5.2 A large architectural firm has just landed a contract to build a hospital. Eight architects currently work 40 hours per week in this firm, and all are available to work full-time on this project. The managers estimate that they need 400 architect-

hours per week for 20 weeks to complete this project. Architects earn $600 per 40-hour week.

Suppose that there is a fixed cost of hiring an architect of $2,000. (This cost reflects the advertising costs, interviewing costs, and so forth.)

a. The firm’s current architects are willing to work overtime to complete this project if they receive 1.8 times their usual wage rate for any hours in excess of 40 hours per week.

How much would the managers pay in overtime wages for the project?

b. Alternatively, the firm can handle this project by hiring new workers (for 20 weeks only) and having all architects work 40 hours per week. How many new architects would the firm need to hire?

c. Should the managers hire new architects or ask the firm’s current architects to work overtime? Explain your answer.