Answer:
Kuley
If she receives annual payments of X, with her first payment of X received in 8 years and her last payment of X received in 15 years, then the amount of each payment is:
X = $50,944.35
Explanation:
a) Data and Calculations:
Amount in savings account in 8 years' time = $263,700
Annual return rate = 8.17%
Period of savings from Year 8 to Year 15 = 7 years
Annual payments = X
X = $50,944.35
From an online financial calculator, the payment is determined as follows:
N (# of periods) 7
I/Y (Interest per year) 8.17
PV (Present Value) 263700
FV (Future Value) 0
Results
PMT = $50,944.35
Sum of all periodic payments $356,610.45
Total Interest $92,910.45
What are the advantages or disadvantages of creating a hypothesis without adequate research?
Hypothesis can defined as a guess or predicted outcome of a scientific
process.
The advantage of creating a hypothesis without adequate research include
the following:
Complex calculationsAmbiguityThe disadvantage of creating a hypothesis without adequate research
include the following:
ValidityReliabilityRead more about Hypotheses here https://brainly.com/question/606806
Wagner Assets Management Group holds 3 stocks in their investment portfolio. The amount of the investment and beta of each stock is listed below.
Stock Investment Beta
A $ 200,000 1.50
B 300,000 ??
C 500,000 1.20
If the beta of the portfolio is 0.75, what is the beta of stock B?
Answer:
-0.5
Explanation:
Stock Investment (W) Beta (B) W*B
A 200,000 1.50 300,000
B 300,000 X 300,000X
C 500,000 1.20 600,00
1,000,000 900,000+300,000X
Using the formula of Beta of Portfolio to find out X
0.75 = 900,000 + 300,000X / 1,000,000
0.75 * 1,000,000 = 900,000 + 300,000X
750,000 = 900,000 + 300,000X
750,000 - 900,000 = 300,000X
-150,000 = 300,000X
X = -150,000 / 300,000
X = -0.5
So, the beta of stock B is -0.5.
A thief uses a bag of sand to replace a gold statue that sits on a weight sensitive alarmed pedestal. The bag of sand and the statue have exactly the same volume 1.75 L. Assume that the mass of the bag is negligible. Calculate the mass of each object.
Answer:
No, the thief didn't set off the alarm. As the mass of the gold statue and the bag of sand is different, the alarm clock will start ringing once the statue is replaced with the bag of sand. Thus, the thief screwed up the operation.
No, the robber did not activate the alarm. The alarm clock will begin to sound as soon as the gold statue is swapped out for the sand bag because of the differences in mass. As a result, the theft went wrong.
What is the role of density in sand and the statue?The density of a substance quantifies how much mass is contained in each unit volume of that substance.
From this definition, we can infer that it is an intrinsic parameter, meaning that its value is unaffected by the size of the sample of the material under consideration.
Therefore, No, the thief didn't set off the alarm. The alarm clock will begin to sound as soon as the gold statue is swapped out for the sand bag because of the differences in mass. As a result, the theft went wrong.
Learn more about thief here:
https://brainly.com/question/4248290
#SPJ5
Using the probability approach to determine an inventory safety stock and wanting to be 95 percent sure of covering inventory demand, which of the following is the number of standard deviations necessary to have the 95 percent service probability assured?A) 1.28B) 1.64C) 1.96D) 2.00E) 2.18
Answer:
B) 1.64
Explanation:
Given that there is 95% service probability i.e. assured
So here the company applied the approach in normally that sets the probability for not stocking out the 95 percent
So it would have the approx 1.64 standard deviation with respect to the safety stock
Therefore the option c is correct
Differential cost is ______. Multiple select question. also known as incremental cost the same as opportunity cost the difference in cost between two alternatives never relevant to a product decision
Answer:
I. also known as incremental cost
II. the difference in cost between two alternatives
Explanation:
Costing is the measurement of the cost of production of goods and services by assessing the fixed costs and variable costs associated with each step of production.
Differential cost is also known as incremental cost and it is the difference in cost between two alternatives.
In Financial accounting, fixed cost can be defined as predetermined expenses in a business that remain constant for a specific period of time regardless of the quantity of production or level of outputs. Some examples of fixed costs in business are loan payments, employee salary, depreciation, rent, insurance, lease, utilities etc.
On the other hand, variable costs can be defined as expenses that are not constant and as such usually change directly and are proportional to various changes in business activities. Some examples of variable costs are taxes, direct labor, sales commissions, raw materials, operational expenses etc.
The differential cost is called the incremental cost, and it is the difference in the cost that lies between two alternatives.
The following information should be relevant:
It is the difference between the cost of 2 alternative decisions or the output level is varied.It is also known as the incremental cost.Therefore we can conclude that the differential cost is called the incremental cost, and it is the difference in the cost that lies between two alternatives.
Learn more about the cost here: brainly.com/question/15135554
A company's strategy consists of Group of answer choices actions to develop a more appealing business model than rivals. offensive and defensive moves to generate revenues and increase profit margins. plans involving alignment of organizational activities and strategic objectives. competitive moves and approaches that managers have developed to grow the business, attract and please customers, conduct operations, and achieve targeted objectives.
Answer:
competitive moves and approaches that managers have developed to grow the business, attract and please customers, conduct operations, and achieve targeted objectives.
Explanation:
In Business management, a strategy can be defined as a set of guiding principles, actions and decisions that an organization combines so as to achieve its business goals, attract customers and possess a competitive advantage over its rivals in the industry.
Typically, to formulate strategies that are well aligned with the mission of an organization or business firm, some of the activities that needs to be performed includes the following;
1. Knowing your core competencies: this involves identifying your strengths such as knowledge, technology, underlying skill, experience, ability or process that enables you to perform exceptionally and provide a unique set of products or services that meets the needs of your customers.
2. Assessment of the organization's internal strengths and weaknesses: it gives an organization certain advantages, edge and disadvantages in meeting the needs of various customers by analyzing their strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT).
3. Examination of the organization's external environment: this involves examining and identifying all the factors outside of an organization that affects its performance such as customers, government policies, competitors etc.
4. Analyze your competitors: organization should ensure they are always a step ahead of the their competitors in the industry.
Hence, a company's strategy or strategic plan sets the overall direction for an organization or business because it focuses on defining how a business would achieve its goals, objectives, and mission; as well as the funds and material resources required to implement or execute the business plan.
In conclusion, a company's strategy should comprise of competitive moves and approaches developed by managers in order to grow a business, attract and please its customers, conduct business operations, and achieve targeted objectives or set goals.
A company's strategy encompasses competitive moves and managerial approaches aimed at achieving business growth, customer attraction and satisfaction, operational efficiency, and targeted objectives. Thus, option D is correct.
Managerial approaches refer to the methods, techniques, and practices employed by managers to guide and oversee various aspects of organizational operations.
These approaches involve the application of managerial skills, decision-making processes, and leadership styles to effectively plan, organize, coordinate, and control activities within the organization.
Managerial approaches encompass a wide range of strategies, including setting goals and objectives, allocating resources, assigning tasks and responsibilities, fostering teamwork, implementing policies and procedures, monitoring performance, providing guidance and feedback, and adapting to changing circumstances.
These approaches enable managers to effectively lead and direct their teams, optimize organizational processes, and drive the achievement of desired outcomes.
Thus, option D is correct.
Learn more about managerial approaches here:
https://brainly.com/question/32812568
#SPJ6
Most probably, your complete question is this:
Which of the following best describes a company's strategy?
A) Actions to develop a more appealing business model than rivals.
B) Offensive and defensive moves to generate revenues and increase profit margins.
C) Plans involving alignment of organizational activities and strategic objectives.
D) Competitive moves and approaches that managers have developed to grow the business, attract and please customers, conduct operations, and achieve targeted objectives.
An asset has an average return of 5 percent and a standard deviation of 10 percent. Which of the following statements is true?
a. its variance is 25,
b. its coefficient of variation is 2.0
c. if returns are normally distributed, 95 percent of the time its returns will fall between -5 percent and 15 percent
d. if returns are normally distributed, 99 percent of the time its returns will fall between -15 percent and 25 percent.
Answer: b. its coefficient of variation is 2.0
Explanation:
The Coefficient of Variation, given the above data, is calculated by the formula:
= Standard Deviation/ Mean
= 10% / 5%
= 2.0
Option B is therefore correct.
ABC systems ________. Multiple Choice will allocate costs based on the overall level of activity highlight the different levels of activities usually will undercost complicated or complex products will limit cost drivers to units of output
Answer: highlight the different level of activities
Explanation:
Activity Based Costing system assigns costs to the activity that are used in production and it highlight the different level of activities.
Activity based costing system is quite different from the traditional costing systems based on the way the indirect cost is being treated.
communication is tha
Answer:
key?
Explanation:
Suppose a third firm enters the market. If they all don't cheat, then they split the profits three ways so that each firm gets 2 million. If one firm cheats, he steals profits from the other two firms and earns 5.5 million while the other firms incur losses of 1 million. Will it be harder or easier to sustain cooperation?
Answer: Harder to sustain cooperation
Explanation:
When the number of firms in an oligopolistic market increases as is the case here, cooperation becomes harder because profits become smaller so companies start to become more selfish.
Also in this scenario, the cheating firm has the incentive to do so because the profit is so much higher than sharing so companies will always be looking to cheat in order to make this profit. The other firms would reply by reducing prices and all of them would suffer.
The phase of the business cycle with the highest level of GDP and the lowest unemployment rate is called an?
Answer:
Expansion phase
Explanation:
Expansion is an economic cycle phase in which real gross domestic product rises for two or more months in a succession, going from a trough to a high. Expansion is often known as an improving economy since it is usually followed by an decrease in unemployment, consumer sentiment, and commodity prices.
Answer:
peak
Explanation:
Kelso's has a debt-equity ratio of 0.6 and a tax rate of 35 percent. The cost of equity is 14.5 percent and the after tax cost of debt is 4.8 percent. What is the weighted average cost of capital
Answer:
10.86 percent
Explanation:
Calculation to determine the weighted average cost of capital
Weighted average cost of capital = (1/1.6) (0.145) + (0.6/1.6) (0.048)
Weighted average cost of capital = (0.625) (0.145) + (0.375) (0.048)
Weighted average cost of capital = 10.86 percent
Therefore Weighted average cost of capital is 10.86 percent
Hanna, Marnie, and Jessa have operated a partnership as filmmakers for a number of years. At the end of the year, before any allocation of profits, the partners have the following capital account balances:
Hanna $25.000
Marnie 15.000
Jessa 10.000
The partnership agreement states that profits should be allocated in proportion to the capital account balances. If the partnership earns $600,000 in the current year, how much of the profit will be allocated to Marnie?
a. $600,000.
b. $180,000.
c. $200,000.
d. $150,000.
Answer: b. $180,000
Explanation:
Profit should be allocated according to capital account balances. Marnie's capital account proportion is:
= 15,000 / (25,000 + 15,000 + 10,000)
= 15,000 / 50,000
= 30%
If the profit is $600,000, Marnie's share is:
= 30% * 600,000
= $180,000
If a real estate license holder wants to assist a property owner by soliciting tenants, collecting rents, and being responsible for property maintenance, which specialization would the license holder likely choose?
Answer: Property management
Explanation:
Property management refers to the operation, oversight and the maintenance of real physical properties and real estate.
Since the real estate license holder wants to assist a property owner by soliciting tenants, collecting rents, and being responsible for property maintenance, the license holders should be specialized in property management.
Preparation of a statement of cash flows involves five steps:
(1) Compute the net increase or decrease in cash;
(2) compute net cash provided or used by operating activities (using either the direct or indirect method);
(3) compute net cash provided or used by investing activities;
(4) compute net cash provided or used by financing activities; and
(5) report the beginning and ending cash balances and prove that the ending cash balance is explained by net cash flows. Noncash investing and financing activities are also disclosed.
Answer:
Preparation of a statement of cash flows involves five steps
1. Compute net cash provided or used by operating activities.
This is the section where all the cash flow that belongs to the operating section are been added and subtracted according to the inflow and outflow of the transaction.
2. Compute net cash provided or used by investing activities.
This is the section where all the cash flow that belongs to the investing section are been added and subtracted according to the inflow and outflow of the transaction.
3. Compute net cash provided or used by financing activities.
This is the section where all the cash flow that belongs to the financing section are been added and subtracted according to the inflow and outflow of the transaction.
4. Compute the net increase or decrease in cash
This is the section where the cash-flow from operating, investing and financing activities is been balanced.
5. Report the beginning and ending cash balances and prove that the ending cash balance is explained by net cash flows.
After the cash-flow from operating, investing and financing activities is been calculated, Then, this section is also computed to derive the Closing/Ending cash balance
Sales have decreased for two consecutive quarters at your business. You have been instructed to inform your sales team that their hours, and base pay, will be reduced by 20 percent. While you may have a few members of your sales team that are under performing, you want to retain the entire team.
Write a negative news message in a direct or indirect approach informing your sales team of the news.
Write this document in the form of a memo.
Answer:
To: The Sales Team
From: Henry Cavill, Vice President, Employee Relations
Date: 13 July 2021
Subject: Revisions in Compensation Structure of Sales Department
Dear All,
As you all are going to be knowing, the sales of the corporate have been decreasing since the last 2 quarters. The performance of the half-moon was rock bottom sales achieved by the corporate, within the last 5 years. As a result of this, the corporate and management have decided to require certain strict decisions.
The management has decided to scale back the bottom pay also because of the work hours of the sales team by 20%. This reduction is going to be applicable to all or any levels of the sales division. This decision has been taken in an attempt to form up for the losses, faced by the corporate, thanks to the negative overall performance of the sales team. The new compensation structure is going to be applicable from May 1st, 2019, and can be in practice till the general performance of the sales team bounces back.
In this duration, the corporate also will be observing the performance of the members of the sales team. The compensation of sales employees, who will display extra-ordinary performance, are going to be rewarded by the corporate within the corresponding quarter. Hence, all employees must be motivated to perform their best during this critical time, faced by the corporate.
The management hopes that the workers will understand the company’s perspective during this hard time. We hope things will become better and brighter quite soon. don't hesitate to follow up with me just in case of any doubts or clarifications.
Regards,
Henry Cavill
Vice President, Employee Relations
What is the dollar price of a zero coupon bond with 21 years to maturity, semiannual compounding, and a par value of $1,000, if the YTM is:
Answer:
Zero-cupon bond= $192.57
Explanation:
Giving the following information:
Number of periods to maturity= 21*2= 42 semesters
Par value= $1,000
I will assume a yield to maturity of 8%. 4% semestral.
To calculate the price of the bond, we need to use the following formula:
Zero-cupon bond= [face value/(1+i)^n]
Zero-cupon bond= [1,000 / (1.04^42)]
Zero-cupon bond= $192.57
HealthSouth manipulated their financial statements by making ______________ in false or unsupported entries in the company's accounting systems.
Answer: 2.7 billion
Explanation:
Assume that consumers' incomes and the number of sellers in the market for good A (a normal good) both decrease. Based upon this information we can conclude, with certainty, that equilibrium:
Answer:
Quantity will Increase
Explanation:
As we know that when market is in equilibrium so the demand curve should be intersected the supply curve. At the time when there is an increase in suppliers so supply curve shift rightward due to which the consumer income would increase and this result in more demand. So the demand could be shift in rightward
So here the price should be the same but the quantity is increased
Tyler Tooling Company uses a job order cost system with overhead applied to products on the basis of machine hours. For the upcoming year, the company estimated its total manufacturing overhead cost at $420,000 and total machine hours at 60,000. During the first month of operations, the company worked on three jobs and recorded the following actual direct materials cost, direct labor cost, and machine hours for each job: Job 101 Job 102 Job 103 TotalDirect materials used 19,200 14,400 9,600 43,200 Direct labor 28,800 11,200 9,600 49,600 Machine hours 1,000 hours 4,000 hours 2,000 hours 7,000 hoursJob 101 was completed and sold for $60,000.Job 102 was completed but not sold.Job 103 is still in process.Actual overhead costs recorded during the first month of operations totaled $45,000.Required: 1. Calculate the predetermined overhead rate. (Round your answer to 2 decimal places.)2. Compute the total manufacturing overhead applied to the Work in Process Inventory account during the first month of operations. (Round your intermediate calculations to 2 decimal places.)3. Compute the balance in the Work in Process Inventory account at the end of the first month. (Round your intermediate calculations to 2 decimal places.)4. How much gross profit would the company report during the first month of operations before making an adjustment for over- or underapplied manufacturing overhead? (Round your intermediate calculations to 2 decimal places.)5-a. Determine the balance in the Manufacturing Overhead account at the end of the first month. (Round your intermediate calculations to 2 decimal places.)
Answer:
Tyler Tooling Company
1. The predetermined overhead rate is:
= $7
2. The total manufacturing overhead applied to the Work in Process Inventory account during the first month of operations is:
= $49,000
3. The balance in the Work in Process Inventory account at the end of the first month is:
= $86,800
4. The gross profit that the company would report during the first month of operations before making an adjustment for over- or underapplied manufacturing overhead is:
= $5,000
5a. The balance in the Manufacturing Overhead account at the end of the first month is:
= $4,000 overapplied
Explanation:
a) Data and Calculations:
Estimated total manufacturing overhead for the coming year = $420,000
Estimated total machine hours for the coming year = 60,000 mh
Actual jobs data: Job 101 Job 102 Job 103 Total
Direct materials cost $19,200 $14,400 $9,600 $43,200
Direct labor cost 28,800 11,200 9,600 49,600
Machine hours cost 1,000 4,000 2,000 7,000
Sale of Job 101 = $60,000
Actual overhead for the first month = $45,000
1. Predetermined overhead rate = Estimated overhead/estimated machine hours
= $420,000/60,000
= $7
2. The total manufacturing overhead applied to the Work in Process Inventory account during the first month of operations is:
= total machine hours used * $7
= $49,000 (7,000 * $7)
3. The balance in the Work in Process Inventory account at the end of the first month is:
Work in Process
Account Titles Debit Credit
Direct materials $43,200
Direct labor 49,600
Overhead applied 49,000
Cost of Job 1 sold $55,000 ($19,200+$28,800+$7,000)
Ending balance $86,800 (= costs of Job 102 and 103)
4. The gross profit that the company would report during the first month of operations before making an adjustment for over- or underapplied manufacturing overhead is:
= Gross profit for Job 101 = $5,000 ($60,000 - $55,000)
5a. The balance in the Manufacturing Overhead account at the end of the first month is:
= Actual overhead incurred - overhead applied
= $45,000 - $49,000
= $4,000 overapplied
At the beginning of the year, SnapIt had $13,800 of inventory. During the year, SnapIt purchased $42,600 of merchandise and sold $35,700 of merchandise. A physical count of inventory at year-end shows $14,800 of inventory exists. Prepare the entry to record inventory shrinkage.
Answer:
Shrinkage = Closing inventory according to the books - Actual closing inventory after physical count
Closing inventory = Beginning inventory + Purchased inventory - Sold inventory
= 13,800 + 42,600 - 35,700
= $20,700
Date Account Title Debit Credit
XX-XX-XXXX Cost of Goods sold $20,700
Merchandise inventory $20,700
The contribution margin ratio is interpreted as the percent of: Multiple choice question. each variable cost dollar that remains after deducting fixed costs each sales dollar that remains after deducting fixed costs each sales dollar that remains after deducting unit variable cost
Answer: each sales dollar that remains after deducting unit variable cost
Explanation:
The contribution margin ratio is interpreted as the percent of each sales dollar that remains after the deduction of unit variable cost.
The contribution margin ratio refers to the difference between the sales that a company makes and its variable costs which is expressed as a percentage. The ratio simply indicates the amount of money that is available to cover the fixed costs.
Herman Company has three products in its ending inventory. Specific per unit data at the end of the year for each of the products are as follows: Product 1 Product 2 Product 3 Cost $ 35 $ 105 $ 65 Selling price 85 165 115 Costs to sell 8 70 25 Required: What unit values should Herman use for each of its products when applying the lower of cost or net realizable value (LCNRV) rule to ending inventory
Answer:
Cost Selling Price Costs to Sell NRV Inventory value
A B C D=(B-C) E=(lowerof A&D)
Product 1 35 85 8 77 35
Product 2 105 165 70 95 95
Product 3 65 115 25 90 65
In a production operation of an electronics firm, a company manufactures I/O circuit chips that is used in a final assembly process. The chips, manufactured in batches sizes are
Answer:
defective
Explanation:
In an electronic firm it is necessary to keep check for every circuit as they turn out to be defective. There can be minor error is circuit formation but this will be considered as defective because circuits are very sensitive and even minor error can lead to short circuits which could lead to a disaster. It is necessary for a firm to keep track and quality of every circuit should be checked.
An accounting system that provides information that management can use to evaluate the performance of a department's activities is a:______.
A. Service accounting system.
B. Standard accounting system.
C. Revenue accounting system.
D. Departmental accounting system.
E. Cost accounting system.
Answer: D. Departmental accounting system.
Explanation:
As the term implies, Departmental accounting system engages in accounting for individual departments. The financial information of the department of interest will be recorded as well as other activities.
Management will then use this information to analyze and understand how well the department is doing. The information will also tell them if the department is being cost efficient and profitable.
By the 1990s, A. Tourism was possibly the largest single global industry. B. The manufacture of computers and microchips had moved from California to China. C. Cellular telephones outnumbered landline telephones. D. Food continued to be the most important production item.
Answer:
C. Cellular telephones outnumbered landline telephones
Explanation:
The cordless or portable phones as a handset that could be used as a landline were made popular. The cellular industry was one of the fastest growing industry in the market and still maintains a strong global position.A company purchased property for $100,000. The property included a building, a parking lot, and land. The building was appraised at $60,000; the land at $46,600, and the parking lot at $18,400. Land should be recorded in the accounting records with an allocated cost of
Answer:
$37,280
Explanation:
We use the appraised values to apportion the Purchase Cost of the Property to determine the Cost of Land as follows :
Land Cost = $46,600 / $125,000 x $100,000
= $37,280
Land should be recorded in the accounting records with an allocated cost of $37,280.
Frank and Daniel both agreed to volunteer for a company project cleaning and organizing the district warehouse. There were to be 50 volunteers. Upon arrival, they discovered volunteer turnout was low. They were assigned to the northwest corner of the warehouse where they were to meet Trixie, who would give them their assignment. When they arrived, Trixie was nowhere to be found but they did find two push-brooms leaning against the wall. Frank took a seat on a box to wait for Trixie and his assignment. Daniel grabbed one of the push-brooms and began sweeping. While he was sweeping, Daniel thought, "This is why my desk looks so tidy, while Frank’s desk looks like a disaster." Which of the following statements is likely true of this scenario? Multiple Choice I
a. n this weak situation, Frank’s laziness trait is activated. In this strong situation, Daniel’s neurotic trait is activated.
b. In this weak situation, Daniel’s introversion trait is activated. In this strong situation Frank’s conscientiousness trait is activated.
c. In this weak situation, Daniel’s extraversion trait is activated.
Answer:
a. In this weak situation, Frank’s laziness trait is activated. In this strong situation, Daniel’s neurotic trait is activated.
Explanation:
A trait can be defined as the characteristics of a person that describes his nature and his behavior. It is the result of one's genes or are influence from surrounding or nature.
A neurotic trait of a person helps the person to deal with the stress. It is a tendency towards shyness, anxiety, etc.
In the context, it is given that both Frank and Daniel volunteered themselves for cleaning a district warehouse. They were assigned the northwest corner of the warehouse to clean. Daniel found a push-broom and started sweeping and cleaning the floor, while Frank waited for Trixie to arrive who will assigned them their job.
In this situation, it shows the laziness trait of Frank who felt too lazy to start his work before someone assigning them to him while Daniel is active and it shows his neurotic trait because of which Daniel started his job and did not waited for Trixie to come.
Thus the correct option is (a).
Accounts receivable $ 18,000 Long-term notes payable $ 21,000 Accounts payable 11,000 Office supplies 2,800 Buildings 45,000 Prepaid insurance 3,560 Cash 7,000 Unearned services revenue 3,000 Compute Chavez Company's current ratio using the above information.
Answer: 2.24
Explanation:
Current ratio = Current Assets / Current liabilities
Current assets = Accounts receivable + Office supplies + Prepaid insurance + Cash
= 18,000 + 2,800 + 3,560 + 7,000
= $31,360
Current liabilities:
= Accounts payable + Unearned service revenue
= 11,000 + 3,000
= $14,000
Current ratio = 31,360 / 14,000
= 2.24
Identify and explain each of the situational influences that are described in this scenario: Which situational influence was not described? Ruth, who has no children, wants to buy a special baby gift for her best friend's baby shower, which is this evening. Since she won't have any time between work and the baby shower, she must go today during her lunch break. She is planning on taking her sister with her to help make the selection. Ruth knows she will be ready to buy every baby-oriented product she sees because she wishes that she too was having a baby.
Answer:
Physical surroundings.
Explanation:
Ruth wants to buy special gift for her best friend's baby shower party. She has invited her sister to help her out with the selection in the shopping. Situational influence is described but there is no hint of physical surrounding. Author has not mentioned anything about the physical surrounding in the passage.
