Final answer:
Purchasing decisions are generally not authorized by inventory control; rather, they are managed by the purchasing or procurement department. Inventory control monitors and manages inventory levels, while purchasing handles supplier relations and order placements.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that purchasing decisions are authorized by inventory control is generally False. Inventory control is primarily concerned with managing and overseeing the number of products or materials in stock. It includes tasks such as monitoring inventory levels, setting reorder points, and managing stock disbursement. However, the authorization of purchasing decisions is typically under the purview of the purchasing department or procurement. This department is responsible for evaluating suppliers, negotiating contracts, and placing purchase orders in line with the company's strategies and budget. Coordination between inventory control and procurement is essential to ensure that inventory levels meet the demand without overstocking or stockouts. Hence, while inventory control is critical in signaling when purchases may need to be made, they do not usually authorize the purchase decisions themselves.