(Supplier quality) Assume that Toyota paid for a full-page advertisement in the Wall Street Journal. The ad did not tout Toyota products nor was it in reference to year-end earnings or a new stock issuance. Instead, the ad was to inform readers that “buying quality parts is not a foreign idea to us.” The ad named Toyota suppliers and identified their locations. Prepare a brief essay to answer the following questions.

a. Wiry would Toyota want other companies to know what suppliers it uses?

b. Do you think this advertisement had any benefit for Toyota itself? Discuss the rationale for your answer.

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