The night before enrollment was to open for the University of Johannesburg a line of people more than a mile long formed outside the gates. When the gates opened, a stampede started, and a woman lost her life in her attempt to secure her son a spot at the university and a chance for a better life. (Source: New York Times, January 10, 2012) Based on the news clip above, the allocation of resources in made using
A) market price.
B) auction.
C) first-come, first-served.
D) lottery.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The news clip describes a situation where resources (spots at the university) were allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. The line of people forming outside the gates and the stampede that ensued when the gates opened indicate that this was not an organized auction or lottery system. The market price is not mentioned as a factor in resource allocation in this case.

The Night Before Enrollment Was to Open for the University