Questions: What is work in process inventory generally described as? Beginning stage production costs associated with labor costs dealing with bringing in raw materials from the shipping docks. Costs associated with the end stage of manufacturing that are almost always complete and ready for customers. Costs applicable to units that have been started in production but are only partially completed. Costs strictly associated with direct labor.

The answer is the third one: costs applicable to units that have been started in production but are only partially completed.

Explanation for each option:

• Beginning stage production costs associated with labor costs dealing with bringing in raw materials from the shipping docks: This option is incorrect because work in process inventory refers to items that are in the middle of the production process, not just at the beginning stage or related to bringing in raw materials.
• Costs associated with the end stage of manufacturing that are almost always complete and ready for customers: This option is incorrect because work in process inventory includes items that are not yet complete, whereas this option describes finished goods inventory.
• Costs applicable to units that have been started in production but are only partially completed: This option is correct because work in process inventory specifically refers to items that are in the production process but are not yet finished.
• Costs strictly associated with direct labor: This option is incorrect because work in process inventory includes not only direct labor costs but also direct materials and manufacturing overhead costs.

Summary: Work in process inventory is generally described as costs applicable to units that have been started in production but are only partially completed.