Read the Case Study: Higher Service Levels in order to answer one questions below. 1. Discuss the merits of each of Mr. Cohen's directives to his materials managers. 2. As a stockholder, what are your opinions about the president's comments on the future of the company? Do you foresee any major problems? 3. Do you share Mr. Benton's trust in Mr. Cohen? Post your comment on the Discussion Forum. - Read your classmates comments and write comments for at least two of your classmates' writings. The value of the Case Study is 20 points The deadline for the questions can be found in "Tools" located in "Calendar in the Blackboard platform Case Study: Higher Service Levels Hopson Steel is a distributor of steel and metal products. It has sales territories in twelve states which are served from six warehouses. Each warehouse is autonomous and carries enough inventory to cover sales in two states To the dismay of the major stockholders, profits and sales at Hopson Steel have not changed appreciably over the last five years. The profits of competitors have increased. In an effort to institute change, Mr. Benton, the President, has replaced the company's general manager with Mr Arnold Cohen With considerable effort and a substantial salary offer, Mr. Cohen was persuaded to leave his position with a sporting goods firm Upon arrival at the firm, Mr. Cohen examined sales records and market forecasts for the steel industry. He predicted a substantial increase in demand for several products. After commenting several times that increased sales were the salvation for Hopson Steel, he issued the following directives to each of his six material managers 1. Purchase and stock at each warehouse a tems listed in the general supply catalogue 2. Purchase large quantities of products for inventory so quantity discounts can be utilized 3. If economically possible purchase economic order quantities EOQ) Inventory levels will rise, but the larger holding cool will be offset by increased sales (the gher service level will increase sales 5. All managers who exceed last year's performance will receive bonuses Within a few months, sales increases were reported along with predictions of even greater increases by year end. The warehouses reported the largest stock of steel products in the company's history Labor negotiations between the steel industry and labor unions were at an impasse and it appeared that a strike was imminent. Fearing strike would deplete inventory levels when sales were increasing Mr Cohen urged the procurement of even larger quantities of steel from any source available Although a strike did occur, it lasted for only a week. At the end of the year, Mr Benton reported sales increase for the company but a loss on operations. He attributed the poor performance to Nigh inventory levels and other unexpected costs. With some reservations, Mr Benton predicted a brighter year ahead with increased sales and a return to profitability. He professed continued trust in Mr. Cohen's att