For a best-cost provider strategy to be successful in competitive markets, a company must have:

• A. a monopoly over the market to set prices without competition
• B. a focus solely on cost-cutting without regard to product quality
• C. the highest possible production costs to ensure premium quality
• D. the ability to offer products with superior value at a lower cost than rivals

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of a best-cost provider strategy: it aims to offer products that have superior value (a combination of quality and features) while maintaining lower costs than competitors.
2. Recognize that this strategy requires balancing cost efficiency with product quality, rather than focusing solely on cost-cutting or having the highest production costs.
3. Identify that having a monopoly is not necessary for this strategy; instead, success depends on competing effectively by delivering better value at a competitive price.
4. Analyze how offering superior value at a lower cost allows a company to attract price-sensitive customers without sacrificing quality, which is key in competitive markets.
5. Conclude that the essential requirement for a best-cost provider strategy is the ability to provide products with superior value at a lower cost than rivals, enabling competitive advantage.