The Internal Environment:
    Resources, Capabilities, and
       Core Competencies


              Chapter Four




© 2006 by Nelson, a division of Thomson Canada
                                            4-1
Chapter 3
               External                               The Strategic              .
  Inputs     Environment             Strat. Intent
 Strategic
               Chapter 4             Strat. Mission    Management                .

               Internal
             Environment                                    Process
               Strategy Formulation                    Strategy Implementation
      Chapter 5       Chapter 6    Chapter 7           Chapter 11   Chapter 12
      Bus. - Level   Competitive Corp. - Level          Corporate    Structure
       Strategy
Strategic             Dynamics      Strategy           Governance    & Control

      Chapter 8       Chapter 9      Chapter 10        Chapter 13 Chapter 14
    Acquisitions & International    Cooperative         Strategic Entrepreneurship
    Restructuring     Strategy      Strategies         Leadership & Innovation


 Outcomes
 Strategic
               Chapter 2             Chapter 1         Feedback
             Above Average            Strategic
                Returns            Competitiveness

                 © 2006 by Nelson, a division of Thomson Canada
                                                             4-2
The Internal Environment: Resources,
   Capabilities and Core Competencies

Knowledge Objectives:
1. Explain the need for firms to study &
   understand their internal environment.
2. Define value & discuss its importance.
3. Describe the differences between tangible &
   intangible resources.
4. Define capabilities & discuss how they are
   developed.

        © 2006 by Nelson, a division of Thomson Canada
                                                    4-3
The Internal Environment: Resources,
      Capabilities and Core Competencies
Knowledge objectives – continued…
5.   Describe four criteria used to determine whether
     resources & capabilities are core competencies.
6. Explain how value chain analysis is used to
   identify and evaluate resources and capabilities.
7. Define outsourcing & discuss the reasons for its
   use.
8. Discuss the importance of preventing core
   competencies from becoming core rigidities.

           © 2006 by Nelson, a division of Thomson Canada
                                                       4-4
Canada’s most admired companies




       © 2006 by Nelson, a division of Thomson Canada
                                                   4-5
The Resource-Based model of Above
           Average Returns

• Capabilities evolve and must be managed
  dynamically in pursuit of above-average returns.
• Firms acquire different resources and develop
  unique capabilities. These resources may not be
  mobile across firms and that the differences in
  resources are the basis of competitive
  advantage.




         © 2006 by Nelson, a division of Thomson Canada
                                                     4-6
The Resource-Based model of Above
           Average Returns


The resource based view suggests that a
 firm’s unique resources and capabilities
      provide the basis for a strategy.




       © 2006 by Nelson, a division of Thomson Canada
                                                   4-7
The Resource-Based Model of
Superior Returns     Action required:
                                          Identify firm resources.
                                          Study strengths &
 Resources                                weaknesses relative to
                                          rivals.
 Inputs to a firm’s
 production
 process.




           © 2006 by Nelson, a division of Thomson Canada
                                                       4-8      *
                                                                an
The Resource-Based Model of
Superior Returns     Action required:
                                             Determine what firm
                                             capabilities allow it to
 Resources                                   do better than rivals.
      Capability
 Inputs to a firm’s
 production process. integrated
         Capacity for
         set of resources to
         integratively perform
         a task or activity.




             © 2006 by Nelson, a division of Thomson Canada
                                                         4-9       *
                                                                   an
The Resource-Based Model of
Superior Returns     Action required:
                                            Determine how firm’s
                                            resources & capabilities
 Resources                                   may create
        Capability                          competitive advantage.
 Inputs to a firm’s Competitive
                    Advantage
        Capacity for an
 production process.
       integrated set of
       resources Ability of a firm to
                  to
       integratively perform its rivals
                  outperform
       a task or activity.




            © 2006 by Nelson, a division of Thomson Canada
                                                        4-10    *
                                                                an
The Resource-Based Model of
Superior Returns     Action required:
                                            Locate an attractive
                                            industry.
 Resources
        Capability
                    Competitive
 Inputs to a firm’s
 production process.Advantage Attractive
        Capacity for an        An
        integrated set of      Industry
       resources to Ability of a firm to
       integratively perform its rivals an industry
                           Location of
                  outperform
       a task or activity. with opportunities that
                           can be exploited by
                           firm’s resources &
                           capabilities




            © 2006 by Nelson, a division of Thomson Canada
                                                        4-11       *
                                                                   an
The Resource-Based Model of
Superior Returns    Action required:
                                           Select strategy that best
                                           exploits res.& capabilities
 Resources                                 relative to opportunities
        Capability                         in environments.
                    Competitive
 Inputs to a firm’s
                    Advantage Attractive
        Capacity for an
 production process.         An
        integrated set of    Industry Strategy
        resourcesAbility of a firm to Formulation and
                    to
        integratively perform a rivals an ind.
                             Location of
                    outperform its
        task or activity.             Implementation
                             with opportunities
                           that can be exploited
                           by firm’sStrategic actions taken
                                     resources
                           & capabilities above-average
                                    to earn
                                    returns



            © 2006 by Nelson, a division of Thomson Canada
                                                        4-12     *
                                                                 an
The Resource-Based Model of
Superior Returns      Action required:
                                             Maintain selected strat.
                                             in order to outperform
 Resources                                   industry rivals.
        Capability
                    Competitive
 Inputs to a firm’s
                    Advantage Attractive
        Capacity for an
 production process.         An
        integrated set of    Industry Strategy
        resourcesAbility of a firm to Formulation and
                    to
        integratively perform a rivals an ind. Superior
                             Location of
                    outperform its
                                      Implementation
                             with opportunities Returns
       task or activity.
                            that can be exploited
                                                Earning of above-
                                     Strategic actions taken
                            by firm’s resources
                                                average returns
                                     to earn above-average
                            & capabilities
                                     returns



             © 2006 by Nelson, a division of Thomson Canada
                                                         4-13       *
                                                                    an
Discovering Core                                               Competitive
                                                                    Advantage
      Competencies                                             Gained through
                                                              Core Competencies

                                                          Strategic
                  Core                                 Competitiveness
               Competencies
                                   Discovering
                                      Core               Above-Average
                Sources of                                  Returns
                Competitive       Competencies
                Advantage
                                     Criteria of          Value
    Capabilities
                                    Sustainable           Chain
      Teams of                      Advantages           Analysis
      Resources

Resources                         * Valuable    * Rare          * Outsource
                                  * Costly to Imitate
* Tangible
* Intangible                      * Organized to be exploited


                 © 2006 by Nelson, a division of Thomson Canada
                                                             4-14
The Components of Internal
       Analysis




  © 2006 by Nelson, a division of Thomson Canada
                                              4-15
Value
Value is measured by a product’s performance
  characteristics and it’s attributes for which
  clients are willing to pay.

Core competencies in combination with product-
 market positions are the firms most important
 sources of competitive advantage and should
 drive it’s selection of strategies.



         © 2006 by Nelson, a division of Thomson Canada
                                                     4-16
Resources, Capabilities & Core
       Competencies




  © 2006 by Nelson, a division of Thomson Canada
                                              4-17
Resources, Capabilities & Core
       Competencies




  © 2006 by Nelson, a division of Thomson Canada
                                              4-18
Discovering Core
     Competencies




    Capabilities
      Teams of
      Resources

Resources
* Tangible
* Intangible

               © 2006 by Nelson, a division of Thomson Canada
                                                           4-19
Discovering Core
    Competencies

                  Core
               Competencies
                                   Discovering
                Sources of            Core
                Competitive       Competencies
                Advantage

    Capabilities
      Teams of
      Resources

Resources
* Tangible
* Intangible

                © 2006 by Nelson, a division of Thomson Canada
                                                            4-20
Resources, Capabilities & Core
       Competencies




  © 2006 by Nelson, a division of Thomson Canada
                                              4-21
Resources, Capabilities & Core
       Competencies




  © 2006 by Nelson, a division of Thomson Canada
                                              4-22
Discovering Core
    Competencies

                  Core
               Competencies
                                   Discovering
                Sources of            Core
                Competitive       Competencies
                Advantage

    Capabilities                      Criteria of
                                     Sustainable
      Teams of
      Resources                      Advantages

Resources                         * Valuable    * Rare             * Outsource
* Tangible                        * Costly to Imitate
* Intangible                      * Organized to be exploited

                © 2006 by Nelson, a division of Thomson Canada
                                                            4-23
Core Competencies              For a strategic
capability to be a Core Competency, it must be:
Valuable           Allow a firm to neutralize threats or exploit
                   opportunities in its external environment.

Rare               Possessed by few, if any, current and
                   potential competitors.
Costly to          When other firms either cannot obtain
Imitate     $      them or must obtain them at a much higher
                   cost.

Organized         The firm must be organized appropriately to
  to be           obtain full benefits of the resources in order to
                  realize a competitive advantage.
Exploited
            © 2006 by Nelson, a division of Thomson Canada
                                                        4-24   *
Core Competencies
Resources                               Core Competence
• Inputs to a firm’s                    • A strategic capability
  production process
                                         Does the capability
                                         satisfy the criteria of
                                         sustainable competitive   YES
                Capability               advantage?
The source of
                • Integration of a
                  team of resources
                                                                   NO



                                         Capability
                                         • A non-strategic team
                                           of resources
           © 2006 by Nelson, a division of Thomson Canada
                                                       4-25
The VRIO Framework
              Costly to Org. to be Competitive Performance
Valuable Rare
 Valuable
               Imitate Exploited Consequences Implications
                                                                 Below
                                          Competitive           Average
  NO     NO      NO           NO         Disadvantage           Returns
                                           Competitive          Average
 YES     NO      NO          YES             Parity             Returns
                                         Temporary             Avg./Above
 YES     YES     NO          YES         Competitive            Average
                                         Advantage              Returns

                                          Sustainable            Above
 YES    YES     YES          YES          Competitive           Average
                                          Advantage             Returns

            © 2006 by Nelson, a division of Thomson Canada
                                                        4-26
Discovering Core
    Competencies

                  Core
               Competencies
                                   Discovering
                Sources of            Core
                Competitive       Competencies
                Advantage

    Capabilities                      Criteria of        Value
                                     Sustainable         Chain
      Teams of
      Resources                      Advantages         Analysis

Resources                         * Valuable    * Rare             * Outsource
* Tangible                        * Costly to Imitate
* Intangible                      * Organized to be exploited

                © 2006 by Nelson, a division of Thomson Canada
                                                            4-27
Value Chain Analysis
             Firm Infrastructure
             Human Resource Management




                                                                         MARGIN
Support
Activities   Technological Development
             Procurement




                                                               Service
                          Operations
             Logistics




                                       Outbound


                                                   Marketing
                                       Logistics
             Inbound




                                                    & Sales
                                                          MARGIN



                         Primary Activities

                  © 2006 by Nelson, a division of Thomson Canada
                                                              4-28
Outsourcing           Strategic choice to purchase some
                       activities from outside suppliers
             Firm Infrastructure
             Human Resource Management             M
                                                     A
                                                       R
Support                                                 G
Activities   Technological Development                    IN
             Procurement




                                                                Service
                           Operations


                                        Outbound


                                                    Marketing
             Logistics




                                        Logistics
             Inbound




                                                     & Sales
                                                                              IN
                                                                           ARG
                                                                          M

Firms often buy a portion of their value-creating activities from specialty
                     Primary Activities
  external suppliers who can perform these functions more efficiently.
                  © 2006 by Nelson, a division of Thomson Canada
                                                              4-29
Outsourcing                Strategic choice to purchase some
                            activities from outside suppliers
             Firm Infrastructure
                Human Resource Management
             Human Resource Management MA
                    Technological                          R
Support             Development                              G
Activities   Technological Development                         IN
                Procurement
             Procurement




                                                                    Service
                             Operations


                                          Outbound


                                                      Marketing
             Logistics




                                          Logistics
             Inbound




                                                                          Service




                                                       & Sales
                                                                                  IN
                                                                                 G
                                                                               AR
                                        Outbound
                 Inbound     Operations Logistics       Marketing
                 Logistics                               & Sales              M

 Firms often buy a portion of their value-creating activities from specialty
   external suppliers who can perform these functions more efficiently.
                  © 2006 by Nelson, a division of Thomson Canada
                                                              4-30
Outsourcing                Strategic choice to purchase some
                            activities from outside suppliers
             Firm Infrastructure
                Human Resource Management
             Human Resource Management MA
                    Technological                          R
Support             Development                              G
Activities   Technological Development                         IN
                Procurement
             Procurement




                                                                    Service
                             Operations


                                          Outbound


                                                      Marketing
             Logistics




                                          Logistics
             Inbound




                                                                          Service




                                                       & Sales
                                                                                  IN
                                                                                 G
                                                                               AR
                                        Outbound
                 Inbound     Operations Logistics       Marketing
                 Logistics                               & Sales              M

   Firms often buy a portion of their value-creating activities from specialty
     external suppliers who can perform these functions more efficiently.
                  © 2006 by Nelson, a division of Thomson Canada
                                                              4-31
Core Competencies--Cautions and Reminders

Never take for granted that core competencies
will continue to provide a source of competitive
advantage.
All core competencies have the potential to
become Core Rigidities.
Core Rigidities
  They are former core competencies that sow
  the seeds of organizational inertia.
  Prevent the firm from responding appropriately to
  changes in the external environment.
        © 2006 by Nelson, a division of Thomson Canada
                                                    4-32
Discovering Core
     Competencies

                                                          Strategic
                  Core                                 Competitiveness
               Competencies
                                   Discovering
                                      Core               Above-Average
                Sources of                                  Returns
                Competitive       Competencies
                Advantage

    Capabilities                      Criteria of          Value
                                     Sustainable           Chain
      Teams of
      Resources                      Advantages           Analysis

Resources                         * Valuable    * Rare              * Outsource
* Tangible                        * Costly to Imitate
* Intangible                      * Organized to be exploited

                 © 2006 by Nelson, a division of Thomson Canada
                                                             4-33

Chapter 4

  • 1.
    The Internal Environment: Resources, Capabilities, and Core Competencies Chapter Four © 2006 by Nelson, a division of Thomson Canada 4-1
  • 2.
    Chapter 3 External The Strategic . Inputs Environment Strat. Intent Strategic Chapter 4 Strat. Mission Management . Internal Environment Process Strategy Formulation Strategy Implementation Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Chapter 7 Chapter 11 Chapter 12 Bus. - Level Competitive Corp. - Level Corporate Structure Strategy Strategic Dynamics Strategy Governance & Control Chapter 8 Chapter 9 Chapter 10 Chapter 13 Chapter 14 Acquisitions & International Cooperative Strategic Entrepreneurship Restructuring Strategy Strategies Leadership & Innovation Outcomes Strategic Chapter 2 Chapter 1 Feedback Above Average Strategic Returns Competitiveness © 2006 by Nelson, a division of Thomson Canada 4-2
  • 3.
    The Internal Environment:Resources, Capabilities and Core Competencies Knowledge Objectives: 1. Explain the need for firms to study & understand their internal environment. 2. Define value & discuss its importance. 3. Describe the differences between tangible & intangible resources. 4. Define capabilities & discuss how they are developed. © 2006 by Nelson, a division of Thomson Canada 4-3
  • 4.
    The Internal Environment:Resources, Capabilities and Core Competencies Knowledge objectives – continued… 5. Describe four criteria used to determine whether resources & capabilities are core competencies. 6. Explain how value chain analysis is used to identify and evaluate resources and capabilities. 7. Define outsourcing & discuss the reasons for its use. 8. Discuss the importance of preventing core competencies from becoming core rigidities. © 2006 by Nelson, a division of Thomson Canada 4-4
  • 5.
    Canada’s most admiredcompanies © 2006 by Nelson, a division of Thomson Canada 4-5
  • 6.
    The Resource-Based modelof Above Average Returns • Capabilities evolve and must be managed dynamically in pursuit of above-average returns. • Firms acquire different resources and develop unique capabilities. These resources may not be mobile across firms and that the differences in resources are the basis of competitive advantage. © 2006 by Nelson, a division of Thomson Canada 4-6
  • 7.
    The Resource-Based modelof Above Average Returns The resource based view suggests that a firm’s unique resources and capabilities provide the basis for a strategy. © 2006 by Nelson, a division of Thomson Canada 4-7
  • 8.
    The Resource-Based Modelof Superior Returns Action required: Identify firm resources. Study strengths & Resources weaknesses relative to rivals. Inputs to a firm’s production process. © 2006 by Nelson, a division of Thomson Canada 4-8 * an
  • 9.
    The Resource-Based Modelof Superior Returns Action required: Determine what firm capabilities allow it to Resources do better than rivals. Capability Inputs to a firm’s production process. integrated Capacity for set of resources to integratively perform a task or activity. © 2006 by Nelson, a division of Thomson Canada 4-9 * an
  • 10.
    The Resource-Based Modelof Superior Returns Action required: Determine how firm’s resources & capabilities Resources may create Capability competitive advantage. Inputs to a firm’s Competitive Advantage Capacity for an production process. integrated set of resources Ability of a firm to to integratively perform its rivals outperform a task or activity. © 2006 by Nelson, a division of Thomson Canada 4-10 * an
  • 11.
    The Resource-Based Modelof Superior Returns Action required: Locate an attractive industry. Resources Capability Competitive Inputs to a firm’s production process.Advantage Attractive Capacity for an An integrated set of Industry resources to Ability of a firm to integratively perform its rivals an industry Location of outperform a task or activity. with opportunities that can be exploited by firm’s resources & capabilities © 2006 by Nelson, a division of Thomson Canada 4-11 * an
  • 12.
    The Resource-Based Modelof Superior Returns Action required: Select strategy that best exploits res.& capabilities Resources relative to opportunities Capability in environments. Competitive Inputs to a firm’s Advantage Attractive Capacity for an production process. An integrated set of Industry Strategy resourcesAbility of a firm to Formulation and to integratively perform a rivals an ind. Location of outperform its task or activity. Implementation with opportunities that can be exploited by firm’sStrategic actions taken resources & capabilities above-average to earn returns © 2006 by Nelson, a division of Thomson Canada 4-12 * an
  • 13.
    The Resource-Based Modelof Superior Returns Action required: Maintain selected strat. in order to outperform Resources industry rivals. Capability Competitive Inputs to a firm’s Advantage Attractive Capacity for an production process. An integrated set of Industry Strategy resourcesAbility of a firm to Formulation and to integratively perform a rivals an ind. Superior Location of outperform its Implementation with opportunities Returns task or activity. that can be exploited Earning of above- Strategic actions taken by firm’s resources average returns to earn above-average & capabilities returns © 2006 by Nelson, a division of Thomson Canada 4-13 * an
  • 14.
    Discovering Core Competitive Advantage Competencies Gained through Core Competencies Strategic Core Competitiveness Competencies Discovering Core Above-Average Sources of Returns Competitive Competencies Advantage Criteria of Value Capabilities Sustainable Chain Teams of Advantages Analysis Resources Resources * Valuable * Rare * Outsource * Costly to Imitate * Tangible * Intangible * Organized to be exploited © 2006 by Nelson, a division of Thomson Canada 4-14
  • 15.
    The Components ofInternal Analysis © 2006 by Nelson, a division of Thomson Canada 4-15
  • 16.
    Value Value is measuredby a product’s performance characteristics and it’s attributes for which clients are willing to pay. Core competencies in combination with product- market positions are the firms most important sources of competitive advantage and should drive it’s selection of strategies. © 2006 by Nelson, a division of Thomson Canada 4-16
  • 17.
    Resources, Capabilities &Core Competencies © 2006 by Nelson, a division of Thomson Canada 4-17
  • 18.
    Resources, Capabilities &Core Competencies © 2006 by Nelson, a division of Thomson Canada 4-18
  • 19.
    Discovering Core Competencies Capabilities Teams of Resources Resources * Tangible * Intangible © 2006 by Nelson, a division of Thomson Canada 4-19
  • 20.
    Discovering Core Competencies Core Competencies Discovering Sources of Core Competitive Competencies Advantage Capabilities Teams of Resources Resources * Tangible * Intangible © 2006 by Nelson, a division of Thomson Canada 4-20
  • 21.
    Resources, Capabilities &Core Competencies © 2006 by Nelson, a division of Thomson Canada 4-21
  • 22.
    Resources, Capabilities &Core Competencies © 2006 by Nelson, a division of Thomson Canada 4-22
  • 23.
    Discovering Core Competencies Core Competencies Discovering Sources of Core Competitive Competencies Advantage Capabilities Criteria of Sustainable Teams of Resources Advantages Resources * Valuable * Rare * Outsource * Tangible * Costly to Imitate * Intangible * Organized to be exploited © 2006 by Nelson, a division of Thomson Canada 4-23
  • 24.
    Core Competencies For a strategic capability to be a Core Competency, it must be: Valuable Allow a firm to neutralize threats or exploit opportunities in its external environment. Rare Possessed by few, if any, current and potential competitors. Costly to When other firms either cannot obtain Imitate $ them or must obtain them at a much higher cost. Organized The firm must be organized appropriately to to be obtain full benefits of the resources in order to realize a competitive advantage. Exploited © 2006 by Nelson, a division of Thomson Canada 4-24 *
  • 25.
    Core Competencies Resources Core Competence • Inputs to a firm’s • A strategic capability production process Does the capability satisfy the criteria of sustainable competitive YES Capability advantage? The source of • Integration of a team of resources NO Capability • A non-strategic team of resources © 2006 by Nelson, a division of Thomson Canada 4-25
  • 26.
    The VRIO Framework Costly to Org. to be Competitive Performance Valuable Rare Valuable Imitate Exploited Consequences Implications Below Competitive Average NO NO NO NO Disadvantage Returns Competitive Average YES NO NO YES Parity Returns Temporary Avg./Above YES YES NO YES Competitive Average Advantage Returns Sustainable Above YES YES YES YES Competitive Average Advantage Returns © 2006 by Nelson, a division of Thomson Canada 4-26
  • 27.
    Discovering Core Competencies Core Competencies Discovering Sources of Core Competitive Competencies Advantage Capabilities Criteria of Value Sustainable Chain Teams of Resources Advantages Analysis Resources * Valuable * Rare * Outsource * Tangible * Costly to Imitate * Intangible * Organized to be exploited © 2006 by Nelson, a division of Thomson Canada 4-27
  • 28.
    Value Chain Analysis Firm Infrastructure Human Resource Management MARGIN Support Activities Technological Development Procurement Service Operations Logistics Outbound Marketing Logistics Inbound & Sales MARGIN Primary Activities © 2006 by Nelson, a division of Thomson Canada 4-28
  • 29.
    Outsourcing Strategic choice to purchase some activities from outside suppliers Firm Infrastructure Human Resource Management M A R Support G Activities Technological Development IN Procurement Service Operations Outbound Marketing Logistics Logistics Inbound & Sales IN ARG M Firms often buy a portion of their value-creating activities from specialty Primary Activities external suppliers who can perform these functions more efficiently. © 2006 by Nelson, a division of Thomson Canada 4-29
  • 30.
    Outsourcing Strategic choice to purchase some activities from outside suppliers Firm Infrastructure Human Resource Management Human Resource Management MA Technological R Support Development G Activities Technological Development IN Procurement Procurement Service Operations Outbound Marketing Logistics Logistics Inbound Service & Sales IN G AR Outbound Inbound Operations Logistics Marketing Logistics & Sales M Firms often buy a portion of their value-creating activities from specialty external suppliers who can perform these functions more efficiently. © 2006 by Nelson, a division of Thomson Canada 4-30
  • 31.
    Outsourcing Strategic choice to purchase some activities from outside suppliers Firm Infrastructure Human Resource Management Human Resource Management MA Technological R Support Development G Activities Technological Development IN Procurement Procurement Service Operations Outbound Marketing Logistics Logistics Inbound Service & Sales IN G AR Outbound Inbound Operations Logistics Marketing Logistics & Sales M Firms often buy a portion of their value-creating activities from specialty external suppliers who can perform these functions more efficiently. © 2006 by Nelson, a division of Thomson Canada 4-31
  • 32.
    Core Competencies--Cautions andReminders Never take for granted that core competencies will continue to provide a source of competitive advantage. All core competencies have the potential to become Core Rigidities. Core Rigidities They are former core competencies that sow the seeds of organizational inertia. Prevent the firm from responding appropriately to changes in the external environment. © 2006 by Nelson, a division of Thomson Canada 4-32
  • 33.
    Discovering Core Competencies Strategic Core Competitiveness Competencies Discovering Core Above-Average Sources of Returns Competitive Competencies Advantage Capabilities Criteria of Value Sustainable Chain Teams of Resources Advantages Analysis Resources * Valuable * Rare * Outsource * Tangible * Costly to Imitate * Intangible * Organized to be exploited © 2006 by Nelson, a division of Thomson Canada 4-33

Editor's Notes