Final answer:
Benchmarking provides low-cost providers with a competitive advantage.
Step-by-step explanation:
Benchmarking provides low-cost providers such as Dollar General, Ryanair, and Nucor Steel with a competitive advantage. Benchmarking involves analyzing the best practices, processes, and strategies of industry leaders and implementing them in one's own organization to improve performance and efficiency. By benchmarking against successful companies, low-cost providers can identify areas for improvement and implement cost-saving measures, ultimately gaining a competitive edge in the market.