalink]
12 Jan 2023, 02:22
12 Jan 2023, 02:22
Expert Reply
AWA Score: 5.5 out of 6
Coherence and connectivity: 5/5
This rating corresponds to the flow of ideas and expressions from one paragraph to another. The effective use of connectives and coherence of assertive language in arguing for/against the argument is analyzed. This is deemed as one of the most important parameters.
Paragraph structure and formation: 4/5
The structure and division of the attempt into appropriate paragraphs are evaluated. To score well on this parameter, it is important to organize the attempt into paragraphs. Preferable to follow the convention of leaving a line blank at the end of each paragraph, to make the software aware of the structure of the essay.
Vocabulary and word expression: 5/5
This parameter rates the submitted essay on the range of relevant vocabulary possessed by the candidate basis the word and expression usage. There are no extra- points for bombastic word usage. Simple is the best form of suave!
Coherence and connectivity: 5/5
This rating corresponds to the flow of ideas and expressions from one paragraph to another. The effective use of connectives and coherence of assertive language in arguing for/against the argument is analyzed. This is deemed as one of the most important parameters.
Paragraph structure and formation: 4/5
The structure and division of the attempt into appropriate paragraphs are evaluated. To score well on this parameter, it is important to organize the attempt into paragraphs. Preferable to follow the convention of leaving a line blank at the end of each paragraph, to make the software aware of the structure of the essay.
Vocabulary and word expression: 5/5
This parameter rates the submitted essay on the range of relevant vocabulary possessed by the candidate basis the word and expression usage. There are no extra- points for bombastic word usage. Simple is the best form of suave!
Good Luck
rn1112 wrote:
QUESTION
The following appeared as part of an Annual Report sent to stockholders by Olympic Foods, a processor of frozen foods :
“Over time, the costs of processing go down because organizations learn how to do things better, they become more efficient. In color film processing, for example, the cost of a 3-by-5-inch print fell from 50 cents for a five-day service in 1970 to 20 cents for a one-day service in 1984. The same principle applies to the processing of food. And since Olympic Foods will soon celebrate its twenty-fifth birthday, we can expect that our long experience will enable us to maximize costs and thus maximize profits.”
Discuss how well-reasoned you find this argument. In your discussion be sure to analyze the line of reasoning and the use of evidence in the argument. For example, you may need to consider what questionable assumptions underlie the thinking and what alternative explanations or counterexamples might weaken the conclusion. You can also discuss what sort of evidence would strengthen or refute the argument, what changes in the argument would make it more logically sound, and what, if anything, would help you better evaluate its conclusion.
ESSAY
The argument under reference highlights 'possible' decrease in food processing costs of Olympic Foods due to long experience in the relevant field. The author derives such rosy futuristic prediction citing 'assumed' similarity between film processing costs and food processing costs, which have markedly decreased over a period of fifteen years from 1970 to 1984.
The 'sole' premise of decrease in film processing costs, as also its extension to food processing costs, is also devoid of relevant evidence. Besides, the argument fails to provide suitable examples to support the increase in efficiency of Olympic Foods over a period of last twenty-five years. The lack of evidence and supporting evidence make the argument unconvincing, as also the argument suffers from several other critical flaws.
First, there is a pronounced difference between the constituents and functioning of the film processing work vis-a-vis food processing job. While the former may get cheaper due to the onset of advanced technology, the latter is primarily dependent on availability of cheap raw material and factory labour.
Second, the author has not furnished supporting evidence to highlight the manner in which the efficiency of the employed labour has increased over the two decades. There is also no mention of technological advancement, enabling such decrease in processing costs of food processing.
Third, the argument also lacks supporting comparative matrix regarding variation in costs of constituents, viz. raw material, technical manpower, government taxes etc. affecting the sale prices post food processing. There is also a high probability of such costs getting higher due to inflationary pressures.
In conclusion, the argument in its present structure, sounds void owing to lack of supporting evidence. To strengthen the conclusion, the author should furnish relevant proof in the form of examples/counterexamples as well as relevant data pertaining to envisaged decrease in costs with time and experience.
The following appeared as part of an Annual Report sent to stockholders by Olympic Foods, a processor of frozen foods :
“Over time, the costs of processing go down because organizations learn how to do things better, they become more efficient. In color film processing, for example, the cost of a 3-by-5-inch print fell from 50 cents for a five-day service in 1970 to 20 cents for a one-day service in 1984. The same principle applies to the processing of food. And since Olympic Foods will soon celebrate its twenty-fifth birthday, we can expect that our long experience will enable us to maximize costs and thus maximize profits.”
Discuss how well-reasoned you find this argument. In your discussion be sure to analyze the line of reasoning and the use of evidence in the argument. For example, you may need to consider what questionable assumptions underlie the thinking and what alternative explanations or counterexamples might weaken the conclusion. You can also discuss what sort of evidence would strengthen or refute the argument, what changes in the argument would make it more logically sound, and what, if anything, would help you better evaluate its conclusion.
ESSAY
The argument under reference highlights 'possible' decrease in food processing costs of Olympic Foods due to long experience in the relevant field. The author derives such rosy futuristic prediction citing 'assumed' similarity between film processing costs and food processing costs, which have markedly decreased over a period of fifteen years from 1970 to 1984.
The 'sole' premise of decrease in film processing costs, as also its extension to food processing costs, is also devoid of relevant evidence. Besides, the argument fails to provide suitable examples to support the increase in efficiency of Olympic Foods over a period of last twenty-five years. The lack of evidence and supporting evidence make the argument unconvincing, as also the argument suffers from several other critical flaws.
First, there is a pronounced difference between the constituents and functioning of the film processing work vis-a-vis food processing job. While the former may get cheaper due to the onset of advanced technology, the latter is primarily dependent on availability of cheap raw material and factory labour.
Second, the author has not furnished supporting evidence to highlight the manner in which the efficiency of the employed labour has increased over the two decades. There is also no mention of technological advancement, enabling such decrease in processing costs of food processing.
Third, the argument also lacks supporting comparative matrix regarding variation in costs of constituents, viz. raw material, technical manpower, government taxes etc. affecting the sale prices post food processing. There is also a high probability of such costs getting higher due to inflationary pressures.
In conclusion, the argument in its present structure, sounds void owing to lack of supporting evidence. To strengthen the conclusion, the author should furnish relevant proof in the form of examples/counterexamples as well as relevant data pertaining to envisaged decrease in costs with time and experience.
Re: Over time, the costs of processing go down because organizations learn
[#permalink]
28 Dec 2023, 13:47
28 Dec 2023, 13:47
Hi, I would like feedback on my attempt on writing an essay on this prompt as well if possible thanks in advanced!
Essay:
The argument presents the claim that for Olympic Foods, because it will soon be celebrating its 25th birthday, can expect that their lengthy experience will allow them to minimize cost and maximize profits. However, this argument is based on a lack of concrete evidence, baseless jumps to conclusions, and evidence that does not particularly pertain to the topic at hand. As a result, the argument is weak, unconvincing, and filled with several flaws.
To begin with, the argument states that over time, processing costs go down because organizations become efficient as they learn to do things better, and uses color film processing as an example. But this statement presents a plethora of flaws that makes it a weak argument. Firstly, there are a multitude of other reasons that color film processing’s cost could have fell between the 50 cent and 20 cent pricings, including but not limited to: a change in the weight of currency, a difference in demand of color film processing technology, or simply scaling advantages. Without any concrete depth into the details of why the price of color film processing fell over the years, one cannot immediately attribute this change to simply becoming more efficient, and the argument could have been more convincing had this information been presented.
Second, the argument mentions that the same principle discussed previously also applies to food processing. However, film production and food processing are 2 completely differently industries, and there is no backing proof that shows that these trends would be noticeable in both fields. While on one hand, it may be possible for food processing to be cheaper thanks to more efficient practices, if on the other hand demand for said food products is not up to standard, or if the ingredients required to process this food is rather pricey, then the overall cost is going to increase regardless. Additionally, one cannot forget about the cost of paying workers who run these processing units, and maintenance of the processing machines themselves. Consequently, there is no guarantee that the same trends that were noticed in a niche field like color film processing will be observed in a much broader field and very different field like food processing.
Finally, it is proclaimed by the argument that because Olympic Foods’ 25th anniversary is coming soon, the company can expected minimized costs and maximized profits simultaneously thanks to its long experience. However, not only does the previously discussed evidence have essentially nothing to do with supporting the claim that a company’s anniversary would have any impact on costs or profits, but the statement itself is flawed because it fails to take into consideration other factors that do affects the company’s costs and profits. As an example, certain food products are easier to get in certain seasons over others, ranging from plant based foods like jackfruit to seafood like wild caught salmon. Therefore, if this company’s anniversary happened to be off-season for these seasonal foods, not only would the cost of these ingredients go up, but customers may not be as inclined to buy those products, resulting in a decrease in projected profits. Additionally, Olympic Foods’ claim that their long experience would help them in this endeavor is unfortunately baseless, as the argument fails to realize possibilities such as the fact they may have other competitors who despite not being in business as long as Olympic Foods could potentially still have a stronger and more positive reputation with their customer base. In order to better strengthen this claim, the argument should provide evidence that correlates their 25 years worth of experience as well as discuss any successes that came from any of their previous anniversaries to better convince the stockholders that this 25th anniversary will meet its intended goal.
In conclusion, the argument presented by Olympic Foods is flawed and unconvincing due to its lack of ability to present solid evidence that back its claims and making baseless conclusions derivative of the little amount of evidence that they do attempt to provide. It could be strengthened if the author took time to explain how trends noticed in the color film processing industry could be tied to potential trends in the food processing industry, as well as providing supporting proof of their upcoming anniversary’s potential to maximize their profits and minimize their costs.
Essay:
The argument presents the claim that for Olympic Foods, because it will soon be celebrating its 25th birthday, can expect that their lengthy experience will allow them to minimize cost and maximize profits. However, this argument is based on a lack of concrete evidence, baseless jumps to conclusions, and evidence that does not particularly pertain to the topic at hand. As a result, the argument is weak, unconvincing, and filled with several flaws.
To begin with, the argument states that over time, processing costs go down because organizations become efficient as they learn to do things better, and uses color film processing as an example. But this statement presents a plethora of flaws that makes it a weak argument. Firstly, there are a multitude of other reasons that color film processing’s cost could have fell between the 50 cent and 20 cent pricings, including but not limited to: a change in the weight of currency, a difference in demand of color film processing technology, or simply scaling advantages. Without any concrete depth into the details of why the price of color film processing fell over the years, one cannot immediately attribute this change to simply becoming more efficient, and the argument could have been more convincing had this information been presented.
Second, the argument mentions that the same principle discussed previously also applies to food processing. However, film production and food processing are 2 completely differently industries, and there is no backing proof that shows that these trends would be noticeable in both fields. While on one hand, it may be possible for food processing to be cheaper thanks to more efficient practices, if on the other hand demand for said food products is not up to standard, or if the ingredients required to process this food is rather pricey, then the overall cost is going to increase regardless. Additionally, one cannot forget about the cost of paying workers who run these processing units, and maintenance of the processing machines themselves. Consequently, there is no guarantee that the same trends that were noticed in a niche field like color film processing will be observed in a much broader field and very different field like food processing.
Finally, it is proclaimed by the argument that because Olympic Foods’ 25th anniversary is coming soon, the company can expected minimized costs and maximized profits simultaneously thanks to its long experience. However, not only does the previously discussed evidence have essentially nothing to do with supporting the claim that a company’s anniversary would have any impact on costs or profits, but the statement itself is flawed because it fails to take into consideration other factors that do affects the company’s costs and profits. As an example, certain food products are easier to get in certain seasons over others, ranging from plant based foods like jackfruit to seafood like wild caught salmon. Therefore, if this company’s anniversary happened to be off-season for these seasonal foods, not only would the cost of these ingredients go up, but customers may not be as inclined to buy those products, resulting in a decrease in projected profits. Additionally, Olympic Foods’ claim that their long experience would help them in this endeavor is unfortunately baseless, as the argument fails to realize possibilities such as the fact they may have other competitors who despite not being in business as long as Olympic Foods could potentially still have a stronger and more positive reputation with their customer base. In order to better strengthen this claim, the argument should provide evidence that correlates their 25 years worth of experience as well as discuss any successes that came from any of their previous anniversaries to better convince the stockholders that this 25th anniversary will meet its intended goal.
In conclusion, the argument presented by Olympic Foods is flawed and unconvincing due to its lack of ability to present solid evidence that back its claims and making baseless conclusions derivative of the little amount of evidence that they do attempt to provide. It could be strengthened if the author took time to explain how trends noticed in the color film processing industry could be tied to potential trends in the food processing industry, as well as providing supporting proof of their upcoming anniversary’s potential to maximize their profits and minimize their costs.
