Business risk is affected by a firm's operations. Which of the following is NOT directly associated with (or does not directly contribute to) business risk? Demand variability. Sales price variability. The extent to which operating costs are fixed. The extent to which interest rates on the firm's debt fluctuate. Input price variability.

The correct answer is letter "D": The extent to which interest rates on the firm's debt fluctuate.

Explanation:

Business risk refers to all the threats that could potentially represent losses for a firm as a result of its operations. Changes in consumer preferences, competition, government regulations, war, natural disasters, are a few examples of those threats.

The fluctuations of interest rates could bring losses to the company in front of increases but it could also represent a benefit when they decrease since companies would pay less for their debts. Therefore, the changes in interest rates are not direct business risks.

answer; ///(d); determining who competes most closely   with whom evaluating whether industry driving forces and competitive pressure favor some strategic groups and hurt others, and ascertaining whether the profit potential of different strategic groups varies due to the strengths and weaknesses in each groups respective market positions;

answercold,maybe nuclear war;