Core Competencies and The Customer’s Relationship to Business-Level Strategy

Question A

What four criteria must companies satisfy for them to become core competencies?
Why is it important for firms to use these criteria to evaluate their company’s value-creating potential?
Note: Develop your answer by focusing on a particular company that illustrates these concepts.

Question B

What is the relationship between a firm’s customers and its business-level strategy in terms of who, what, and how?
Why is this relationship important?
Note: Develop your answer by focusing on a particular company that illustrates these concepts.