Lester Scholl's administrative assistant calls you on Monday afternoon to set up a conference call between you and the chairman tomorrow morning to discuss the board's reaction to your list and to discuss your next task. You call the number she gave you, and Lester joins the call shortly after.

"I'm pleased with your work," he says. The board was impressed with your list of factors. Your ranking made sense because your explanations were well-written. I suspect they read everything you sent because it was concise and clear. Good job."

"Thanks," you say, and you feel relieved that your first assignment was well-received.

"Your list provided the basis for a good conversation about the manufacturing operations," he says. "We want to know more about the economy of both countries to further inform our decision-making process."

"That makes sense," you say. "The United States and South Korea hold many distinct economic factors that may affect AutoEdge's long-term financial performance."

"Right," he says. "Your research on the two economies will give the board enough information so we can advise the new, incoming CEO."

"What should my research include?" you ask.

"In your research, you must take into consideration several macroeconomic factors," he says. "We want to see information about the gross domestic product (GDP), unemployment, interest rates, and inflation for both the United States and South Korea. Make sure your research is current; that is, no more than 6 months old."

"I'll get started right away," you say.

"Very good," he says. "Let me know if you have any questions, and I'll put you in touch with some of the other members of the board if I can't provide the answers you need."