The objective of inventory management is to:
a. strike a balance between inventory investment and customer service.
b. provide a selection of goods for anticipated customer demand.
c. decouple various parts of the production process.
d. take advantage of quantity discounts.

A) strike a balance between inventory investment and customer service.

Explanation:

Sometimes when you go to retail store and try to buy some product, the sales person tells you they are out of stock.

Exactly this is what efficient inventory management should avoid. Companies should have a large enough merchandise stock to sell to their clients but at the same time every dollar invested in merchandise is one dollar that could be used doing something else that generates profit. Being able to balance both needs (large enough stock + efficient use of resources) is the job of inventory managers.

answer; a large down payment,a longer term loan, would result in a lower monthly payment;

consumer credit. an advantage is that it allows consumers to afford expensive goods and services now, increasing their standard of living. however, a disadvantage is that it creates a trap for debt, if people do not have self control, they may see themselves filing personal bankruptcy.