Atlantic Craftworks was founded in Halifax, Nova Scotia, on May 15, 2012, by Emily Lawson. Specializing in the meticulous craftsmanship of handmade wooden furniture, the company quickly gained recognition for its commitment to quality and unique design. Over the years, Atlantic Craftworks has established itself as a prominent player in the Atlantic Canada manufacturing sector, with a diverse portfolio of artisanal furniture. Under the leadership of CEO Emily Lawson, the company has successfully blended traditional woodworking techniques with modern design sensibilities, earning accolades for its commitment to sustainability and community engagement. Atlantic Craftworks has been a driving force in supporting local artisans and fostering a sense of pride in the region's rich woodworking heritage. Emily Lawson continues to lead the company, overseeing its growth and strategic initiatives. The company's dedication to creating high-quality, locally crafted furniture has contributed to its solid reputation in the market, positioning Atlantic Craftworks as a key player in the Atlantic Canada manufacturing landscape. Emily has approached Coastal Strategy Advisors for assistance in making some shortterm decisions. Coastal Strategy Advisors is a boutique management consulting firm based in Halifax, Nova Scotia, specializing in providing strategic guidance and decision support for manufacturing companies, with a particular focus on the Atlantic Canada region. You are an accounting co-op student working on your second term with the company. Alex Harrington, your manager at Coastal, has provided you with information on the decisions that Atlantic Craftworks would like assistance with. The information is found in Exhibit 

1. Required: You are to write a short business report that addresses the three decisions. Your report should be no longer than three pages and can be supplemented with up to two pages of appendices. You are required to:

 

a. Evaluate the special-order scenario. Provide a detailed analysis of the financial implications of accepting or rejecting the special order. Include at least four qualitative considerations that Emily should consider. Conclude on whether Atlantic Craftworks should accept or reject the order, based on your complete analysis.

b. Evaluate the decision whether to insource or outsource the accounting function. Compare the cost implications of both scenarios. Additionally, discuss at least four qualitative factors that should be considered for this decision. Provide a recommendation based on your complete analysis.

c. Evaluate the decision whether to keep or drop the product line. Assess this decision from a quantitative and qualitative perspective, outlining at least four qualitative factors in your discussion. Provide a recommendation on whether the company should retain or discontinue the product line, based on your analysis. Complete your assignment in Word (you may use Excel for your appendices as well). Upload your completed assignment to the dropbox assigned on D2L.