B) many suppliersThe approach that holds the suppliers responsible for maintaining the necessary technology, expertise, and forecasting ability plus cost, quality, and delivery competencies is many suppliers. With a many-suppliers strategy, a firm submits a request for bids out to suppliers. Suppliers then respond to the demands and specifications for the request. This approach holds the supplier responsible for meeting the needs of the request. This includes making sure that the supplier has the necessary technology and expertise to deliver quality products and services.The few suppliers supply-chain strategy is focused on developing long-term relationships with a few dedicated suppliers. Long-term suppliers have a vested interest in the procuring firm and the end customer and function much more like a partnership. The Keiretsu supply-chain strategy is focused around building a coalition of supplier businesses that partner with the end manufacturer. In some cases, the manufacturing firms even become financial supporters of the suppliers.