Andrea Bennett is preparing for a meeting with her banker. Her business is finishing its fourth year of operations. In the first year, it had negative cash flow from operations. In her second and third years, cash flows from operations were positive. However, inventory costs rose significantly in year four, and cash flows from operations will probably be down 25%. Bennett wants to secure a line of credit from her banker as a financing buffer. From experience, she knows the banker will scrutinize operating cash flows for years one through four and will want a projected number for year five. Bennett knows that a steady progression upward in operating cash flows for years one through four will help her case. She decides to use her discretion as owner and considers several business actions that will turn her operating cash flow in Year four from a decrease to an increase.

1. Identify two business actions Bennett might take to improve cash flows from operations.

2. Comment on the ethics and possible consequences of Bennetts decision to pursue these actions.