Directions: For the following question, select the option that best replaces the parenthesis in the given paragraph.

There is indeed a need to change deeply ingrained habits in a good many organization. Electric power and telephone companies always had their profits guaranteed by public regulation. (.) Customers demand just-in-time delivery. Consumers are increasingly picky about quality and service. Employees sue at the drop of a hat alleging discrimination and sexual harassment. And with product lives shrinking, there is an urgent need in most mechanical industries in the U.S. (and given more in those of Europe) to change drastically the way new products and new models are conceived, designed, made and marketed with the process eventually being telescoped into months from years.