A recentmeeting of the Council of Logistics Management Professionals featured an executive from HP, which is known for its ability to customize computers to customers' needs as well as the ability to provide quality products through its retail channel. The executive discussed the firm's capabilities regarding the ability to produce products that are "built-to-order" and noted that recent customer insight showed customers were less willing to wait 7 to 10 days to receive their computer even though it was built to their specifications. As a result of this customer trend, HP began forging relationships with retailers such as Best Buy to provide a limited number of computer models in the retailers'stores. In order to fulfill the orders to Best Buy, HP was required to make changes in its production and manufacturing such as holding more products in inventory and utilizing different modes of transportation. For example, HP was able to shift from a focus on air (ransportation to over-the-road trucking, which enabled it to cut costs in some areas, As HP shifted from a "build-to-order" manufacturer to a "make-to-stock" manufacturer, it also had to make investments in customer analytics to identify customer needs as well as collect insight regarding pricing. This customer insight was especially important to the retail partners like Best Buy, which requires its vendors to justify product stock decisions and provide proof that retail inventory will sell at the projected price points. HP's ability to modify its business model by forging relationships with retailers such as Best Buy as well as customer insights has helped the company achieve its revenue and profitability goals.

Which variable of the marketing mix is most affected by Dell's decision to become a "make-to-stock" manufacturer?
a. Product variable
b. Pricing variable
c. Distribution variable
d. Promotion variable
e. Strategic variable