The sales manager for Smith Exports is deciding on the firm's distribution strategy in several markets. He wants to know which factor is likely to shorten channel length in a particular country. Which of the following factors helps a firm shorten channel length

a. Fragmentation of a retail system

b. small sales force

c. entry of large discount superstores

d. smaller sales orders generated from sales calls

e. frim's insistence of dealing with wholesalers instead of manufacturers