This document discusses inventory management. It defines inventory and describes the variables involved in inventory problems including controlled variables like order quantity and timing, and uncontrolled variables like costs. It describes the objectives of inventory management as maintaining optimal inventory levels to maximize profitability. Different types of inventories like raw materials, work in progress, and finished goods are explained. The functions and importance of inventory management are provided along with methods like periodic review and fixed order quantity systems. The economic order quantity model and assumptions are outlined.