Course Content
External Strategic Analysis
External Analysis, PEST, Porter’s Approach to Industry Analysis
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Unit VI: Strategic Management

Value Chain Analysis: Michael Porter: 1985

 

I. Introduction

Michael Porter

  1. Value Chain Analysis (VCA) is a strategic management tool introduced by Michael Porter in his 1985 book Competitive Advantage.
  2. It’s used to analyze the internal activities of a business and identify where value is created (or destroyed) in the process.
  3. By examining these activities, companies can optimize their operations, improve efficiency, and achieve a competitive advantage.

II. 🧩 What is a Value Chain?

A Value Chain is a string of activities that moves a product from the raw material stage through manufacturing and distribution, and ultimately to the end user.

The goal of value chain analysis is to understand how each of these activities adds value to the final product or service.


III. 📊 Value Chain Analysis: Competitive Advantage

 

The ultimate goal of Value Chain Analysis is to find out where the company can create a sustainable competitive advantage. Companies can gain an edge by:

  1. Reducing costs at certain points (e.g., efficiency in operations).

  2. Differentiating the product (e.g., innovation in technology development).

  3. Delivering higher value (e.g., excellent customer service).