In an alternative dispute resolution program (ADR), the concerned employee and supervisor have finished the peer review stage and have not reached a settlement. Which of the following is most likely the next stage in the ADR process? A panel of representatives from the same level will hear the case. A neutral third party from outside the organization will hear the case via a nonbinding process. The supervisor will seek legal support from the judiciary. A professional arbitrator from outside the organization will hear the case. The two will meet alone and attempt to arrive at a settlement.

You work as the sales manager for a company that sells office supplies to businesses of all sizes. because the profit margins are razor-thin, you need to ensure that you are getting the very best prices on paper, pencils, pens, post-it notes, and other office supplies from the manufacturers. when reviewing the quarterly profit statement, you realize that your costs are higher than they should be, and you trace the higher costs back to an employee who has been lax about getting competitive bids to ensure the lowest prices. when you conduct your research to determine the reason for the higher costs, and take action to bring those costs back down, in which of the key management processes are you taking part?