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VALUE CHAIN ANALYSIS A) Discussion of the core elements of a value chain. (8 marks) B) Explanation of why an understanding of these elements is so important in managing costs and gaining or sustaining competitive advantage. Establish all important linkages in your answer. (12 marks)
The value chain analysis is a useful tool for defining a firm’s core competencies and the activities in which it can pursue a competitive advantage. The core elements of a value chain analysis are the primary and secondary activities and cost. Companies use these primary and support activities as "building blocks" to create a valuable product or service.
The Primary activities relate directly to the physical creation, sale, maintenance and support of a product or service. The primary activity and cost is where the value for customers and their purchasing decisions are directly influence and created by these functions. These activities are inbound logistics, operations, outbound logistics, marketing and sales, and service.
Inbound logistics: For the production and development activities, organizations need inputs as goods which are received from the suppliers. Inbound logistics refer to all the activities related to receive goods from the suppliers, decision about the transportation scheduling, storing the goods as inventory, managing the inventory, and make the inputs ready to use for the production of end products.

Operations: Operation is the process of transforming input activities into finished products and services. These include the production process, development activities, testing, packaging, maintenance, and all other activities that transform the inputs into finished product.

Outbound Logistics: Outbound logistics are the collection, warehousing and distribution of finish goods and services and they may be internal or external to the organization.

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