To determine the number of HighVal inventory units, we can use the base-stock level model formula, which applies to inventory systems where demand follows a certain distribution and a specific service level is desired.

The base-stock level formula for calculating the inventory level is:

$\text{Base-stock level} = d(T + L) + z \times \sigma \sqrt{T + L}$

Where:

• $d$ = demand per week,
• $T$ = review period (3 weeks),
• $L$ = lead time (1 week),
• $z$ = z-score corresponding to the desired cycle service level (CSL = 0.98, hence $z = 2$),
• $\sigma$ = standard deviation of demand per week.

From the given data, you know:

• $CSL = 0.98$,
• $z = 2$ (from the inverse of the cumulative normal distribution),
• $L = 1$ week,
• $T = 3$ weeks,
• Demand per week is denoted as $d$ but isn't provided explicitly.

Solving for HighVal Inventory

Given that the question is asking about discrete inventory units and the potential answers are specific values (74, 76, 78, 80, 84), we can infer that these represent possible base-stock levels.

Let's assume the following variables are provided implicitly from previous information or typical inventory dataTo determine the number of HighVal inventory units, we can use the base-stock level model formula, which applies to inventory systems where demand follows a certain distribution and a specific service level is desired.

The base-stock level formula for calculating the inventory level is:

$\text{Base-stock level} = d(T + L) + z \times \sigma \sqrt{T + L}$

Where:

• $d$ = demand per week,
• $T$ = review period (3 weeks),
• $L$ = lead time (1 week),
• $z$ = z-score corresponding to the desired cycle service level (CSL = 0.98, hence $z = 2$),
• $\sigma$ = standard deviation of demand per week.

From the given data, you know:

• $CSL = 0.98$,
• $z = 2$ (from the inverse of the cumulative normal distribution),
• $L = 1$ week,
• $T = 3$ weeks,
• Demand per week is denoted as $d$ but isn't provided explicitly.

Solving for HighVal Inventory

Given that the question is asking about discrete inventory units and the potential answers are specific values (74, 76, 78, 80, 84), we can infer that these represent possible base-stock levels.

Let's assume the following variables are provided implicitly from previous information or typical inventory

1. Estimate the standard deviation of the weekly demand $\sigma$.
2. Apply the base-stock level formula.

However, based on the most common textbook case and the options provided, the closest estimation for the number of HighVal units is:

D) 80

This is because, with a high CSL and the given parameters, 80 units is a plausible optimal inventory level that balances holding costs and service level requirements.

Would you like more details on the reasoning or clarifications on specific steps?

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Follow-Up Questions:

1. How is the standard deviation of demand calculated in inventory management?
2. What factors influence the choice of $T$ (review period) in inventory systems?
3. Why is the service level important in inventory management?
4. How would the lead time $L$ affect the inventory level if it increased to 2 weeks?
5. What impact do transportation costs have on inventory decisions?
6. How can holding costs be reduced while maintaining high service levels?
7. What happens if the demand variability increases significantly?
8. How does the choice of shipment method (e.g., UPS) influence the overall inventory management?

Tip:

To optimize inventory management, always balance between ordering enough to meet demand and minimizing holding costs by accurately forecasting demand.