Osprey Fabrication has the following aggregate demand requirements and other data for the upcoming four quarters.
Quarter | Demand | | Previous quarter's output | 1300 units |
1 | 1400 | | Beginning inventory | 0 units |
2 | 1200 | | Stockout cost | $50 per unit |
3 | 1600 | | Inventory holding cost | $10 per unit at end of quarter |
4 | 1500 | | Hiring workers | $40 per unit |
| | | Laying off workers | $80 per unit |
| | | Subcontracting cost | $60 per unit |
| | | Unit cost | $30 per unit |
| | | Overtime | $15 extra per unit |
Which of the following production plans is better: Plan A—chase demand by hiring and layoffs; Plan B—pure level strategy, or Plan C—1350 level with the remainder by subcontracting?