"East West Distributing is in the process of trying to determine where they should schedule next year's production of a popular line of kitchen utensils that they distribute. Manufacturers in four different countries have submitted bids to East West. However, a pending trade bill in Congress will greatly affect the cost to East West due to proposed tariffs, favorable trading status, etc.
After careful analysis, East West has determined the following cost breakdown for the four manufacturers (in $1,000's) based on whether or not the trade bill passes:
Bill Passes Bill Fails
Country A 260 210
Country B 320 160
Country C 240 240
Country D 275 210
a. If East West estimates that there is a 40% chance of the bill passing, which country should they choose for manufacturing?
b. Over what range of values for the 'bill passing' will the solution in part (a) remain optimal?