Porter’s Value Chain Analysis and case information

 

1. Applying Porter’s Value Chain Analysis and case information
1a. Identify and describe the internal value-chain activities of Marvel. (30%) Max 500 words
1b. Explain how Marvel’s activities fit with one another (that is, how activities relate to one another) and hence enhance its competitive advantage over its competitors? (20%) Max 300 words

2. Applying the Resource-Based View (i.e., VRIN analysis) and case information, discuss what are the sources of Marvel’s inimitability – how the sources make competitors difficult to imitate or copy its success? (30%) Max 500 words

3. Compare and contrast the cases of Marvel vs. LEGO, what commonalities and differences do you find, in terms of how the company was strategically transformed? (20%) Max 300 words

Sample Solution

Identify and describe the internal value-chain activities of Marvel.

Marvel’s internal value chain can be divided into the following primary activities:

  • Inbound logistics: This includes the activities involved in receiving, storing, and distributing raw materials and other inputs. Marvel’s inbound logistics activities are highly efficient, thanks to its centralized distribution center.
  • Operations: This includes the activities involved in transforming raw materials into finished products. Marvel’s operations activities are highly creative and innovative, thanks to its talented team of writers, artists, and editors.
  • Outbound logistics: This includes the activities involved in delivering finished products to customers. Marvel’s outbound logistics activities are efficient and cost-effective, thanks to its global network of distributors.
  • Marketing and sales: This includes the activities involved in creating awareness of Marvel’s products and generating demand. Marvel’s marketing and sales activities are highly effective, thanks to its strong brand reputation and its extensive network of retailers.
  • Service: This includes the activities involved in providing support to customers after they have purchased Marvel’s products. Marvel’s service activities are comprehensive and responsive, thanks to its dedicated customer service team.

In addition to these primary activities, Marvel also engages in a number of support activities:

  • Procurement: This includes the activities involved in acquiring the raw materials and other inputs that Marvel needs to produce its products. Marvel’s procurement activities are efficient and cost-effective, thanks to its strong relationships with suppliers.
  • Technology development: This includes the activities involved in developing new technologies that can be used to improve Marvel’s products and processes. Marvel’s technology development activities are cutting-edge, thanks to its talented team of engineers and scientists.
  • Human resource management: This includes the activities involved in recruiting, hiring, and training Marvel’s employees. Marvel’s human resource management activities are effective, thanks to its commitment to hiring the best talent and providing its employees with the training they need to succeed.
  • Infrastructure: This includes the activities involved in providing the physical and technological infrastructure that Marvel needs to operate its business. Marvel’s infrastructure is state-of-the-art, thanks to its investment in new technologies and its commitment to providing a high-quality working environment for its employees.

1b. Explain how Marvel’s activities fit with one another (that is, how activities relate to one another) and hence enhance its competitive advantage over its competitors?

Marvel’s activities fit together in a way that creates a competitive advantage for the company. For example, Marvel’s strong brand reputation and its extensive network of retailers help to generate demand for its products. This demand then helps to justify Marvel’s investment in new technologies and its commitment to hiring the best talent. The combination of these factors creates a virtuous circle that allows Marvel to continue to innovate and grow.

In addition, Marvel’s activities are closely coordinated. For example, Marvel’s marketing and sales activities are closely aligned with its product development activities. This ensures that Marvel is able to bring new products to market quickly and effectively.

The coordination of Marvel’s activities allows the company to deliver a high-quality product to customers at a competitive price. This is a key factor in Marvel’s success.

In conclusion, Marvel’s internal value chain is a complex and sophisticated system that helps the company to create a competitive advantage. The coordination of Marvel’s activities and the fit between these activities are key factors in the company’s success.

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