Final answer:
A typical inventory management practice is to maintain a 3-day supply of perishable goods and a 7-day supply of staple goods, balancing demand with the risk of waste.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question about how many days of perishable goods and staple goods are typically maintained as supplies doesn't have a one-size-fits-all answer, as it greatly depends on the specific business and its needs, the perishability of the goods, supply chain reliability, and customer demand. However, a common practice for inventory management in many businesses is to maintain a 3-day supply of perishables, due to their short shelf life and the need to ensure freshness, and a 7-day supply of staples, which are non-perishable items that last longer and are used regularly.
This approach balances the need to have enough stock on hand to meet customer demand without overstocking, which can lead to waste, especially with perishable items. That said, each business may adjust its inventory practices based on its operational needs and analysis. Therefore, the best answer for this question, in general, is (c) 3-day supply of perishables, 7-day supply of staples.