Pacific Packaging has been supplying shipping materials and packaging for your garden supply manufacturing firm for more than 10 years. Pacific's salesperson is practically a member of your team. She knows your products inside and out, and she often solves problems for you. However, you've noticed that Pacific's prices have increased an average of 4% each year, which is troubling since resources are already so tight. Following the resource-dependence theory, which strategy would you choose to reduce dependence on other organizations and maintain control of resources?

a.Make an acquisition

b.Enter into a joint venture

c.Renew the supply chain contract

d.Investigate other packaging suppliers