Which of the following could be a reason why industry rivals are often motivated to enter strategic partnerships with key suppliers? Choose the best answer -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- a. to reduce the bargaining power they face from buyers of their products b. to reduce inventory and logistics costs

c. to enhance the quality of parts and components being supplied and/or to reduce defect rates d. to squeeze out important cost savings for both themselves and their suppliers e. to speed the availability of next-generation components