The process of developing budget estimates by requiring managers to estimate sales, production, and other operating data as though operations were being initiated for the first time is referred to as _____ budgeting.

A) flexible
B) continuous
C) zero-based
D) master

Zero-based budgeting is a method where all expenses must be justified for each new period, starting from a "zero base," as if the operations were starting anew. This contrasts with traditional budgeting processes that adjust previous budgets to account for new circumstances.