Indicate by a (+), (−), or (0) whether each of the following events would probably cause average annual inventory holdings to rise, fall, or be affected in an indeterminate manner:

a. Our suppliers change from delivering by train to air freight. ________

b. We change from producing just-in-time to meet seasonal demand to steady, year-round production. ________

c. Competition in the markers in which we sell increases. ________

d. The general rate of inflation rises. __________

e. Interest rates rise; other things are constant. __________