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Final answer:The most expensive logistics function reported by Apple to its shareholders is likely to be Transportation due to the global scale, speed, complexity, and the security needed in shipping high-value products across various modes of transport. The correct option is b) Transportation.Explanation:Among the logistics functions listed, transportation is typically the most expensive for a company the size of Apple. Procurement involves acquiring raw materials and components, which is a substantial cost but not typically as high as moving products worldwide.Warehousing includes storage costs, but with Apple's efficient inventory turnover, these costs are likely optimized to be less significant. Finally, inventory management is also crucial in minimizing expenses, but Apple's advanced inventory systems probably keep this cost lower than transportation. Apple products are sold globally, and the company must ship its products across various modes of transportation, including air, sea, and land.This aspect of logistics involves significant expenses due to the scale, speed, and complexity of these operations. The intricacies of maintaining a global supply chain, such as dealing with various international regulations and the need for secure transportation of high-value products, also contribute to transportation being a significant expense for Apple....