Which of the following marketing strategies is LEAST likely to generate long-term success for a firm?

A) differentiation in a mass market
B) cost leadership in a niche market
C) differentiation in a niche market
D) cost leadership in a mass market

Cost leadership in a niche market is least likely to generate long-term success because it focuses on minimizing costs in a small, specialized market segment. This strategy might limit the firm's ability to invest in differentiation or innovation, making it difficult to sustain competitive advantage over time, especially as niche markets can be easily targeted by competitors with more resources or unique offerings.