A grocery store chain makes a decision to limit its size and scope by offering only what it considers to be the best product in each food category, reducing the options available to its customers. It employs and recruits a highly paid team of tasters who travel the world evaluating foods to introduce on its shelves. It has attracted a team with an excellent track record of identifying top sellers and earned a reputation for delivering high-quality goods. This is an example of:

a. a distinctive competency.
b. intellectual property.
c. a basic factor of production.
d. a poorly organized resource.