Al Recently Became Manager of a Dow Chemical Plant

Al recently became manager of a Dow Chemical plant. The plant has experienced significant increases in inventory and financial losses over the past two years due to poor supply-chain management practices. To begin solving this problem, Al invites suggestions from line workers, gathers managers from various levels of the plant to brainstorm, and talks with experts in the field of operations management. Which step in the managerial decision-making process is this?

A) identifying the problem
B) generating alternatives
C) selecting an alternative
D) conceptualizing a solution