Manager: If I can reduce my costs by $40,000 during this last quarter, my division will show a profit that is 10% above the planned level, and I will receive a $10,000 bonus. However, given the projections for the fourth quarter, it does not look promising. I really need that $10,000. I know of one way that I can qualify. All I have to do is lay off my three most expensive sales-people. After all, most of the orders are in for the fourth quarter, I can always hire new sales personnel at the beginning of the next year.