MCAT Exam  >  MCAT Questions  >  Directions:Passage For Question 1 to 9Recent ... Start Learning for Free
Directions: Passage For Question 1 to 9
Recent years have presented both opportunities and risks for minority-owned businesses in the United States. Activists have long argued that the lack of access to substantial contracts and subcontracts from large companies hinders the establishment of minority businesses. In response to this concern, Congress has mandated that businesses awarded federal contracts over $500,000 make an effort to find minority subcontractors and document their efforts with the government. Some federal and local agencies have even set specific percentage goals for allocating parts of public works contracts to minority enterprises. Corporate response to these initiatives has been significant, with corporate contracts with minority businesses increasing from $77 million to $1.1 billion in 1977. Projections indicate that corporate contracts with minority businesses will surpass $3 billion per year in the early 1980s. While this patronage is promising for minority businesses, it also poses risks. Firstly, small minority firms may risk expanding too quickly and becoming financially overextended. Unlike large businesses, they often need to make substantial investments in infrastructure and staff to fulfill subcontracted work, making them vulnerable to reduced subcontracts and crippling fixed expenses. Secondly, white-owned companies may seek to capitalize on the increased apportionments by forming joint ventures with minority-owned businesses. While legitimate joint ventures can be formed, there is a risk of white backers using minority-owned concerns as fronts to obtain subcontracts. Thirdly, minority enterprises that rely heavily on a single large corporate customer run the danger of becoming dependent. Fierce competition from larger, established companies makes it challenging for small businesses to broaden their customer bases. When these firms have guaranteed orders from a single benefactor, they may become complacent and struggle to seek new opportunities.
Q. The authors implied that the minority owned concern that does the greater part of its businesswith one large corporate customer should
  • a)
    avoid competition with the larger, more established concerns by not expanding
  • b)
    concentrate on securing even more business from that corporation
  • c)
    try to expands its customers base to avoid becoming dependent on the corporation
  • d)
    pass on some of the work to be done for the corporation to other minority owned concerns.
  • e)
    use its influence with the other corporation to promote subcontracting with other minorityconcerns.
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?
Most Upvoted Answer
Directions:Passage For Question 1 to 9Recent years have presented both...
The passage warns that minority-owned businesses that rely heavily on a single corporate customer should strive to broaden their customer bases to avoid dependency.
Free Test
Community Answer
Directions:Passage For Question 1 to 9Recent years have presented both...
Understanding the Dependency Issue
In the context of minority-owned businesses, the passage highlights the dangers of relying heavily on a single large corporate customer. This dependency can lead to significant risks, particularly when that customer faces difficulties or reduces subcontracting opportunities.
Why Option C is Correct
The correct answer is option 'C': "try to expand its customer base to avoid becoming dependent on the corporation." Here’s why this choice is the most advantageous:
  • Diversification of Revenue Streams: By seeking multiple customers, minority businesses can safeguard against financial instability that arises from relying on one source.
  • Reducing Complacency: A focus on expanding the customer base encourages proactive business development, preventing complacency that can occur when a firm relies solely on one benefactor.
  • Mitigating Risks: If the primary corporate customer encounters issues, having additional clients can help absorb the impact, ensuring the business remains viable.
  • Encouraging Growth: A diverse clientele can lead to opportunities for innovation and growth, enabling minority businesses to thrive in competitive markets.

Conclusion
In summary, option 'C' emphasizes the importance of strategic growth for minority-owned businesses. By expanding their customer base, these firms can mitigate risks associated with dependence on a single corporate client, ensuring long-term sustainability and success in a competitive environment.
Explore Courses for MCAT exam

Top Courses for MCAT

Question Description
Directions:Passage For Question 1 to 9Recent years have presented both opportunities and risks for minority-owned businesses in the United States. Activists have long argued that the lack of access to substantial contracts and subcontracts from large companies hinders the establishment of minority businesses. In response to this concern, Congress has mandated that businesses awarded federal contracts over $500,000 make an effort to find minority subcontractors and document their efforts with the government. Some federal and local agencies have even set specific percentage goals for allocating parts of public works contracts to minority enterprises. Corporate response to these initiatives has been significant, with corporate contracts with minority businesses increasing from $77 million to $1.1 billion in 1977. Projections indicate that corporate contracts with minority businesses will surpass $3 billion per year in the early 1980s. While this patronage is promising for minority businesses, it also poses risks. Firstly, small minority firms may risk expanding too quickly and becoming financially overextended. Unlike large businesses, they often need to make substantial investments in infrastructure and staff to fulfill subcontracted work, making them vulnerable to reduced subcontracts and crippling fixed expenses. Secondly, white-owned companies may seek to capitalize on the increased apportionments by forming joint ventures with minority-owned businesses. While legitimate joint ventures can be formed, there is a risk of white backers using minority-owned concerns as fronts to obtain subcontracts. Thirdly, minority enterprises that rely heavily on a single large corporate customer run the danger of becoming dependent. Fierce competition from larger, established companies makes it challenging for small businesses to broaden their customer bases. When these firms have guaranteed orders from a single benefactor, they may become complacent and struggle to seek new opportunities.Q. The authors implied that the minority owned concern that does the greater part of its businesswith one large corporate customer shoulda)avoid competition with the larger, more established concerns by not expandingb)concentrate on securing even more business from that corporationc)try to expands its customers base to avoid becoming dependent on the corporationd)pass on some of the work to be done for the corporation to other minority owned concerns.e)use its influence with the other corporation to promote subcontracting with other minorityconcerns.Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer? for MCAT 2025 is part of MCAT preparation. The Question and answers have been prepared according to the MCAT exam syllabus. Information about Directions:Passage For Question 1 to 9Recent years have presented both opportunities and risks for minority-owned businesses in the United States. Activists have long argued that the lack of access to substantial contracts and subcontracts from large companies hinders the establishment of minority businesses. In response to this concern, Congress has mandated that businesses awarded federal contracts over $500,000 make an effort to find minority subcontractors and document their efforts with the government. Some federal and local agencies have even set specific percentage goals for allocating parts of public works contracts to minority enterprises. Corporate response to these initiatives has been significant, with corporate contracts with minority businesses increasing from $77 million to $1.1 billion in 1977. Projections indicate that corporate contracts with minority businesses will surpass $3 billion per year in the early 1980s. While this patronage is promising for minority businesses, it also poses risks. Firstly, small minority firms may risk expanding too quickly and becoming financially overextended. Unlike large businesses, they often need to make substantial investments in infrastructure and staff to fulfill subcontracted work, making them vulnerable to reduced subcontracts and crippling fixed expenses. Secondly, white-owned companies may seek to capitalize on the increased apportionments by forming joint ventures with minority-owned businesses. While legitimate joint ventures can be formed, there is a risk of white backers using minority-owned concerns as fronts to obtain subcontracts. Thirdly, minority enterprises that rely heavily on a single large corporate customer run the danger of becoming dependent. Fierce competition from larger, established companies makes it challenging for small businesses to broaden their customer bases. When these firms have guaranteed orders from a single benefactor, they may become complacent and struggle to seek new opportunities.Q. The authors implied that the minority owned concern that does the greater part of its businesswith one large corporate customer shoulda)avoid competition with the larger, more established concerns by not expandingb)concentrate on securing even more business from that corporationc)try to expands its customers base to avoid becoming dependent on the corporationd)pass on some of the work to be done for the corporation to other minority owned concerns.e)use its influence with the other corporation to promote subcontracting with other minorityconcerns.Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer? covers all topics & solutions for MCAT 2025 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, meanings, examples, exercises and tests below for Directions:Passage For Question 1 to 9Recent years have presented both opportunities and risks for minority-owned businesses in the United States. Activists have long argued that the lack of access to substantial contracts and subcontracts from large companies hinders the establishment of minority businesses. In response to this concern, Congress has mandated that businesses awarded federal contracts over $500,000 make an effort to find minority subcontractors and document their efforts with the government. Some federal and local agencies have even set specific percentage goals for allocating parts of public works contracts to minority enterprises. Corporate response to these initiatives has been significant, with corporate contracts with minority businesses increasing from $77 million to $1.1 billion in 1977. Projections indicate that corporate contracts with minority businesses will surpass $3 billion per year in the early 1980s. While this patronage is promising for minority businesses, it also poses risks. Firstly, small minority firms may risk expanding too quickly and becoming financially overextended. Unlike large businesses, they often need to make substantial investments in infrastructure and staff to fulfill subcontracted work, making them vulnerable to reduced subcontracts and crippling fixed expenses. Secondly, white-owned companies may seek to capitalize on the increased apportionments by forming joint ventures with minority-owned businesses. While legitimate joint ventures can be formed, there is a risk of white backers using minority-owned concerns as fronts to obtain subcontracts. Thirdly, minority enterprises that rely heavily on a single large corporate customer run the danger of becoming dependent. Fierce competition from larger, established companies makes it challenging for small businesses to broaden their customer bases. When these firms have guaranteed orders from a single benefactor, they may become complacent and struggle to seek new opportunities.Q. The authors implied that the minority owned concern that does the greater part of its businesswith one large corporate customer shoulda)avoid competition with the larger, more established concerns by not expandingb)concentrate on securing even more business from that corporationc)try to expands its customers base to avoid becoming dependent on the corporationd)pass on some of the work to be done for the corporation to other minority owned concerns.e)use its influence with the other corporation to promote subcontracting with other minorityconcerns.Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?.
Solutions for Directions:Passage For Question 1 to 9Recent years have presented both opportunities and risks for minority-owned businesses in the United States. Activists have long argued that the lack of access to substantial contracts and subcontracts from large companies hinders the establishment of minority businesses. In response to this concern, Congress has mandated that businesses awarded federal contracts over $500,000 make an effort to find minority subcontractors and document their efforts with the government. Some federal and local agencies have even set specific percentage goals for allocating parts of public works contracts to minority enterprises. Corporate response to these initiatives has been significant, with corporate contracts with minority businesses increasing from $77 million to $1.1 billion in 1977. Projections indicate that corporate contracts with minority businesses will surpass $3 billion per year in the early 1980s. While this patronage is promising for minority businesses, it also poses risks. Firstly, small minority firms may risk expanding too quickly and becoming financially overextended. Unlike large businesses, they often need to make substantial investments in infrastructure and staff to fulfill subcontracted work, making them vulnerable to reduced subcontracts and crippling fixed expenses. Secondly, white-owned companies may seek to capitalize on the increased apportionments by forming joint ventures with minority-owned businesses. While legitimate joint ventures can be formed, there is a risk of white backers using minority-owned concerns as fronts to obtain subcontracts. Thirdly, minority enterprises that rely heavily on a single large corporate customer run the danger of becoming dependent. Fierce competition from larger, established companies makes it challenging for small businesses to broaden their customer bases. When these firms have guaranteed orders from a single benefactor, they may become complacent and struggle to seek new opportunities.Q. The authors implied that the minority owned concern that does the greater part of its businesswith one large corporate customer shoulda)avoid competition with the larger, more established concerns by not expandingb)concentrate on securing even more business from that corporationc)try to expands its customers base to avoid becoming dependent on the corporationd)pass on some of the work to be done for the corporation to other minority owned concerns.e)use its influence with the other corporation to promote subcontracting with other minorityconcerns.Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer? in English & in Hindi are available as part of our courses for MCAT. Download more important topics, notes, lectures and mock test series for MCAT Exam by signing up for free.
Here you can find the meaning of Directions:Passage For Question 1 to 9Recent years have presented both opportunities and risks for minority-owned businesses in the United States. Activists have long argued that the lack of access to substantial contracts and subcontracts from large companies hinders the establishment of minority businesses. In response to this concern, Congress has mandated that businesses awarded federal contracts over $500,000 make an effort to find minority subcontractors and document their efforts with the government. Some federal and local agencies have even set specific percentage goals for allocating parts of public works contracts to minority enterprises. Corporate response to these initiatives has been significant, with corporate contracts with minority businesses increasing from $77 million to $1.1 billion in 1977. Projections indicate that corporate contracts with minority businesses will surpass $3 billion per year in the early 1980s. While this patronage is promising for minority businesses, it also poses risks. Firstly, small minority firms may risk expanding too quickly and becoming financially overextended. Unlike large businesses, they often need to make substantial investments in infrastructure and staff to fulfill subcontracted work, making them vulnerable to reduced subcontracts and crippling fixed expenses. Secondly, white-owned companies may seek to capitalize on the increased apportionments by forming joint ventures with minority-owned businesses. While legitimate joint ventures can be formed, there is a risk of white backers using minority-owned concerns as fronts to obtain subcontracts. Thirdly, minority enterprises that rely heavily on a single large corporate customer run the danger of becoming dependent. Fierce competition from larger, established companies makes it challenging for small businesses to broaden their customer bases. When these firms have guaranteed orders from a single benefactor, they may become complacent and struggle to seek new opportunities.Q. The authors implied that the minority owned concern that does the greater part of its businesswith one large corporate customer shoulda)avoid competition with the larger, more established concerns by not expandingb)concentrate on securing even more business from that corporationc)try to expands its customers base to avoid becoming dependent on the corporationd)pass on some of the work to be done for the corporation to other minority owned concerns.e)use its influence with the other corporation to promote subcontracting with other minorityconcerns.Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer? defined & explained in the simplest way possible. Besides giving the explanation of Directions:Passage For Question 1 to 9Recent years have presented both opportunities and risks for minority-owned businesses in the United States. Activists have long argued that the lack of access to substantial contracts and subcontracts from large companies hinders the establishment of minority businesses. In response to this concern, Congress has mandated that businesses awarded federal contracts over $500,000 make an effort to find minority subcontractors and document their efforts with the government. Some federal and local agencies have even set specific percentage goals for allocating parts of public works contracts to minority enterprises. Corporate response to these initiatives has been significant, with corporate contracts with minority businesses increasing from $77 million to $1.1 billion in 1977. Projections indicate that corporate contracts with minority businesses will surpass $3 billion per year in the early 1980s. While this patronage is promising for minority businesses, it also poses risks. Firstly, small minority firms may risk expanding too quickly and becoming financially overextended. Unlike large businesses, they often need to make substantial investments in infrastructure and staff to fulfill subcontracted work, making them vulnerable to reduced subcontracts and crippling fixed expenses. Secondly, white-owned companies may seek to capitalize on the increased apportionments by forming joint ventures with minority-owned businesses. While legitimate joint ventures can be formed, there is a risk of white backers using minority-owned concerns as fronts to obtain subcontracts. Thirdly, minority enterprises that rely heavily on a single large corporate customer run the danger of becoming dependent. Fierce competition from larger, established companies makes it challenging for small businesses to broaden their customer bases. When these firms have guaranteed orders from a single benefactor, they may become complacent and struggle to seek new opportunities.Q. The authors implied that the minority owned concern that does the greater part of its businesswith one large corporate customer shoulda)avoid competition with the larger, more established concerns by not expandingb)concentrate on securing even more business from that corporationc)try to expands its customers base to avoid becoming dependent on the corporationd)pass on some of the work to be done for the corporation to other minority owned concerns.e)use its influence with the other corporation to promote subcontracting with other minorityconcerns.Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?, a detailed solution for Directions:Passage For Question 1 to 9Recent years have presented both opportunities and risks for minority-owned businesses in the United States. Activists have long argued that the lack of access to substantial contracts and subcontracts from large companies hinders the establishment of minority businesses. In response to this concern, Congress has mandated that businesses awarded federal contracts over $500,000 make an effort to find minority subcontractors and document their efforts with the government. Some federal and local agencies have even set specific percentage goals for allocating parts of public works contracts to minority enterprises. Corporate response to these initiatives has been significant, with corporate contracts with minority businesses increasing from $77 million to $1.1 billion in 1977. Projections indicate that corporate contracts with minority businesses will surpass $3 billion per year in the early 1980s. While this patronage is promising for minority businesses, it also poses risks. Firstly, small minority firms may risk expanding too quickly and becoming financially overextended. Unlike large businesses, they often need to make substantial investments in infrastructure and staff to fulfill subcontracted work, making them vulnerable to reduced subcontracts and crippling fixed expenses. Secondly, white-owned companies may seek to capitalize on the increased apportionments by forming joint ventures with minority-owned businesses. While legitimate joint ventures can be formed, there is a risk of white backers using minority-owned concerns as fronts to obtain subcontracts. Thirdly, minority enterprises that rely heavily on a single large corporate customer run the danger of becoming dependent. Fierce competition from larger, established companies makes it challenging for small businesses to broaden their customer bases. When these firms have guaranteed orders from a single benefactor, they may become complacent and struggle to seek new opportunities.Q. The authors implied that the minority owned concern that does the greater part of its businesswith one large corporate customer shoulda)avoid competition with the larger, more established concerns by not expandingb)concentrate on securing even more business from that corporationc)try to expands its customers base to avoid becoming dependent on the corporationd)pass on some of the work to be done for the corporation to other minority owned concerns.e)use its influence with the other corporation to promote subcontracting with other minorityconcerns.Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer? has been provided alongside types of Directions:Passage For Question 1 to 9Recent years have presented both opportunities and risks for minority-owned businesses in the United States. Activists have long argued that the lack of access to substantial contracts and subcontracts from large companies hinders the establishment of minority businesses. In response to this concern, Congress has mandated that businesses awarded federal contracts over $500,000 make an effort to find minority subcontractors and document their efforts with the government. Some federal and local agencies have even set specific percentage goals for allocating parts of public works contracts to minority enterprises. Corporate response to these initiatives has been significant, with corporate contracts with minority businesses increasing from $77 million to $1.1 billion in 1977. Projections indicate that corporate contracts with minority businesses will surpass $3 billion per year in the early 1980s. While this patronage is promising for minority businesses, it also poses risks. Firstly, small minority firms may risk expanding too quickly and becoming financially overextended. Unlike large businesses, they often need to make substantial investments in infrastructure and staff to fulfill subcontracted work, making them vulnerable to reduced subcontracts and crippling fixed expenses. Secondly, white-owned companies may seek to capitalize on the increased apportionments by forming joint ventures with minority-owned businesses. While legitimate joint ventures can be formed, there is a risk of white backers using minority-owned concerns as fronts to obtain subcontracts. Thirdly, minority enterprises that rely heavily on a single large corporate customer run the danger of becoming dependent. Fierce competition from larger, established companies makes it challenging for small businesses to broaden their customer bases. When these firms have guaranteed orders from a single benefactor, they may become complacent and struggle to seek new opportunities.Q. The authors implied that the minority owned concern that does the greater part of its businesswith one large corporate customer shoulda)avoid competition with the larger, more established concerns by not expandingb)concentrate on securing even more business from that corporationc)try to expands its customers base to avoid becoming dependent on the corporationd)pass on some of the work to be done for the corporation to other minority owned concerns.e)use its influence with the other corporation to promote subcontracting with other minorityconcerns.Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer? theory, EduRev gives you an ample number of questions to practice Directions:Passage For Question 1 to 9Recent years have presented both opportunities and risks for minority-owned businesses in the United States. Activists have long argued that the lack of access to substantial contracts and subcontracts from large companies hinders the establishment of minority businesses. In response to this concern, Congress has mandated that businesses awarded federal contracts over $500,000 make an effort to find minority subcontractors and document their efforts with the government. Some federal and local agencies have even set specific percentage goals for allocating parts of public works contracts to minority enterprises. Corporate response to these initiatives has been significant, with corporate contracts with minority businesses increasing from $77 million to $1.1 billion in 1977. Projections indicate that corporate contracts with minority businesses will surpass $3 billion per year in the early 1980s. While this patronage is promising for minority businesses, it also poses risks. Firstly, small minority firms may risk expanding too quickly and becoming financially overextended. Unlike large businesses, they often need to make substantial investments in infrastructure and staff to fulfill subcontracted work, making them vulnerable to reduced subcontracts and crippling fixed expenses. Secondly, white-owned companies may seek to capitalize on the increased apportionments by forming joint ventures with minority-owned businesses. While legitimate joint ventures can be formed, there is a risk of white backers using minority-owned concerns as fronts to obtain subcontracts. Thirdly, minority enterprises that rely heavily on a single large corporate customer run the danger of becoming dependent. Fierce competition from larger, established companies makes it challenging for small businesses to broaden their customer bases. When these firms have guaranteed orders from a single benefactor, they may become complacent and struggle to seek new opportunities.Q. The authors implied that the minority owned concern that does the greater part of its businesswith one large corporate customer shoulda)avoid competition with the larger, more established concerns by not expandingb)concentrate on securing even more business from that corporationc)try to expands its customers base to avoid becoming dependent on the corporationd)pass on some of the work to be done for the corporation to other minority owned concerns.e)use its influence with the other corporation to promote subcontracting with other minorityconcerns.Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer? tests, examples and also practice MCAT tests.
Explore Courses for MCAT exam

Top Courses for MCAT

Explore Courses
Signup for Free!
Signup to see your scores go up within 7 days! Learn & Practice with 1000+ FREE Notes, Videos & Tests.
10M+ students study on EduRev