2 Work center capacities and costs follow. Repeat Question 1 creating a feasible schedule (within the capacities of the machine centers) and compute the relevant costs. Do this by adjusting the MPS only. Try to minimize the total cost of operation for the 27 weeks. Use Microsoft Excel to solve the Nichols Company case. (Note that if you start from scratch, it will take several hours to answer Question 1, about the same for Question 2, and perhaps double that for Question 3. A spreadsheet is on the DVD included with this book to help with this problem.) Simplifying assumption: To get the program started, some time is needed at the beginning because MRP backloads the system. For simplicity, assume that the forecasts (and therefore demands) are zero for Periods 1 through 3. Also assume that the starting inventory specified in Exhibit 16.27 is available from Week 1. For the master production schedule, use only End Items A, B, and C. To modify production quantities, adjust only Products A, B, and C. Do not adjust the quantities of D, E, F, G, H, and I. These should be linked so that changes in A, B, and C automatically adjust them.