ms2001_2026T2_Q1_NA.pdf
Business Data Management(BDM) · Quiz 1 · May 2026
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Questions and published explanations below are available without starting a test. Some questions may not have a published solution yet.
Question 2 MCQ · 1.0 marks
What is the primary definition of **'needs'** in economics?
Goods that enhance quality of life
Essential requirements for survival and well-being such as food, clothing, and
shelter
Products people wish to buy but cannot afford
Items available in unlimited supply
A published solution is not available for this question yet.
Question 3 MCQ · 1.0 marks
Which of the following best describes the term **'insatiable wants'**?
Wants that can be fully satisfied over time
Wants that are limited in nature
Unlimited human wants that are never fully satisfied
Wants that are only driven by affordability
A published solution is not available for this question yet.
Question 4 MCQ · 1.0 marks
Economics is best described as:
The study of money and banking only
The science of constrained choices and allocation of scarce resources to meet
unlimited human wants
A guaranteed path to business success
The study of government taxation
A published solution is not available for this question yet.
Question 5 MCQ · 1.0 marks
Which of the following is an example of a **'free good'** in economics?
A loaf of bread
A bottle of mineral water
Air
A government-subsidized medicine
A published solution is not available for this question yet.
Question 6 MCQ · 1.0 marks
Microeconomics focuses on:
The economy, including GDP and inflation
Government budget allocation at a national level
Smaller parts of the economy such as individual consumers and businesses
International trade policies
A published solution is not available for this question yet.
Question 7 MCQ · 1.0 marks
Which of the following goods would most likely have inelastic demand?
Luxury handbags
Restaurant meals
Mobile phones
Branded clothing
None of these
A published solution is not available for this question yet.
Question 8 MCQ · 2.0 marks
Amazon prime raises subscription prices and many subscribers cancel. This is an example of:
Inelastic demand, because many people cancelled
Elastic demand, because the quantity demanded responded substantially to
the price change
Unit elastic demand, because the change in demand was proportional
Perfectly inelastic demand, because Amazon Prime is a necessity
A published solution is not available for this question yet.
Question 9 MCQ · 2.0 marks
In which of the below mentioned context is purchase volume is a better yardstick to differentiate
than purchase value
In B2C and sometimes B2B
In B2B but not B2C
Both B2C and B2B
None of these
A published solution is not available for this question yet.
Question 10 MCQ · 2.0 marks
The committee for IIT M BS Cultural Fest Paradox 2027 was formed. They decided to order newer
hoodies, since there were a lot of student complaints on the product quality of hoodies that was
sold earlier. A demand of 2000 hoodies was forecasted based on prior estimates. Each hoodie was
to roughly cost 2000 rupees. Brand ASA was chosen as the new supplier. However, they were
unable to make the customizations. Each customization (Name, Hoodie Number and IIT M logo)
cost 200 rupees/ hoodie. AJB was selected as vendor to customize them. Given the expenses
involved a committee was involved that monitored the purchases made. The buying situations
here are
New task and straight rebuy
New task and modified rebuy
Modified rebuy and straight rebuy
Modified rebuy and new task
New task and new task
A published solution is not available for this question yet.
Question 11 MCQ · 2.0 marks
If the price of petrol increases by 10% and quantity demanded falls by only 3%, the PED ratio is
approximately:
3.33 — elastic
0.3 — inelastic
1.0 — unit elastic
10.0 — perfectly elastic
A published solution is not available for this question yet.
Question 12 MCQ · 2.0 marks
Which of the following correctly distinguishes **'wants'** from **'desire'** in economics?
Wants are unlimited; desires are limited
Wants enhance quality of life while desire is constrained by affordability — a
person may desire something but lack the purchasing power to demand it
Desire is always backed by purchasing power; wants are not
Wants and desires are interchangeable terms in economics
A published solution is not available for this question yet.
Question 13 MCQ · 2.0 marks
Suppose conflict escalates between the **US** **and** **Iran**. This conflict leads to a naval blockade in the
Strait of Hormuz, a critical transit route through which 20% of the world's crude oil passes. At the
same time, widespread panic drives regular consumers and commercial airlines to stockpile fuel
out of fear that supplies will dry up by the following week. This sudden surge in panic buying,
happening along with the supply disruption, creates a severe oil shortage.
How do these two events happening at the exact same time affect the global equilibrium price (P*)
and equilibrium quantity (Q*) of crude oil?
Price will decrease; Quantity will increase.
Price will increase; Quantity change is uncertain
Price change is uncertain; Quantity will decrease.
Price will increase; Quantity will decrease.
A published solution is not available for this question yet.
Question 14 MCQ · 2.0 marks
Assume, Apple launches its latest flagship iPhone-17. Simultaneously, two market forces occur:
First, a **global semiconductor microchip shortage** severely limits manufacturing output due to
trade deal tariff issues. Second, **Google launches an aggressive marketing campaign** during
**2026 ICC Men's T20 World Cup**, that successfully convinces millions of premium smartphone
users to switch to Android devices.
Assuming the drop in iPhone consumer demand is identical in magnitude to the drop in
production supply, what will happen to the equilibrium price (P*) and quantity (Q*) of the new
iPhone?
Price will remain unchanged; Quantity will decrease.
Price will increase; Quantity will remain unchanged.
Price will decrease; Quantity will decrease.
Price will remain unchanged; Quantity will increase.
A published solution is not available for this question yet.
Question 15 MCQ · 2.0 marks
[[IMAGE:5c44efc806a4b395_6_2]]
**Use the above diagram as your geometric guide for the Question below**
The student-run night canteen at IIT Madras faces a sudden supply shock due to a harvest failure
in villages near Chennai, causing onion prices to rise. Baseline Equilibrium E is indicated by a
green dot in the figure. Based on the graph, what is the initial equilibrium price (P*) per kilogram
and the total baseline revenue generated by the onion suppliers?

P* = ₹100; Total Revenue = 0
P* = ₹80; Total Revenue = ₹1,600
P* = ₹50; Total Revenue = ₹2,500
P* =₹50; Total Revenue = ₹5,000
A published solution is not available for this question yet.
Question 16 MCQ · 3.0 marks
Which of the following correctly distinguish microeconomics from macroeconomics?
i) Microeconomics studies the impact of Trump tariffs on individual Indian businesses;
Macroeconomics studies the impact on India's overall GDP and employment rate.
ii) Microeconomics uses a top-down approach; Macroeconomics uses a bottom-up approach.
iii) Macroeconomics focuses on how an IPL franchise allocates its budget across players.
iv) Both micro and macroeconomics involve constrained choices and optimization under resource
limitations.
v) Micro refers to small or makro and Macro refers to large or mikro.
i, ii, iii, iv, v
i, iv, v
i, ii, v
i, iii, iv
None of these
A published solution is not available for this question yet.
Question 17 MCQ · 3.0 marks
Agreements and contracts are higher in B2B mainly in comparison to B2C since
The customer is a business entity
The purchase volume is high
The purchase value is higher
Many people are involved in decision making
All of these
A published solution is not available for this question yet.
Question 18 MCQ · 3.0 marks
A farmer's association argues that **'good news for farming'** (a bumper crop/excellent harvest) can
sometimes be **'bad news for farmers'** financially. Which economic concept best explains this
paradox?
The Law of Supply — higher supply always increases revenue
Inelastic demand for agricultural produce — a large increase in supply causes
a proportionately larger fall in price, reducing total revenue
Economies of scope — producing more variety increases costs
Elastic demand — consumers buy significantly more when prices fall,
maintaining revenue
A published solution is not available for this question yet.
Question 19 MCQ · 3.0 marks
**Mini Case Study**
**The Economics of a Campus Mess: How Price Controls Create Shortages In the IIT Madras**
**campus**
In the IIT Madras campus, "R-Goura's" is a private contract student dining mess that serves
approximately 400 to 500 students per semester. At the beginning of each academic term,
students register their preferences among 10 available campus messes. Due to high demand for
certain dining options, a computerized random selection process finalizes students’ allocation. R-
Goura's distinguishes itself by offering a dynamic, rotating menu for a standard 4-course meal
that is high in demand.
**The Economic problems for R-Goura's Mess:**
To provide financial predictability for students, the institute mandates that subscription rates are
strictly fixed for the entire semester. R-Goura's cannot alter its prices in between semester **(Price**
**inelastic)**, regardless of fluctuations in commodity prices, supply chain disruptions, or shifts in
student preferences .
Let us assume that at the start of the semester, the equilibrium price for a semester-long premium
mess subscription under normal market conditions is calculated to be ₹15,000 per student. At this
rate, exactly 450 students want to join, matching the mess’s optimal operational capacity.
However, the student senate and administration cap the maximum allowable semester rate at
₹12,000 per student. Midway through the semester, a sudden surge in gas prices, wholesale
vegetable and fuel prices happened due to US-Iran geopolitical tensions, resulting in a shift in the
operational cost structures across campus.
Answer the subquestions based on your understanding of how supply, demand, and market
equilibrium principles apply to this case study.
Prior to the price cap, what was the natural equilibrium price (P*) and equilibrium quantity (Q*) of
students that R-Goura's would host without administrative intervention?
P* = ₹15,000; Q* = 450 students
P* = ₹16,500; Q* = 420 students
P* = ₹12,000; Q* = 330 students
P* = ₹14,000; Q* = 470 students
A published solution is not available for this question yet.
Question 20 MCQ · 3.0 marks
**Mini Case Study**
**The Economics of a Campus Mess: How Price Controls Create Shortages In the IIT Madras**
**campus**
In the IIT Madras campus, "R-Goura's" is a private contract student dining mess that serves
approximately 400 to 500 students per semester. At the beginning of each academic term,
students register their preferences among 10 available campus messes. Due to high demand for
certain dining options, a computerized random selection process finalizes students’ allocation. R-
Goura's distinguishes itself by offering a dynamic, rotating menu for a standard 4-course meal
that is high in demand.
**The Economic problems for R-Goura's Mess:**
To provide financial predictability for students, the institute mandates that subscription rates are
strictly fixed for the entire semester. R-Goura's cannot alter its prices in between semester **(Price**
**inelastic)**, regardless of fluctuations in commodity prices, supply chain disruptions, or shifts in
student preferences .
Let us assume that at the start of the semester, the equilibrium price for a semester-long premium
mess subscription under normal market conditions is calculated to be ₹15,000 per student. At this
rate, exactly 450 students want to join, matching the mess’s optimal operational capacity.
However, the student senate and administration cap the maximum allowable semester rate at
₹12,000 per student. Midway through the semester, a sudden surge in gas prices, wholesale
vegetable and fuel prices happened due to US-Iran geopolitical tensions, resulting in a shift in the
operational cost structures across campus.
Answer the subquestions based on your understanding of how supply, demand, and market
equilibrium principles apply to this case study.
Suppose the initial market demand function for the R-Goura's mess subscription per semester is
given by Qd = 750−0.02P, and the market supply function is Qs = −150+0.04P, where P is the price
in Rupees. If the administration sets a fixed price ceiling of ₹12,000 per semester, what is the
resulting shortage (excess demand) of student slots?
0 students (Market clears)
180 students
210 students
150 students
A published solution is not available for this question yet.
Question 21 MCQ · 3.0 marks
**Mini Case Study**
**The Economics of a Campus Mess: How Price Controls Create Shortages In the IIT Madras**
**campus**
In the IIT Madras campus, "R-Goura's" is a private contract student dining mess that serves
approximately 400 to 500 students per semester. At the beginning of each academic term,
students register their preferences among 10 available campus messes. Due to high demand for
certain dining options, a computerized random selection process finalizes students’ allocation. R-
Goura's distinguishes itself by offering a dynamic, rotating menu for a standard 4-course meal
that is high in demand.
**The Economic problems for R-Goura's Mess:**
To provide financial predictability for students, the institute mandates that subscription rates are
strictly fixed for the entire semester. R-Goura's cannot alter its prices in between semester **(Price**
**inelastic)**, regardless of fluctuations in commodity prices, supply chain disruptions, or shifts in
student preferences .
Let us assume that at the start of the semester, the equilibrium price for a semester-long premium
mess subscription under normal market conditions is calculated to be ₹15,000 per student. At this
rate, exactly 450 students want to join, matching the mess’s optimal operational capacity.
However, the student senate and administration cap the maximum allowable semester rate at
₹12,000 per student. Midway through the semester, a sudden surge in gas prices, wholesale
vegetable and fuel prices happened due to US-Iran geopolitical tensions, resulting in a shift in the
operational cost structures across campus.
Answer the subquestions based on your understanding of how supply, demand, and market
equilibrium principles apply to this case study.
If the administration decides to eliminate the random allocation and allows R-Goura's to adjust its
price to clear the market after the commodity price inflation (Qs2 =−270+0.04P), what will be the
new equilibrium price (Pnew\(^{*}\)) to match the demand (Qd =750−0.02P)?
P* = ₹19,500
P* = ₹16,000
P* = ₹15,000
P* = ₹17,000
A published solution is not available for this question yet.
Question 22 MCQ · 2.5 marks
Saturn solutions decided to replace their existing computing systems with high-speed computing
devices. Their purchase department conducted market research and identified the top 4 vendors-
ABC, DEF, GHI and JKL, each being asked to submit their quotes also known as RFQ. This quote is
based on
Problem recognition
General description of needs
Request for information
Problem recognition, General description of needs & Request for information
None of these
A published solution is not available for this question yet.
Question 23 MCQ · 2.5 marks
The finance department of Saturn solutions had a total budget of 50 lakhs. They wanted a total of
50 laptops. All the vendors gave their best prices and there was no scope for further negotiation.
While ABC quoted a price of 70,000 INR/ laptop, DEF, GHI and JKL quoted INR 95,000, 1 lakh and
1.1 lakh/ laptop respectively. Which vendor got eliminated and the role played by finance
department was
JKL, Decision Making Unit
JKL, Gatekeepers
JKL, Influencers
JKL, Decision makers
A published solution is not available for this question yet.
Question 24 MCQ · 5.0 marks
The DMU of Saturn solutions now had a tough job to do. They had to select one vendor out of the
three choices they had (ABC or DEF or GHI). They decided to rate the three vendors. A total of 4
CSF/ KSF were chosen. Brand Image, Product Quality, Service Quality, and Market feedback. Equal
weightage was allocated across the 4 KSFs. While GHI scored high on brand image, product
quality and market feedback, they did poorly on service quality. DEF scored high on service quality
but had moderate scores on the rest. ABC had moderate scores throughout. You need to rate
them on a scale of 1-5, where 1 is the least score, 5 being the highest and 3 being moderate.
The final scores of ABC, DEF and GHI are
4, 3.5 and 3
3, 4 and 3.5
3, 3.75 and 4
3.5, 3 and 4
None of these
A published solution is not available for this question yet.