Question

The Oklahoma City Zoo has proposed adding to their Web site a major segment providing a virtual tour of the grounds and animals, suitable for both routine enjoyment and educational purposes in classrooms. Survey data indicate that this will have either a neutral or positive effect upon actual zoo attendance. The Web site will be professionally done and have an initial cost of $305,000. Upkeep, refreshing the videos, and developing videos for scientific research and entertainment will cost another $80,000 per year. The zoo is expected to be in operation for an indefinite period; however, a study period of only 10 years for the Web site is to be assumed, with only a residual (salvage) value of $63,000 for the archival value being anticipated. Interest is 7%. An estimated 90,000 persons will visit the e-zoo in the first year, increasing by 27,500 each year, and they will receive, on the average, an additional $0.70 of benefit per visit when the new area is complete.
A. What is the B/C ratio?
B. What is the B-C?

Answer 1

Answer:

The Oklahoma City Zoo

A. What is the B/C ratio?

The B/C ratio is the benefit/cost ratio.

B. What is the B-C?

The benefits = $63,000 (90,000 x $0.70)  in the first year

Additional visits = 27,500 x 9 = 247,500

Additional benefits = $173,250 (247,500 x $0.70)

Total benefits = $236,250

The costs =

Initial cost = $305,000

Upkeep, etc = $800,000 ($80,000 x 10 years)

Less salvage value = $63,000

Interest cost = $213,500 (7% of $305,000 x 10 years)

Total costs = $1,255,500

B/C ratio = $236,250/1,255,500 x 100 = 19% approx.

Explanation:

The B/C or Benefit/Cost Ratio is a financial measure that compares the benefits of a project with the costs associated with the project.  It attempts to show how the benefits will outweigh the costs.

The benefits that will accrue from the project when compared to the costs will be 19%.  This implies that less benefit will be derived from the project.