A resource$-$based strategy

a$.$

uses a company$$s valuable and rare resources and competitive capabilities to deliver value to customers that rivals have difficulty matching.

b$.$

refers to a company$$s most efficiently executed value chain activity.

c$.$

is typically based on a stand$-$alone resource strength such as technological expertise.

d$.$

is often based on cross$-$department combinations of intellectual capital and expertise.

e$.$

uses industry key success factors to provide a company with a core competence that rivals cannot effectively imitate.