Answer:
An opportunity.
Explanation:
Businesses conduct a SWOT analysis when they want to identify their internal weaknesses and strengths, it is also used to identify external opportunity and threats.
Firms use the analysis to develop a competitive strategy in the market by taking advantage of opportunities presented while mitigating risk posed by threats in the industry.
In this scenario Hutchinson Essar obtained a 5.6% stake in Airtel fr Vodafone. This transaction resulted in movement of knowledge and technology previously available to Airtel to one of its competitors.
This was an opportunity for Hutchinson Essar.
For a merchandising company, the cost of goods sold, direct materials, and commissions are <u>variable costs</u>.
<h3>What is a variable cost?</h3>
A variable cost is the cost element that remains constant per unit while the total changes. Other examples of variable costs include direct labor, variable selling and administrative expenses, including commissions and shipping costs.
Thus, for a merchandising company, the cost of goods sold, direct materials, and commissions are all examples of <u>variable costs</u>.
Learn more about variable costs here: brainly.com/question/5965421
