Answer:
The economic downturn is a factor beyond her control.
Explanation:
In the given scenario Selena's monthly sales have declined and she received a bad performance rating.
The decline was due partly to an economic recession and also due to the fact that her mother has been in the hospital (personal reasons).
If the wants to contest the ratings she will not use the personal challenge she had since she did not report it to take time off from work.
However she can state that the economic downturn is a factor beyond her control so this should be considered in her performance rating.