Answer:
a. consists of two or more independent organizations that combine their requirements for materials, services and capital goods to gain better pricing, service and technology from suppliers.
Step-by-step explanation:
A purchasing consortium consists of two or more independent organizations that combine their requirements for materials, services and capital goods to gain better pricing, service and technology from suppliers. It is also known as group purchasing organization or cooperative purchasing and typically comprises of organizations sharing similar purchasing requirements or needs coming together in order to enhance their purchasing or bargaining power (capabilities) in the market.
The main purpose of a purchasing consortium is to provide a leverage for two or more independent organizations by reducing their purchasing costs when acquiring resources or materials required for the smooth operation of their business.