Specialized ratios are sometimes used in specific industries. For example, the so-called book-to-bill ratio is closely watched for semiconductor manufacturers. A ratio of .93 indicates that for every $100 worth of chips shipped over some period, only $93 worth of new orders were received. In January 2001, the North American semiconductor equipment industry’s book-to- bill ratio declined to .81, compared to .99 during the month of December. The ratio fell for six consecutive months and was down from 1.23 in August 2000. The three-month average of worldwide bookings in January 2001 was down 21 percent from the December 2000 level, while the three-month average of worldwide shipments was down 2 percent from the December 2000 level. What is this ratio intended to measure? Why do you think it is so closely followed?