________ is a business strategy in which a company purchases its upstream suppliers to ensure that its essential supplies are available as soon as the company needs them.

A) JIT
B) The bullwhip effect
C) Vertical integration
D) VMI

Vertical Integration

A strategy where a company expands its business operations into different steps on the same production path, such as a manufacturer owning its supplier and/or distributor.

Upstream Suppliers

Companies or entities that provide raw materials, components, or services to another company for the production of goods.

Business Strategy

A plan of action designed to achieve a specific set of objectives that ensures the growth and success of an organization.