Final answer:
B. ARO The estimated number of devices to be replaced next year can be described as the ARO (Annualized Rate of Occurrence).
Step-by-step explanation:
The estimated number of devices to be replaced next year can be described as the ARO (Annualized Rate of Occurrence).
In this scenario, the IT manager is estimating the number of devices that will need to be replaced due to loss, damage, or theft. The fact that the number of devices replaced has steadily increased by 10% over the last five years indicates a recurring pattern. To calculate the ARO, the manager can consider the average number of devices replaced per year based on the past trend.
For example, if there were 100 devices replaced this year, the estimated number of devices to be replaced next year would be 110 (100 + (100 * 10%)). This estimation helps the IT manager budget for the mobile device replacements for the upcoming year.