This problem requires the use of ACL software, which can be accessed through the textbook website. Information about downloading and using ACL and the commands used in this problem can also be found on the textbook website. You should read all of the reference material preceding the instructions for “Quick Sort” before locating the appropriate command to answer questions a. through f. For this problem use the file labeled “Shipments” in the “Sales_and_collection” subfolder of the ACL_Rockwood project. This file includes all shipments recorded as sales in 2014. The suggested command or other source of information needed to solve the problem requirement is included at the end of each question. 

Required:

a. Determine the total number of shipments recorded as sales in calendar year 2014 as listed at the bottom of the worksheet. 

b. Sort the ship_date column in both ascending and descending order. What concerns do you have about shipments recorded as sales in 2014, if any? (Quick Sort) 

c. Are there any gaps or duplicates in Shipping Numbers? What might be a plausible explanation for gaps or duplicates observed? (Gaps and Duplicates) 

d. Create a new file of shipments summarized by customer. Which customer accounts for the most sales activity by total number of shipments? Which customer accounts for the most sales activity by the total number of items shipped? Are these amounts significant relative to total shipments? (Summarize and Quick Sort) 

e. Using the file of shipments by customer created in part d. above, sort by customer number. Do you have any concerns based on this information? (Quick Sort) 

f. To help decide the number of shipments to select for testing, you decide to stratify on the number of items shipped after excluding all shipments with fewer than 100 items. Print the output. (Filter and Stratify)