In what way can operational efficiency enhance liquidity?

Operational efficiency can enhance liquidity primarily by reducing costs and generating cash flow. When a business operates more efficiently, it optimizes its resources, minimizes waste, and streamlines processes, ultimately leading to lower operational expenses. This reduction in costs means that more cash is retained within the business, contributing directly to improved cash flow.

With better cash flow, a company has more liquidity, which allows it to meet its short-term obligations, invest in growth opportunities, and react quickly to unexpected financial demands. An efficient operation might also speed up the conversion of assets into cash by producing products or providing services more effectively, thereby enhancing the cash available for immediate use.

The other options do not fundamentally address the nature of improving liquidity through operational efficiency. Increasing inventory levels can tie up cash and may not aid in liquidity unless the inventory is rapidly converted to sales. Hiring more staff could increase operational costs instead of decreasing them, ultimately having a negative impact on liquidity if not managed properly. Lastly, simply increasing the number of services offered does not guarantee liquidity improvement—success depends on how efficiently those services can be delivered and monetized.