Final answer:
Fashion goods such as clothing are the types of products for which a responsive supply chain is most suitable, due to the need to quickly adapt to market trends and consumer demands.
Option 'b' is the correct.
Step-by-step explanation:
The type of goods for which a responsive supply chain is appropriate is fashion goods such as clothing. A responsive supply chain is designed to react quickly to market demands and trends, and this is particularly important for fashion goods that have a shorter lifecycle and quicker turnover.
Responsiveness is less critical for products with a long shelf life, expensive products with less frequent purchases, products with infrequent design changes, or standardized products that have stable demand. In the context of an economy, durable goods like cars and refrigerators have a similar economic share to nondurable goods like clothing; however, their supply chain needs differ significantly.
Products that are trendy or in high demand for a short period of time need to reach the market as rapidly as possible. This is where the importance of a responsive supply chain comes in, offering the agility to adapt to these fast-changing consumer demands. Such supply chains are often bolstered by advancements in technology, enhanced transportation methods, and policies that ensure sustainability even during unexpected disruptions.