Question

1. The ever-present threat to the differentiation strategy                                
   1. Shifting customer preference
   2. Customer expectations
   3. Rival performance alternatives
   4. Cheaper imitations
2. A factor that does NOT influence the configuration of a value-chain is:
   1. Robotics
   2. Economies
   3. Liability of foreignness
   4. Logistics

Answer 1

1) D) Cheaper imitation.

One of the greatest threats of a differentiation strategy is when rival companies can imitate or copy the differentiation strategy and present it to the customers in a cheaper way, which creates a competitive advantage. Companies that face this type of threat may lose a number of the customer base. Other than that, there are also other threats such as changes in customer preference which may reduce the product or service sales.

2) B) Economics.

Value chain analysis includes the operational process and activities of the production of goods. Both inbound and outbound logistics play a great role in the influence of value-chain analysis. Other than that, the key liability of foreignness includes the additional costs of operation. It also includes advertisements, pricing, automated processes such as robotics.

Hope this helps :)