$76)$ Quantitative forecasting relies on numerical data and statistical models to predict future outcomes, while qualitative forecasting uses subjective judgments, expert opinions, and market intelligence. Quantitative forecasting is not always preferred over qualitative forecasting because qualitative methods can provide valuable insights into factors such as consumer behavior, market trends, and competitive dynamics that may not be captured by quantitative models alone$\mathrm{.}77)$ The ultimate tradeoff decision for operations managers regarding inventory revolves around balancing the costs of holding inventory against the costs of stockouts or shortages. Tangible costs of holding inventory include storage expenses, insurance, and the risk of obsolescence, while hidden costs encompass tied$-$up capital, opportunity costs, and the potential for reduced agility in responding to market changes$\mathrm{.}78)$ PERT $($Program Evaluation and Review Technique$)$ and CPM $($Critical Path Method$)$ are project management techniques used to schedule, organize, and coordinate tasks within a project. PERT$/$CPM is valuable because it helps identify critical activities and their dependencies, allowing for better allocation of resources and mitigation of project risks. Another project management technique developed for the digital age is Agile methodology, which emphasizes iterative development, flexibility, and collaboration among cross$-$functional teams to adapt to changing requirements and deliver value to customers efficiently.