case study

Do you want me to pay this months bill from Charlies Tap Service for his weekly cleaning of our beer lines? asked Flory, the bookkeeper at the Blackwood Pub. Flory was talking to Jack, the beverage manager at the Blackwood.

Isnt it for the same amount as last month? asked Jack. Four trips, at $200 for each cleaning trip. Thats what he always charges.

Yes, it is, replied Flory. The bill is for $800. Well, whats the problem? asked Jack.

Well, maybe nothing . . . but you know how Charlie always lists the dates he cleaned our lines? And then put those dates on the invoice? said Flory.

Right, he always does that. He has for years. So what? replied Jack.

Well, for last month he listed himself as being here on the 15th, Flory said. But that was the day we were closed when the power was out all over the city because of that big storm we had.

So he couldnt have cleaned the lines that day, said Jack, slowly. Not unless he had a key and worked in the dark, joked Flory.

1. What could be some reasonable explanations for the apparent mix-up in this invoice for beer line cleaning services?

2. What could be some reasonable explanations for the apparent mix-up in this invoice for beer line cleaning services?

3. What would be the best thing to do with Charlie? explain your reasoning

4. Should Flory trust Charlie for future businesses? Why or why not, explain your reasoning.