When developing a budget, an external factor to consider in the planning process is:

<p><em><strong>A. A change to a decentralized management</strong></em></p> <p><em><strong>system.</strong></em></p> <p><em><strong>B. The implementation of a new bonus program.</strong></em></p> <p><em><strong>C. New product development.</strong></em></p> <p><em><strong>D. The merger of two competitors.</strong></em></p>