The regional head for Tim Hortons has decided to sell the company's products directly through company$-$owned stores because the distribution system in the market is primitive. In six other markets, however, the company will continue to operate through a franchise system. Thus, this decision made by the regional head at Tim Hortons will be considered as a $\_\_\_\_\_$ strategy.

a$.$

tactical

b$.$

business

c$.$

Let me guess the answer

d$.$

functional