1. During the Great Recession of 2008-2009, corporate cash conversion cycles typically increased in length by a significant amount. Why might this have occurred? Was it a good decision by corporate CFOs to allow this to happen? Explain.

2. In the economic environment of 2010-2014, the United States experienced a slow-growing economy with record low interest rates. In what ways does this type of economic environment diminish the importance of working capital management to the firm? In what ways is working capital management still important in this environment?

(Minimum of 150 words)