Working Capital Management: Concepts, Operating Cycle, Cash/Inventory/Receivables Basics Questions

Question 1

State one objective of working capital management.

Accepted Answer

To maintain **liquidity** for smooth operations while avoiding idle funds (profitability) (concept).

Question 2

Define working capital.

Accepted Answer

Working capital refers to funds required for **day-to-day operations**, mainly invested in current assets (concept).

Question 3

State the formula for net working capital.

Accepted Answer

Net working capital = **Current assets − Current liabilities**.

Question 4

What is operating cycle?

Accepted Answer

Operating cycle is the time taken to convert **cash → inventory → receivables → cash** (concept).

Question 5

Gross working capital refers to total current assets. (True/False)

Accepted Answer

True. **Gross working capital** means total current assets (concept).

Question 6

Receivables arise due to credit sales. (True/False)

Accepted Answer

True. **Receivables** are created when sales are made on credit.

Question 7

Differentiate gross and net working capital using a table (any three points).

Accepted Answer

Gross vs net working capital:

| Basis | **Gross WC** | **Net WC** |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | total current assets | CA − CL |
| Focus | investment in current assets | **liquidity** position |
| Use | operational planning | short-term solvency |

Thus, gross WC shows current asset level; net WC shows liquidity cushion.

Question 8

Draw operating cycle flowchart and explain briefly (3 points).

Accepted Answer

Operating cycle (flow):

Cash → Raw material → WIP → Finished goods → Sales → **Receivables** → Cash

Brief points:
- shorter cycle reduces working capital need (concept)
- inventory and receivables are major time blocks
- supplier credit can reduce cash outflow timing (concept)

Question 9

List any three determinants of working capital requirement.

Accepted Answer

Determinants (any three):

- nature of business (manufacturing vs service) (concept)
- sales volume and growth
- production cycle length
- credit policy (customers/suppliers)
- inventory policy and lead time

Any three with brief explanation are sufficient.

Question 10

Explain cash management objectives and tools (brief) using a table.

Accepted Answer

Cash management (brief):

| Objective/tool | Explanation |
|---|---|
| **Optimum cash** | avoid shortage and avoid idle funds |
| Cash budget | plan inflows/outflows (concept) |
| Collection/payment control | speed collections, manage payments |

Thus, cash management balances liquidity and cost (concept).

Question 11

Explain how supplier credit affects working capital requirement (brief) using points/table (concept).

Accepted Answer

Effect of supplier credit (concept):

| Aspect | Impact on working capital |
|---|---|
| **Credit period from suppliers** | delays cash outflow for purchases |
| Operating cycle | effectively shortens cash conversion period |
| Result | reduces cash tied up, so **working capital requirement decreases** |

Thus, higher supplier credit generally lowers the firm’s working capital need (concept).

Question 12

Write an exam-style answer on working capital management: meaning, importance and operating cycle (include a table/flow and conclusion).

Accepted Answer

### Meaning
**Working capital management** is managing current assets and current liabilities to ensure smooth operations.

### Importance
- maintains **liquidity** for timely payments
- reduces idle funds and improves profitability (concept)
- avoids stock-outs and improves customer service (concept)

### Operating cycle (flow)
Cash → Inventory → Sales → **Receivables** → Cash

### Conclusion
Efficient working capital management balances liquidity and profitability and supports uninterrupted business operations.

Question 13

Explain inventory management: objectives, costs and control techniques (exam-style) with a table and conclusion.

Accepted Answer

### Objectives
Maintain sufficient stock for smooth production/sales with minimum cost.

| Cost type | Examples |
|---|---|
| **Ordering cost** | order processing, transport (concept) |
| **Carrying cost** | storage, insurance, obsolescence (concept) |
| Stock-out cost | loss of sales/production stoppage (concept) |

### Techniques (concept)
- EOQ, reorder level, safety stock
- ABC analysis

### Conclusion
Inventory control reduces total cost and prevents stock-outs, improving working capital efficiency.

Question 14

Explain receivables management: objectives, credit policy elements and control (exam-style) with a table and conclusion.

Accepted Answer

### Objectives
Increase sales through credit while controlling **bad debts** and collection delays.

| Credit policy element | Meaning |
|---|---|
| **Credit period** | time allowed to pay |
| Credit standards | who gets credit (risk check) (concept) |
| Collection policy | follow-up, reminders, legal steps (concept) |
| Cash discount | incentive for early payment (concept) |

### Conclusion
Strong receivables management improves cash flow and reduces default risk, thereby lowering working capital requirement.

Question 15

Differentiate conservative and aggressive working capital policies (exam-style) using a table and conclude.

Accepted Answer

Conservative vs aggressive working capital policy:

| Policy | Approach | Risk–return (concept) |
|---|---|---|
| **Conservative** | higher current assets; more liquidity | low risk, lower return |
| **Aggressive** | lower current assets; tight liquidity | higher risk, higher return |

Conclusion: conservative is safer; aggressive can improve profitability but increases liquidity risk.

Basis	Gross WC	Net WC
Meaning	total current assets	CA − CL
Focus	investment in current assets	liquidity position
Use	operational planning	short-term solvency

Working Capital Management: Concepts, Operating Cycle, Cash/Inventory/Receivables Basics

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