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Value Chain Analysis (VCA) aids the strategist in mapping and understanding
a firm's (potential) sources of competitive advantage by: - correct answers
Decomposing the firm into strategically important activities
A major distinguishing characteristic of VCA that helps to uncover its
theoretical foundation is ____________________________ that firms can
allow to optimize the activities in their value chain. - correct answers Porter's
formulation of generic strategies
In a Value Chain Analysis, a firm's after-sales service will be referred to as its
_______________________ - correct answers Primary activity
In which value chain activity does the following example best fit?
Amazon's ability to deliver millions of orders in less than two days with its
prime service would fit best into which of the activities within a value chain
analysis? - correct answers Outbound Logistics
In which value chain activity does the following example best fit?
To service or repair your car, Lexus will pick it up from your house and give
you a loaner car to use for the duration of the repairs/service. - correct
answers After sales service
In which value chain activity does the following example best fit?
,Toyota is well-renowned for its 6 sigma manufacturing process. When doing a
value chain analysis for Toyota, where would this 6 sigma example
predominately fit? - correct answers Operations
In which value chain activity does the following example best fit?
Many people wish to work in Google due to the unique culture they have
developed. When carrying out a value chain analysis for Google, where would
this example fit? - correct answers Human resource management
In which value chain activity does the following example best fit?
3M is reowned for its ability to innovate and its R&D capabilities. When
carrying out a value chain analysis for 3M, where would this example fit? -
correct answers Technological development / R&D
Which of the following is a common criticism of the value chain analysis?
It is hard to accurately determine the value of each (sub)activity that leads to
the sale of a final product or service
The value generated by joint optimization and coordination efficiencies are
hard to quantify
It may be seen as placing the customer last
All of the above are common criticisms - correct answers All of the above are
common criticisms
Which of the following would be typically the first step in carrying out a value
chain analysis?
, Define the focal company's boundaries and define its strategic business units.
In doing this, it is important to do so consistently with unit operations, which
may or may not overlap with organizational charts.
Analyze the wider vertical process involved in converting raw materials into
final sales and service, and the focal company's position in it.
Conduct a cost analysis of each of the activities identified, by attempting to
isolate and break down cost drivers specific to each activity.
It is inconsequential which of the three options you choose to do first - all carry
equal importance regarding sequencing - correct answers Define the focal
company's boundaries and define its strategic business units. In doing this, it
is important to do so consistently with unit operations, which may or may not
overlap with organizational charts.
What is the purpose of a VRIO Analysis? - correct answers To systematically
identify resources and capabilities that may serve as a key source of
competitive advantage
What does the "I" signify in the VRIO analysis? - correct answers Costly to
imitate (Inimitable)
Which of the following academics where instrumental in the development of
the Resource-based View (RBV)? - correct answers Wernerfelt, Barney &
Rumelt
Which of the following is NOT a typical resource classification?
- Financial resources