Question 17.

We calculated the PAT per employee for F, C and E in the last question, using that information and calculating the PAT per employee for firm D to be $\frac{2400}{800}=3$

For firms F, C and D, we can see that the area is the same hence the only factor to consider is PAT per employee

F is 3.2, C is 3.75, and D is 3

This leaves D as the minimum. 

Comparing E and D (taking the proportionality constant as k)

E has PAT per employee as 2.5 with a radius of 1.5 units, the PRD value per employee would be $\frac{5}{2}k\pi\ \left(\frac{3}{2}\right)^2=k\pi\ \times\ \frac{5\times\ 9}{8}$

D has PAT per employee as 3, with a radius of 1 unit,the PRD value per employee would be $3k\pi\ \left(1\right)^2=3k\pi\$

We can see that the value would be greater for E, therefore firm D will have the lowest R&D spending per employee in 2023

Therefore, Option B is the correct answer.