MKTG 409 - Chapter 15 - Practice Problems

What is a primary difference between an industrial distributor and a manufacturers' agent? a) A manufacturers' agent does not acquire title nor usually take possession of the products whereas an industrial distributor does. b) A manufacturers' agent is employed by the manufacturers while an industrial distributor is independent. c) An industrial distributor is employed by the manufacturers while a manufacturers' agent is independent. d) A manufacturers' agent rarely adds any value to the marketing channel while an industrial distributor reduces costs significantly. e) An industrial distributor does not form relationships with customers for repeat business whereas a key asset of a manufacturers' agent is his knowledge of his customers.

a) A manufacturers' agent does not acquire title nor usually take possession of the products whereas an industrial distributor does.

What links producers to consumers through the purchase and reselling of products or contractual agreements? a) Marketing intermediaries b) Distributors c) Suppliers d) Middle marketers e) Marketing channels

a) Marketing intermediaries

Starbucks has an agreement with Pepsi Co. through which Pepsi distributes Starbucks' coffee drink, Frappucino, to grocery stores and other retail outlets. This is an example of a) a strategic channel alliance. b) exclusive distribution. c) dual distribution. d) horizontal channel integration. e) channel leadership.

a) a strategic channel alliance.

When a single channel member manages an integrated marketing channel to achieve low-cost, efficient distribution for satisfying target markets, ______ exists. a) a vertical marketing system b) horizontal channel integration c) channel power d) channel cooperation e) extensive distribution

a) a vertical marketing system

The driving force behind marketing channel decisions should be a) convenience. b) cost reduction. c) environmental concerns. d) customer satisfaction. e) quality.

d) customer satisfaction.

Select Comfort, a producer of adjustable air mattresses, sells most of its products through direct mail sales and Internet sales. This channel would be classified as a) direct distribution. b) producer, retailer, consumer. c) telemarketing. d) direct-marketing. e) indirect marketing.

d) direct-marketing.

Many companies use more than one marketing channel to distribute their products to the same target market, a tactic called a) multiple channeling. b) strategic channel alliance. c) intensive distribution. d) dual distribution. e) market splitting.

d) dual distribution.

When three buyers purchase the products of three producers, nine transactions are required. If one intermediary serves both producers and buyers, the number of possible transactions is a) fifteen. b) five. c) eighteen. d) six. e) twenty

d) six.

In an administered VMS, informal coordination brings about a high level of interorganizational management. Nonetheless, a) decision making does not take into account the goals of the system. b) the channel members do not remain autonomous. c) the decision making is not coordinated. d) the channel members remain autonomous. e) the goals of the individual firms are not congruent with the goals of the system.

d) the channel members remain autonomous.

Product and target market characteristics usually determine the type of coverage a product receives. For which of the following products is selective distribution most appropriate? a) Gasoline b) Jaguar automobiles c) Cigarettes d) Laundry detergent e) Panasonic stereos

e) Panasonic stereos

Which of the following is an advantage of using an industrial distributor? a) These firms are easy to control because they work directly for the producers. b) Inventory holding costs are minimized because they can store inventory very cheaply. c) They are closer geographically to all of the producers' customers. d) They possess a high level of technical knowledge about their products. e) They help reduce a producer's financial burdens by extending credit to customers.

e) They help reduce a producer's financial burdens by extending credit to customers.

When channel members are linked by legal agreements that specify each member's rights and responsibilities, _______ exists. a) horizontal channel integration b) an administered VMS c) a corporate VMS d) a channel captain e) a contractual VMS

e) a contractual VMS

Goodyear allows companies like Sears and Discount Tire to distribute and discount its tires. This action significantly increases the possibility of channel ___________ with independent Goodyear dealers. a) understanding b) power c) leadership d) communication e) conflict

e) conflict

The Home Depot is trying to reduce transportation, information management, and administrative costs. To accomplish this goal, channel members need to a) work independently. b) avoid cooperation due to antitrust considerations. c) work with competitors and share information. d) increase competition among channel members. e) cooperate and accommodate one another's needs.

e) cooperate and accommodate one another's needs.

The Limited, which produces and retails clothing products in a coordinated channel, is an example of a(n) a) administered vertical marketing system. b) conventional marketing channel. c) channel network. d) contractual marketing channel. e) corporate vertical marketing system.

e) corporate vertical marketing system.

All members of the supply chain should determine their position in the chain, identify their partners and their roles, and establish partnerships whose focus is a) shifting costs to suppliers. b) maximizing costs. c) maximizing technology implementation. d) cooperation with competitors. e) customer relationships.

e) customer relationships.

An important goal of physical distribution is reducing the time it takes to complete a) inventory management. b) outsourcing evaluation. c) electronic data interchange. d) order processing. e) cycle time.

e) cycle time.

Many producers selling on the Internet are using a) several intermediaries. b) complex marketing channels. c) Internet wholesalers, retailers, and agents. d) supply chain channels. e) direct-marketing channels.

e) direct-marketing channels.

Expensive, high-quality products that are purchased infrequently often reach consumers through a) selective distribution. b) highly-selective distribution. c) sole-source retailers. d) complex marketing channels. e) exclusive distribution.

e) exclusive distribution.

In an administered vertical marketing system (VMS), interorganizational relationships are a) achieved by informal coordination. b) formalized through contracts. c) combined under the ownership of a single organization. d) guided by legal agreements. e) achieved by clearly defining the obligations and rights of all channel members.

a) achieved by informal coordination.

Marketing channel members are likely to experience misunderstandings, frustration, and poorly coordinated strategies as a result of a) channel conflict caused by inefficient communication between channel members. b) open communication among the channel members. c) methods of channel coordination designed to reduce ambiguity. d) negotiating territorial issues among regional distributors of a product. e) allowing one member of the channel to take the role of channel captain.

a) channel conflict caused by inefficient communication between channel members.

When produce companies such as Dole Tomatoes bypass wholesalers and sell directly to retailers, it is likely to create channel ___________ between Dole and these wholesalers. a) conflict b) cooperation c) leadership d) integration e) flows

a) conflict

In the distribution channel for Domino's Pizza, channel members are linked by legal agreements that spell out the obligations and rights of each member. This is an example of a(n) ___________ vertical marketing system. a) contractual b) administered c) corporate d) negotiated e) institutional

a) contractual

The United States Postal Service works hard to get priority mail from the sender to the recipient as quickly as possible in order to compete with companies such as UPS and FedEx. The postal service works to reduce a) cycle time. b) order processing. c) turn-around. d) shipping time. e) transportation.

a) cycle time.

Del Monte markets ketchup for household use to supermarkets through grocery wholesalers. It markets ketchup for institutional use through industrial distributors and food brokers. Del Monte is using a) dual distribution. b) industrial distribution. c) strategic channel alliance. d) supply chain management. e) an unethical marketing channel.

a) dual distribution.

Gateway Computer makes computers available through its own stores, its toll-free telephone line, and a website. This is an example of a) dual distribution. b) vertical integration. c) horizontal integration. d) tying agreements. e) exclusive dealing.

a) dual distribution.

An independent business that takes title to products and carries inventories is a(n) a) industrial distributor. b) intermediary. c) agency. d) wholesaler. e) producer.

a) industrial distributor.

If Nokia decides to make changes in its marketing channels, the strategic significance is that channel decisions are a) long-term commitments. b) short-term commitments. c) easier to change than prices. d) easier to change than promotion. e) impossible to change.

a) long-term commitments.

If a firm decides to contract its physical distribution functions to third parties that have no managerial authority within the marketing channel, it is using a) outsourcing. b) sole-sourcing. c) logistics. d) wholesaling. e) distribution services.

a) outsourcing.

Marketing channels create three types of utility for consumers including a) place, time, and possession. b) location, availability, and suitability. c) time, location, and promotion. d) retailer, wholesaler, and producer. e) position, possession, and place.

a) place, time, and possession.

Steelcase, Inc. markets furniture directly to businesses. This is an example of a(n) _________ channel. a) producer-to-business buyer b) producer-to-industrial-distributor-to-business buyer c) producer-to-agent-to-business buyer d) equipment e) consumer

a) producer-to-business buyer

After direct-marketing, the next slightly longer marketing channel adds a(n) a) retailer. b) producer. c) wholesaler. d) agent. e) consumer.

a) retailer.

When Sophie buys organic produce for her household using a channel with only one intermediary, that intermediary is classified as a a) retailer. b) wholesaler. c) broker. d) functional middleman. e) producer.

a) retailer.

Using only some of the available outlets to distribute a product is called a) selective distribution. b) intensive distribution. c) channel conflict. d) vertical channel integration. e) exclusive distribution.

a) selective distribution.

Long-term partnerships among channel members working together to reduce inefficiencies, costs, and redundancies in the entire marketing channel is called a) supply chain management. b) vertical channel integration. c) industrial management. d) industrial distribution. e) marketing management.

a) supply chain management.

Wal-Mart is working with its suppliers, using tools such as electronic billing, purchase order verification, and bar code technology, to integrate data used to improve overall performance. This is an example of a) supply chain management. b) a vertical marketing system. c) a horizontal marketing system. d) channel conflict. e) dual distribution.

a) supply chain management.

The best way to reduce overall distribution costs is to a) use a total-cost approach to analyze and evaluate the entire system. b) minimize the costs associated with materials handling and transportation. c) reduce the number of distribution functions that are necessary. d) find the cheapest price for each function and use them to create the system. e) lower the service standards that the company has.

a) use a total-cost approach to analyze and evaluate the entire system.

Caruthers Paint Manufacturing Company buys the chemicals it needs for producing its products from a chemical producer, Roth Chemicals. In this instance, the chemicals are being distributed to Caruthers through which of the following types of channels? a) Industrial distributor b) Direct distribution c) Retail d) Wholesaler-sponsored e) Producer

b) Direct distribution

Manufacturers of convenience products such as chewing gum reach customers through thousands of retailers. What marketing channel are these manufacturers most likely to use? a) Producer, consumer b) Producer, wholesaler, retailer, consumer c) Producer, wholesaler, agent, retailer, consumer d) Producer, retailer, consumer e) Retailer, consumer

b) Producer, wholesaler, retailer, consumer

For which of the following products would exclusive distribution be most appropriate? a) Gasoline b) Rolls Royce automobile c) Washing machine d) Laundry detergent e) Moderately priced luggage

b) Rolls Royce automobile

A channel that includes both a manufacturers' agent and an industrial distributor is appropriate under which of the following circumstances? a) When the firm wants specialized personnel to follow up the work of the sales force b) When the marketer wishes to enter a new geographic market but does not wish to expand the existing sales force c) When only one or two channels of distribution are available for products d) When the sales force is large and the marketer is thinking of cutting it down e) When customers are highly concentrated in one geographic area

b) When the marketer wishes to enter a new geographic market but does not wish to expand the existing sales force

Nike maintains a good deal of control over how its products are promoted, displayed, and sold. Because of this control, Nike would be appropriately described as the channel a) intermediary. b) captain. c) allocator. d) terminator. e) price leader.

b) captain.

When one company in a marketing channel has the ability to influence another member's goal achievement, the company has a) channel control. b) channel power. c) marketing leadership. d) a channel captain. e) distributive influence.

b) channel power.

A channel of distribution is defined as a group of individuals and organizations that a) consumes about one-half of every dollar spent on products in the United States. b) directs the flow of products from producers to customers. c) links producers to other marketing intermediaries. d) takes title to products and resells them. e) manages transportation and warehousing functions.

b) directs the flow of products from producers to customers.

At the annual managers' planning conference, Jackie Conrad asks the other managers to consider her proposal to increase the quantity of inventory to a five-week supply in order to increase the percentage of completely filled customer orders from 85 percent to 90 percent. She states that she is willing to trade off the ___________ incurred for the positive effect of better customer service. a) lower response time b) higher warehousing costs c) higher transportation costs d) higher order processing costs e) higher performance levels

b) higher warehousing costs

When Busch Light Beer was introduced as part of the Anheuser-Busch product line, the company most likely used ___________ distribution. a) horizontal b) intensive c) selective d) agent e) exclusive

b) intensive

Candy bars and chewing gum are most likely to be distributed through _____ and _____. a) selective distribution; multiple channels b) intensive; dual distribution c) strategic channel alliances; intensive d) exclusive; a single channel e) dual distribution; convenience channels

b) intensive; dual distribution

Because Coke is such a popular product and the company is so powerful, Coca-Cola is in a position to exert considerable control over channel structures and the way Coke is marketed. This is an illustration of channel ___________ in the distribution channel. a) conflict b) leadership c) dominance d) cooperation e) negotiation

b) leadership

Most marketing channels have marketing intermediaries. A marketing intermediary's role is to a) link wholesalers to other wholesalers. b) link producers to other middlemen or to consumers. c) always sell products to wholesalers. d) not take title to products. e) always sell products to retailers.

b) link producers to other middlemen or to consumers.

An independent businessperson who is paid a commission to sell complementary products of different producers in an assigned territory without actually taking title of the merchandise is a(n) a) sole intermediary. b) manufacturers' agent. c) producers' broker. d) industrial distributor. e) channel facilitator.

b) manufacturers' agent.

A group of organizations and individuals that directs the flow of products from producers to the ultimate consumers is called a a) free trade association b) marketing channel c) channel of suppliers d) production line-up e) chain of retailers

b) marketing channel

Eliminating a wholesaler from a marketing channel will a) cut costs and lower prices. b) not eliminate the functions performed by that wholesaler. c) eliminate the functions performed by that wholesaler. d) lead to lower costs but higher prices. e) reduce channel conflict.

b) not eliminate the functions performed by that wholesaler.

Few supermarkets would try to replace a national brand of baby food with their own brand. Assuming that this is true, we have a good example of channel leadership by a) wholesalers. b) producers. c) retailers. d) agents. e) brokers.

b) producers.

Fragile products that require special handling are more likely to be distributed through a) longer channels. b) shorter channels. c) Channel D. d) Channel H. e) exclusive outlets.

b) shorter channels.

Possession utility is best described as a) products being available in places where the customers wish to purchase them. b) the customer having access to the product to use now or store and use later. c) having a company's products available when a customer needs them. d) being able to legally own a product despite restrictions on trade. e) getting the products to the consumers in as short of time as possible for ownership.

b) the customer having access to the product to use now or store and use later.

The reasons a vertically integrated channel can be more effective against competition is because of all of the following except a) the consolidation of power. b) tightly controlled and bureaucratic management style. c) the ability to inhibit competitors. d) the sharing of responsibilities and information. e) increased bargaining power.

b) tightly controlled and bureaucratic management style.

Having products available when the customer wants them is called a) place utility. b) time utility. c) availability. d) possession utility. e) chronavailability.

b) time utility.

When Benetton, the Italian sportswear designer and manufacturer, decided to open its own specialty shops to sell its merchandise, the firm was engaging in a) channel repetition. b) vertical channel integration. c) channel conflict. d) horizontal channel integration. e) channel expansion.

b) vertical channel integration.

Bennetton, a leading manufacturer of knitwear in Italy, expanded its operations to include retail outlets in the United States and South America. This type of integration is called a) horizontal. b) vertical. c) multilevel. d) retail. e) merchandising.

b) vertical.

The marketing channel of producer to retailer to consumer is most likely to be used by producers of which of the following products? a) Chewing gum b) Tobacco c) Automobiles d) Hardware e) Saltine crackers

c) Automobiles

Where do supply chains start? a) Raw materials b) Suppliers c) Customers d) Producers e) Retailers

c) Customers

Which of the following is least likely to be a factor affecting the selection of marketing channels? a) Customer characteristics b) Product attributes c) Product packaging d) Competition e) Environmental forces

c) Product packaging

Which of the following is most likely to be a product stocked by an industrial distributor? a) Tires b) Exercise equipment c) Screws d) Countertops e) Bananas

c) Screws

Which of the following describes a disadvantage of using industrial distributors? a) Industrial distributors possess considerable market information. b) Their marketing exchange relationships are very focused. c) They are unlikely to handle bulky items or items that are slow sellers. d) Industrial distributors sell specific brands aggressively. e) Industrial distributors acquire title to the products and take possession.

c) They are unlikely to handle bulky items or items that are slow sellers.

Customers who purchase computer laptops from manufacturer websites are acquiring products through a) the most efficient channel of distribution. b) the most common type of marketing channel. c) a direct-marketing channel. d) a business-to-business channel of distribution. e) an indirect-marketing channel.

c) a direct-marketing channel.

Rob Stevens is the head of a company that produces computer software for production scheduling. The firm is small and presently does not generate enough volume to justify hiring a sales force. The firm is probably using ___________ to maintain contact with the firms using its products. a) wholesalers b) brokers c) agents d) merchants e) retailers

c) agents

A producer is not likely to receive _____ from an industrial distributor. a) selling activities in local markets b) market information about consumers c) aggressive promotion of its brand d) reduced capital requirements e) a reduced financial burden from customers

c) aggressive promotion of its brand

If a wholesaler continually emphasizes and promotes one company's products over a competing company's products, _____ is likely to result. a) channel cooperation b) vertical channel integration c) channel conflict d) horizontal channel integration e) channel leadership.

c) channel conflict

The main objective of physical distribution should be to a) decrease costs while increasing market coverage. b) increase service and market coverage. c) decrease costs while increasing service. d) increase market coverage and channel power. e) balance costs and market coverage.

c) decrease costs while increasing service.

If Ralston Purina forced Kroger's grocery chain to place all of its products in the stores' most favorable locations, it would be a) demonstrating sound channel leadership. b) insisting on exclusive exposure. c) exercising channel power. d) minimizing channel conflict. e) creating a coordinate system.

c) exercising channel power.

To expand the number of its retail outlets in the Washington, D.C., area, the Dress Barn bought out a small chain of women's apparel stores in northern Virginia. This type of integration is called a) vertical. b) retail. c) horizontal. d) backward. e) forward.

c) horizontal.

Jeff Wood's company buys machine tools from large producers and sells them to several Midwestern manufacturing companies. The company Jeff works for carries inventories of the tools, which reduces capital requirements for the producers. Jeff's company is an example of a(n) ___________ in a distribution channel. a) direct distributor b) manufacturers' agent c) industrial distributor d) producers' agent e) wholesalers' agent

c) industrial distributor

Producers of convenience products such as soft drinks, toothpaste, and breath mints are most likely to use _____ distribution. a) selective b) extensive c) intensive d) exclusive e) demand-based

c) intensive

Sales are most likely to have a direct relationship to product availability for products that use _____ distribution. a) selective b) dual c) intensive d) extensive e) exclusive

c) intensive

Overall channel goals and individual channel member goals cannot be achieved together without a) conflict. b) captains. c) leadership. d) cooperation. e) tying agreements.

d) cooperation.

Order processing, inventory management, materials handling, warehousing, and transportation are the activities that define a) wholesaling. b) retailing. c) physical distribution. d) channel management. e) drop shipping.

c) physical distribution.

Without wholesalers and other intermediaries, a) most products would be much less expensive because fewer companies would be handling the product. b) products would be cheaper because the functions of intermediaries would be eliminated. c) products would likely be more expensive due to the use of less efficient channel members. d) products would never be able to make it to the ultimate consumer at any price without passing through intermediaries. e) many products would be more expensive because retailers would expect more profit.

c) products would likely be more expensive due to the use of less efficient channel members.

The notion of physical distribution is a) speed of delivery. b) used only by manufacturers. c) the movement of products from producers to end users. d) primarily the wholesaler's responsibility. e) an assessment of distribution costs.

c) the movement of products from producers to end users.

Select the greatest advantage of horizontal channel integration. a) The flexibility of the channel is decreased. b) The markets are more heterogeneous. c) The expanded number of units is coordinated. d) Efficiencies in advertising, marketing research, and purchasing are increased. e) Planning and research are increased to cope with increased competition.

d) Efficiencies in advertising, marketing research, and purchasing are increased.

Honey Farms is a maker of fine chocolates. The company's latest product, Fudge-Dipped Strawberries, is the premier product in its Fudge-Dipped line. The product is very expensive and targeted to upscale consumers. Which form of distribution would Honey Farms be likely to use for its new product? a) Intensive b) Selective c) Targeted d) Exclusive e) Premier

d) Exclusive

Which of the following is the most commonly used channel for distributing business products? a) Producer, agents, industrial distributors, organizational buyers b) Producer, industrial distributors, organizational buyers c) Producer, agents, organizational buyers d) Producer, organizational buyers e) Industrial distributors, organizational buyers

d) Producer, organizational buyers

Large retailers such as J.C. Penney's and Target are most likely to participate in which of the following channels? a) Producer, industrial distributors, retailers, consumers b) Producer, consumers c) Producer, wholesalers, retailers, consumers d) Producer, retailers, consumers e) Producer, agents, wholesalers, retailers, consumers

d) Producer, retailers, consumers

Nationally distributed consumer convenience products are most likely distributed through which of the following channels? a) Producer, consumers b) Producer, agents, wholesalers, retailers, consumers c) Producer, wholesalers, consumers d) Producer, wholesalers, retailers, consumers e) Producer, industrial distributor, wholesalers, retailers, consumers

d) Producer, wholesalers, retailers, consumers

The supply chain includes a) producers, wholesalers, and retailers. b) suppliers, producers, intermediaries, and customers. c) suppliers and suppliers' suppliers. d) all entities that facilitate product distribution. e) buyers, seller, marketing intermediaries, and agents.

d) all entities that facilitate product distribution.

A single leader who controls and organizes a marketing channel is called a a) channel champion. b) distribution leader. c) marketing maverick. d) channel captain. e) lead distributor.

d) channel captain.

The Wicks 'N Sticks candle and gift marketing organization has a(n) ___________ vertical marketing system arrangement with its franchised retail store operations. a) corporate b) administered c) negotiated d) contractual e) horizontal

d) contractual

The three major levels of intensity at which a company can choose to distribute its products are _____ distribution. a) narrow, medium, and wide b) cooperative, conflicting, and integrated c) intensive, extensive, and exclusive d) selective, cooperative, and conflicting e) exclusive, selective, and intensive

e) exclusive, selective, and intensive

Organizational buyers are especially partial to direct marketing channels when a) they buy cheap materials in large quantities. b) they try a new product for the first time. c) they are filling an order for a very important customer. d) a modified rebuy type of decision is involved. e) expensive and/or complex equipment is involved.

e) expensive and/or complex equipment is involved.

Vertical channel integration a) results in two or more different management teams for each member of the channel. b) is made possible when a large corporation divests itself of smaller subsidiaries. c) is a shift back to the conventional channel of distribution. d) combines institutions at the same level of operation. e) is made possible by purchasing the operations of a link in the channel.

e) is made possible by purchasing the operations of a link in the channel.

When considering the best channel to use, all of the following are true with regard to larger firms except they a) can use an extensive product mix as a competitive tool. b) may be better able to negotiate better deals with vendors or other channel members. c) may have more distribution centers. d) may have the resources to develop their own sales force. e) may be better suited to serve customers in a particular region.

e) may be better suited to serve customers in a particular region.

As her Internet quilt and bed linen business grew, Danielle could no longer perform all the distribution activities, so she hired a shipper and an information technology firm to assist with these functions. Danielle is using _____ for physical distribution for her business. a) producers b) wholesalers c) retailers d) selling agents e) outsourcing

e) outsourcing

The contracting of physical distribution tasks to third parties who do not have managerial authority within the marketing channel is known as a) illegal. b) logistics. c) warehousing. d) wholesaling. e) outsourcing.

e) outsourcing.

Consumers receive the benefits of place utility when a) they have to travel excessively to obtain products they want. b) retailers remain open 24 hours a day. c) they can stock up on products they need but not use them right away. d) they make purchases with credit and debit cards. e) products are available in locations where consumers want to buy them.

e) products are available in locations where consumers want to buy them.

In marketing a new line of nursery furniture for infants and small children, the Fisher Company will most likely use ___________ distribution for the products. a) intensive b) exclusive c) horizontal d) priority e) selective

e) selective

Durable goods such as television sets and DVD players generally reach their target markets through a) intensive distribution. b) channel cooperation. c) direct marketing. d) exclusive distribution. e) selective distribution.

e) selective distribution.

Channel decisions are important to marketers mostly because a) they are relatively flexible to change quickly. b) consumers value reasonable prices delivered through marketing channels. c) they dictate what promotional strategies companies should use. d) many businesses are marketing intermediaries. e) they involve long-term commitments and affect customer accessibility.

e) they involve long-term commitments and affect customer accessibility.

Physical distribution activities may be performed by a producer, wholesaler, retailer or a) not performed at all. b) the customer. c) investors in any of the previous three. d) solely through technology. e) they may be outsourced.

e) they may be outsourced.

In a simple economy of five producers and five consumers, there would be ___________ transactions possible without an intermediary and _________ transactions possible with one intermediary. a) ten; twenty-five b) thirty; ten c) twenty-five; fifteen d) sixteen; eight e) twenty-five; ten

e) twenty-five; ten

According to the text, physical distribution cost tradeoffs enable firms to a) resolve pricing conflicts among channel partners. b) minimize risk during test marketing of new products. c) reduce costs of all distribution functions simultaneously. d) resolve pricing conflicts within industry sectors. e) utilize resources for greatest cost-effectiveness.

e) utilize resources for greatest cost-effectiveness.

Warner Bros. sells cookie jars, puzzles, photo albums, and other items featuring its popular cartoon characters directly through its own retail outlets. This is an example of a) channel leadership. b) channel cooperation. c) channel conflict. d) horizontal channel integration. e) vertical channel integration.

e) vertical channel integration.