Managers at Avalon Computing work in a fast$-$paced business environment. To make higher$-$quality decisions in this environment, Avalon's managers do not use traditional tactics, e$.$g$.,$ relying on old data, long$-$range planning, and futuristic forecasts. Instead, they focus on real$-$time information, by constantly monitoring daily operating measures such as work in process rather than checking periodically the traditional accounting$-$based indicators such as profitability. In this manner, Avalon's managers strive to overcome the barrier to effective decision making known as