Introduction

Four citizens receive a certified letter to report to the Office of the Chief of Police, Chief Bellbottoms, at 8:00 AM Monday morning. Each citizen reports promptly. The Chief leans back and looks at everyone under her glasses as she rubs her chin.

"I need a LAFF and you people are it", says the Chief. "I hear great things about all of you and I'm convinced that each of you would be successful in this job."

"Why, thank you", everyone replies slowly, feeling complimented and insulted at the same time.

"What, Chief, is a LAFF and why do we need one?"

"A LAFF is vital aspect of our town of Old Olks; you might even say that it is synonymous with greatness, high standards, and responsibility." "And", adds the Chief, "a LAFF requires great mathematical and creative ability."

Everyone smiles from ear to ear and whispers to themselves, "Yea..that's me."

"A LAFF is an acronym which describes each member of your team", explains the chief. "You obviously may decide who does what, but you must have a Layout designer; an Account manager; and two FFitness instructors."

"Now, you asked, Why do we need one?"

"The police department needs officers in tip-top shape to keep our community safe," says the Chief. "The individuals within LAFF are responsible for preparing cadets for active police work within the community."

"Interesting", some of you think to yourselves. But there is a major hurdle.

"Chief, we do not have a gym within 40 miles. How do we develop a fitness program without access to a local gym?"

"That's the best part, LAFF."

"You will have a $250,000 budget to develop a gym in the old storage building over on East Maple. Additionally, your group will research and purchase equipment, control your budget process, and do research on the health profile of each cadet."

Your group cannot hide its enthusiasm. "Ok Chief, let us understand this. $250,000 dollars; four of us to do all the math, research, creative a gym, develop individual programs and....... a little money for us, maybe?"

"You will be well rewarded at the end, if you succeed", snapped the Chief. Is that clear, LAFF?"

"No", did not seem like a possible answer.

"This LAFF team is ready for duty, Chief."

"Oh stop with the Chief stuff. They call me BB for short."

"BB and LAFF", you think to yourselves, a mini series in the making.

"You have a deal, BB", the team replies.

"Would Monday be ok to start?", someone else asks as everyone stands and shakes hands.

"Not as good as right now", says BB with a wink. "Oh, and one other thing", as BB leads your team to the door "Only one cadet will awarded the title police officer. You and your team will decide based upon the process you employ, the evaluation, and conclusions you make. Good Luck"