State a definitive answer to the case question posed at the end of the narrative, "How should Bud Wyckoff respond to Ellen Knutson's request to expense the advance payments for convention$-$related costs against February's budget?"

Discuss in your answer the appropriateness of the Ellen $($Marketing Director$)$ prepaying the the convention$-$related expenses in February, when the convention will take place in May. Is this a good cautious move for the company and its cash flow? Is the Marketing Director's motivation for paying these expenses early done for the company's benefit or for her own self interest? Should this be viewed as a favorable move by the company's upper management?

In order to receive full credit for your answer, in instruction $1$ above, you must explain your reasoning. If you believe "Yes," that Ellen should be allowed to expense the advance payments in February, you must say why you think it is OK$.$ If If you believe $"$No$,"$ that Ellen should not be allowed to expense the advance payments in February, you must say why you think this is inappropriate.