The kinds of decisions made by the three managers differ; therefore, the information they need differs. Miko needs information for making and evaluating strategic decisions. Lars needs information for p lanning and controlling the ongoing operations of the plant. Deborah needs information for efficient planning of production in the process she runs.
As chief executive officer, Miko needs summary information about the company's performance. She needs to know general operating information, such as the amount of sales and net income for a period, and company-wide performance measures, such as return on assets.
Comparative information about the company's plants and products would be used to evaluate performance and to make strategic decisions about whether to retain the plants or products.
A plant manager needs information specific to the plant. This information can be used to evaluate plant efficiency and effectiveness. Information about production costs, plant profitability, and production delays can help Lars assess whether the plant is meeting expected performance objectives. If objectives are not being met, Lars needs information to help determine causes for the failures.
Deborah needs specific information about production needs on a day-to-day basis. She needs to know which products need to be produced and the quantities demanded. She needs to be able to evaluate costs associated with the production process to eliminate unnecessary costs and to provide production cost information to other decision makers.