This boxed insert is designed to help students think critically about a current issue that is hotly debated by business people, politicians, and the general public. The focus is not really on finding “the answer” because it is unlikely there is a single answer. Rather, students should focus on gaining an understanding of the many complex aspects of energy, and then come to an understanding of how these complexities affect managerial decisions.

1. Consult the sources listed for this boxed insert (found at the end of the book), and then develop a list of the advantages and disadvantages of each type of energy. Based on the list, which source of energy do you think is best? What problems did you encounter as you tried to make your decision about which form is best?

2. Consider the following statement: It is unwise to continue spending large amounts of money to develop wind and solar power because these sources are too unreliable and too expensive. Instead, more emphasis should be placed on developing technologies to make traditional fossil fuels less polluting. Do you agree or disagree with the statement? Defend your reasoning.