A particular inventory control manager places orders for very expensive items. A report filed by an outside consultant included the following quotes. Comment on each.

a. “He tried to order only enough items to meet actual sales for the 1-month period, one lead time period ahead.” Comment in particular the choice of a 1-month period.

b. “To meet unexpected demand he usually ordered 10%–20% more than the number of units he was able to identify through purchase orders or commitments.” LOP52