“IBM
is investing $3 billion in a private-public partnership with New York State, GlobalFoundries, Samsung and equipment vendors,”
to
create
ultradense computer chips (John Markoff,
New York Times,
July 9, 2015).
TOTALLY MADE-UP SCENARIO:
Suppose that during their affiliation, Samsung has paid IBM $200 million for creating a special version of these ultradense chips for Android products. Suppose further that the contract included certain requirements for size, speed and other qualities. Then suppose that after beta testing these chips, Samsung
claimed
that IBM’s efforts failed to live up to their contractual agreements.
(2 points each: 1 for explaining the concept, and 1 for applying it correctly)
a. Was either party earning rent? What assumptions do you have to make to assert this?
b. Was either party earning quasi-rent? What assumptions do you have to make to assert this?
c. Could IBM have
held up
Samsung? And/or could Samsung have
held up
IBM? Explain.