Final answer:
The correct answer is D) Advances in technology.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct answer is D) Advances in technology.
All of the other options listed- A) Global competition, B) Customer expectations, and C) Increased manufacturing costs- are reasons for a greater focus on quality by US firms. Global competition forces companies to produce high-quality products in order to remain competitive. Customer expectations drive companies to deliver products that meet or exceed those expectations. Increased manufacturing costs necessitate a focus on quality to maximize efficiency and minimize waste. However, advances in technology can actually enable firms to improve quality by automating processes or introducing innovative tools and techniques. Therefore, it is the exception in this context.