The Master Production Schedule (MPS) is a statement of the anticipated manufacturing schedule for the selected items by quantity per planning period. It is a response to the forecast demand described by the production plan, and the actual demand in terms of received customer orders. Often, it is a listing of the end items that are to be produced, the quantity of each item to be produced, and the required schedule for delivery to the customer. The MPS provides the basis for making customer delivery promises, utilizing the capacity of the plant effectively, attaining the strategic objectives of the business as reflected in the production plan, and resolving tradeoffs between marketing and manufacturing. The MPS represents management commitment, authorizing the procurement of raw material and the production of component items.