Value chain analysis and its position within other value-oriented concepts

Abstract

The competitive business environment has rapidly changed during last 20 years. Market place changes have required companies to update and improve their understanding of how to gain and maintain competitive advantage. The aim of the value chain analysis is to help the company position itself against its competitors in the pursuit of sustainable competitive advantage as it offers a starting point for companies to recognize their advent and demands. Since Porter introduced value chain model in 1985, several approaches to this concept have evolved. The purpose of this paper is to compare approaches to the Porter’s traditional value chain analysis, while also strengths and weaknesses of all mentioned approaches will be discussed.