FTW corporation sells computer peripherals and related devices, such as printers, ink, flash drives and cables. FTW has a staff of three purchasing agents, each of whom oversees a specific set of...

Each purchasing agent uses his/her discretion in making decisions about when to order inventory, how much inventory to order, and which vendor to purchase from. When ordered inventory arrives at FTW, one of two receiving clerks matches the items, quantities, and vendors against a copy of the purchase order, then either stocks the merchandise on the shelves or puts it in the storeroom. FTW's accountant receives a copy of the invoice from the vendor, as well as an e-mail from one of the receiving clerks indicating that merchandise has been received. The e-mail also includes the relevant purchase order number. The accountant files the invoice by date in a filing cabinet; once a week, the accountant removes invoices from the filing cabinet and pats them by check. To cut down on clutter in the office, the accountant shreds the vendor invoice after the check has been paid by the bank. The accountant also completes a bank reconciliation within two weeks of receiving the bank statement in the mail.

1. upon reading the case, discuss the need of an operations audit.

2. Integrate the concept of 7E's of Operations Audit, as applicable to identify potential problems in the case.