Assume you have been assigned the task of identifying a chase strategy aggregate production plan for the coming year. You have been informed that beginning inventory is 500 units, your plan should provide an ending inventory for the year equal to 200 units, and you have been provided the following forecasts of aggregate demand. Knowing that the typical objective of chase plans is to avoid carrying inventory, what should be the planned rate of production for the first quarter

You work as the sales manager for a company that sells office supplies to businesses of all sizes. because the profit margins are razor-thin, you need to ensure that you are getting the very best prices on paper, pencils, pens, post-it notes, and other office supplies from the manufacturers. when reviewing the quarterly profit statement, you realize that your costs are higher than they should be, and you trace the higher costs back to an employee who has been lax about getting competitive bids to ensure the lowest prices. when you conduct your research to determine the reason for the higher costs, and take action to bring those costs back down, in which of the key management processes are you taking part?