a) It is possible for total revenue to rise but profits to fall if the cost of goods sold or operating expenses increase faster than the increase in revenue. For example, if a company experiences an increase in sales but also has to pay more for the goods it is selling or has higher operating costs, this could lead to a decrease in profits even if total revenue is rising.
b)
i) A reduction in stock levels could increase profit in a few ways. First, it can reduce the cost of holding inventory, which includes the cost of storage and the cost of capital tied up in inventory. Reducing inventory levels can also help a company avoid having to mark down prices on excess or slow-moving inventory, which can have a negative impact on profits.
ii) One way a firm could increase demand is by implementing marketing and advertising campaigns to increase awareness of its products and services. This could include advertising in various media, such as television, radio, print, or online, as well as promotional activities such as sales or discounts. A company could also focus on improving the quality or value of its products and services in order to make them more appealing to consumers. In addition, a company could explore new markets or expand its distribution channels in order to reach a larger customer base.