1. Which of the following is an accurate definition of the iron law of distribution?

a. If a supplier eliminates channel intermediaries, other intermediaries must be added to replace the original group.

b. Eliminating channel intermediaries enables a supplier to reduce the number of critical functions that must be performed in the channel system to satisfy customers' requirements.

c. By adding a channel intermediary, a supplier automatically changes the mix of critical functions that must be performed in the channel system to satisfy customers' requirements.

d. A supplier can eliminate or add channel intermediaries, but the critical functions that must be performed in the channel system in order to satisfy customers' requirements should not be eliminated.

e. Eliminating channel intermediaries is a reliable cost-cutting approach