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Members Only > AMA Member Challenge Archive
Answers to AMA Member Challenge
May 2008
In response to soaring futures prices, Wal-Mart’s Sam’s Club warehouse stores have set purchase limits on 20 lb. bags of jasmine and basmati varieties of what staple?
- Bread crumbs
- Rice
- Corn
- Beans
Correct answer: Rice. Demand from developing countries and poor crop yields have pushed rice prices up 70% this year, raising concerns of possible shortages. Warehouse giant Costco has also imposed limits on rice purchases.
2. What Freeport, Maine-based retailer did consumers rate #1 in customer service in 2007?
- LL Bean
- Amazon.com
- REI
- Sears
Correct answer: LL Bean. The rating is based on the 2007 Customer Service Survey conducted for the National Retail Federation and American Express by BIGresearch. Zappos.com came in second, with Amazon.com third, and Overstock.com fourth. LL Bean moved up to #1 from third place in the 2006 survey.
3. If you want to feel stinking rich, consider buying Comme des Garçons’ new fragrance, 8 88, which purportedly embodies what imaginary scent?
- Sunshine
- Power
- Gold
- Intrigue
Correct answer: Gold. The fragrance is composed of safraline (a derivative of saffron), amber, patchouli, and other scents. The 50 milliliter size can be yours for $105.
4. A proposed merger of Delta and what Minnesota-based airline would create the world’s biggest air carrier?
- Northwest
- Pan Am
- USAir
- Virgin Atlantic
Correct answer: Northwest. If approved, the new company would fly under the Delta name and would capture 19% of the domestic airline market.
5. Whirlpool suspended 39 employees because they lied about what, to get a discount on their health insurance?
- Birth date
- Tobacco use
- Marital status
- Citizenship
Correct answer: Tobacco use. The suspended workers received an annual $500 discount on health insurance premiums because they claimed they did not use tobacco. The employees were then seen smoking or chewing tobacco on company property. According to a 2007 Mercer survey, 16% of all large employers adjust health care premiums according to an employee’s smoking status.
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