Demand is forecast for the next five months as 200, 300, 500, 300, 200. If the production planner decides to adopt a level strategy over the next five months, what quantities of products should be produced?

The quantities of products that should be produced each month are:

300, 300, 300, 300, and 300 respectively.

Explanation:

a) Data and Calculations:

Production Scheduling Based on Level Strategy:

                                  Month 1  Month 2  Month 3  Month 4  Month 5  Total

Beginning Inventory         0         100         100           -100        -100             0

Production                    300        300         300           300        300      1,500

Forecast Demand        200        300         500           300       200       1,500

Ending Inventory          100         100         -100          -100            0              0

b) The implication is that the firm will be running in shortage for two months within the five months period.  This is not ideal to meet customers' demands.  It appears very costly with the holding and shortage costs throughout the period.