Phoenix Computer Phoenix Computer manufactures and sells personal computers directly to customers. Orders are accepted by phone and through the company's Web site. Phoenix will be introducing several new laptop models over the next few months, and management recognizes a need to develop technical support personnel to specialize in the new laptop systems. One option being considered is to hire new employees and put them through a three month training program. Another option is to put current customer service specialists through a two month training program on the new laptop models. Phoenix estimates that the need for laptop specialist will grow form 0 to 100 during the months of May through September as follows: May 20; June - 30; July - 85; August 85; and September 100. After September, Phoenix expects that maintaining a staff of 100 laptop specialists will be sufficient. The annual salalry for a new employee is estimated to be $27,000 whether the person is hired to enter the training program or to replace a current employee who is entering the training program. The annual salary for the current Phoenix employees who are being considered for the training program is approximately $36,000. The cost of the three month training program is $1500 per person, and the cost of the two month training program is $1000 per person. Note that the length of the training program means that a lag will occur between the time when a new person is hired and the time a new laptop specialist is available. The number of current employees who willbe available for training is limited. Phoenix estimate that the following number can be made available in the coming months: March -15; April 20; May - 0; June - 5; and July 10. The training center has the capacity to start new three month and two month training classes each month; however, the total number of students (new and current employees) that begin training each month cannot exceed 25.